Words by Isabel O’Brien
ViiV Healthcare has once again been named the top pharma company for corporate reputation among patient groups, according to the latest PatientView Corporate Reputation of Pharma 2024/25 report. Roche and Gilead Sciences also secured leading positions, rounding out the top three in the major global review.
The annual survey, now in its 14th year, gathered responses from 2,546 patient groups across 106 countries, representing more than 41 million patients. The 2024/25 edition assessed 46 pharma companies, including 11 new entrants, many of which are smaller biotechs focused on rare diseases.
ViiV Healthcare retained its number one ranking for the eleventh consecutive year, reflecting its ongoing commitment to partnership with patient groups, particularly in the HIV community. Roche and Gilead Sciences followed closely, with Roche moving up to second place and Gilead taking third. These results highlight the companies’ efforts to engage with patient organisations and address their needs.
“Pharma’s global reputation is only likely to improve when the industry continues to grow its understanding of the benefits that patient groups wish to attain from corporate partnerships,” the PatientView report notes.
The report reveals that patient groups play a vital role in healthcare, providing care, education and input into drug development. However, they are looking for more than financial support – they want real partnerships and a voice in how medicines are developed and accessed.
One breast cancer group from Brazil said: “We believe that the industry is distant from patients. Access and work programs with patients, understanding their journeys and enabling access to treatment management and information, would be ideal, and a great step forward.”
A Canadian respiratory group added: “Involving patients and patient associations in the drug-and treatment-development process is essential to meet their expectations. Partnerships with patient associations, clinicians and researchers help to collect diverse perspectives, and better understand patients’ needs.”
While trust in the pharma industry increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest survey shows a slight decline. Only 56% of patient groups rated the industry’s reputation as “good” or “excellent”, but this is still higher than before the pandemic. In the UK, sentiment has even increased, with 55% of groups describing pharma’s reputation as good or excellent, compared to 44% last year.
Transparency on drug pricing remains an area for improvement, with most patient groups rating the industry as only “fair” or “poor” in this regard. However, companies are making progress on transparency about funding patient organisations.
The PatientView report urges pharma to move beyond short-term projects and invest in long-term partnerships that build patient group capacity and influence. Regulators and policymakers are also watching, expecting evidence of genuine patient engagement throughout the product lifecycle.
For ViiV, Roche, Gilead and other top ranking companies, the survey is a testament to their commitment to patient-centricity and collaboration. However, the message for the industry at large is clear: deeper, more meaningful partnerships with patient groups are not just good practice – they are essential for success.
