TY - JOUR

T1 - How and Why to Involve Patients in Drug Development

T2 - Perspectives from the Pharmaceutical Industry, Regulatory Authorities and Patient Organizations

AU - Hansen, Marianne Botoft

AU - Nørgaard, Lotte Stig

AU - Hallgreen, Christine Erikstrup

PY - 2020

Y1 - 2020

N2 - Background: Despite increasing interest and focus on patient-centric approaches to drug development, there might still be divergent views between key stakeholders in how to perceive patient involvement and how possibly divergent views influence the role of patients in the drug development process. The objective of this study is to explore how the perception of patientorganizations, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies influence the role of patients in drug development. Method: A qualitative interview study based on 12 semi-structured interviews with representatives from the 3 stakeholders.Interviews were transcribed, and data were analyzed using a social constructivist approach in the form of systematic textcondensation. Results: Three main perceptions of patient involvement were identified: “a way to improve quality of life,” “a way to avoid businessfailure,” and “a way to foster a faster drug approval process.” Transparency, trust, and clarification of expectations and roles were factors perceived as prerequisites for a valuable collaboration. Furthermore, a required cultural mindset change in the pharmaceutical industry, the lack of a common framework, patient organizations having limited resources available, and concerns about what to do with patient responsibility were perceived as the most important barriers for patient involvement. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the pharmaceutical industry, patient organizations, and regulatory authorities were labeled as “pioneer/dominant,” “unaware/quiet,” and “hesitant,” respectively. The 3 behavioural descriptors reflect a limited negotiation ofthe role patients have in drug development. Thus, the pharmaceutical industry appears to be the largest influencer with regard to patients’ role in drug development.

AB - Background: Despite increasing interest and focus on patient-centric approaches to drug development, there might still be divergent views between key stakeholders in how to perceive patient involvement and how possibly divergent views influence the role of patients in the drug development process. The objective of this study is to explore how the perception of patientorganizations, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies influence the role of patients in drug development. Method: A qualitative interview study based on 12 semi-structured interviews with representatives from the 3 stakeholders.Interviews were transcribed, and data were analyzed using a social constructivist approach in the form of systematic textcondensation. Results: Three main perceptions of patient involvement were identified: “a way to improve quality of life,” “a way to avoid businessfailure,” and “a way to foster a faster drug approval process.” Transparency, trust, and clarification of expectations and roles were factors perceived as prerequisites for a valuable collaboration. Furthermore, a required cultural mindset change in the pharmaceutical industry, the lack of a common framework, patient organizations having limited resources available, and concerns about what to do with patient responsibility were perceived as the most important barriers for patient involvement. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the pharmaceutical industry, patient organizations, and regulatory authorities were labeled as “pioneer/dominant,” “unaware/quiet,” and “hesitant,” respectively. The 3 behavioural descriptors reflect a limited negotiation ofthe role patients have in drug development. Thus, the pharmaceutical industry appears to be the largest influencer with regard to patients’ role in drug development.

U2 - 10.1007/s43441-019-00090-6

DO - 10.1007/s43441-019-00090-6

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 31390896

VL - 54

SP - 577

EP - 585

JO - Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science

JF - Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science

SN - 2168-4790

ER -