Partnerships between the Pharmaceutical Industry and Patient Groups: The Patients' View

Abstract

Partnerships between patient groups and the pharmaceutical industry provide mutual benefits. Over the past 20 years, relationships between patient groups and the pharmaceutical industry have considerably evolved until in some cases, patient groups are full-fledged partners with pharmaceutical companies. Partnerships between patient organizations and the industry have developed around at least five domains of interaction: clinical research, access to drugs, patient information, public policy, and financial support. As with any relationship, successful partnerships between patient groups and drug companies are based on open communication, trust, transparency, mutual respect for each others' agenda and work methods, clear financial ties, and the absence of attempts at manipulation.