Boehringer Ingelheim tops pharma reputation rankings in ANZ, with Sanofi and Pfizer in close pursuit

Boehringer Ingelheim has secured the top spot for overall corporate reputation in Australia and New Zealand, according to PatientView’s latest Corporate Reputation of Pharma survey. The ranking, based on feedback from 79 patient groups that either “work with” or are “familiar with” the company, placed Sanofi in second position and Pfizer in third.

For Boehringer Ingelheim, the recognition is more than a scorecard. It reflects a deliberate shift in how the company engages with patients and advocacy groups.

“Patient advocacy is not a campaign. It’s a commitment. And it’s changing how we work, how we lead, and how we collaborate,” said Ed Hollywood, General Manager Boehringer Ingelheim, ANZ.

“In just six months, I’ve had the privilege of hearing directly from patient advocates, patients and clinicians who’ve worked with countless organisations. What they consistently tell us is that something feels different at Boehringer Ingelheim. It’s not just what we do – it’s how we show up. We listen with intent, ask thoughtful questions, and build relationships grounded in trust and curiosity.”

Sanofi also welcomed its strong ranking. Luke Cornish, Head of Corporate Affairs, Sanofi told Health Industry Hub, “Improving people’s lives is at the centre of our ambition. Sanofi receiving recognition from PatientView and a strong reputation ranking for listening to patients, understanding their challenges, and working collaboratively to improve their healthcare journey is all thanks to our team across Australia and New Zealand who aim higher for our communities every day.”

A Pfizer spokesperson reinforced the company’s patient-first approach, saying “The patient voice is not just heard – it drives everything we do. From how we design clinical trials to how we deliver medicines; our goal is to understand and respond to the real-world needs of patients and their families.

“Now, more than ever, the patient voice must be central to healthcare reform. As we advocate for changes to strengthen the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), our focus remains on ensuring Australians have timely access to the most innovative treatments available. Reform must reflect the urgency patients feel – including those who cannot afford to wait.”

Industry reputation – Progress with gaps still to close

Despite standout performers, the broader picture for pharma in Australia and New Zealand remains mixed.

Just over half (56%) of patient groups in ANZ rated the pharmaceutical industry’s corporate reputation as “Excellent” or “Good”- below the Asia-Pacific average of 66%.

When asked about delivering products that benefit patients, 74% of patient groups rated the industry as “Excellent” or “Good,” up from the previous year and higher than the Asia-Pacific score of 65%. However, only 47% said relations with patient groups were strong, a decline from last year and lower than the regional average of 57%.

Access to medicines remains the most pressing concern. Only 30% of ANZ patient groups rated pharma “Excellent” or “Good” in this area, trailing the Asia-Pacific benchmark of 34%.

A national rare-disease patient group highlighted the urgency to close the gaps, saying “Increase the number and breadth of compassionate-access and special-access schemes. Bring more clinical trials to Australia. Work with government to develop a sustainable funding model that allows early patient access – particularly for products that lack clinical trials, and for rare diseases.”

“We’re determined to create value with innovative healthcare solutions that address real patient needs and have a strong ethos that we can do so while also building trust with the communities we serve,” explained Cornish. “This announcement is a moment of validation, and another push to do even better.”

Hollywood emphasised the company’s approach to partnership, saying, “I’ve always believed that the most meaningful progress happens when we work in partnership, when we listen with curiosity and when we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers. That’s what continues to drive me today.”

Pfizer reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside patients, saying “Together, we can shape a healthcare system that truly puts patients first.”

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