Pfizer tops corporate reputation ranking, while Gilead, Janssen and AstraZeneca follow closely behind

Pharma News: The pharmaceutical landscape in Australia and New Zealand has witnessed a shift in corporate reputation. Patient groups believe that the industry has undergone a transformation, marking an impressive rise from its 2019 rating of 44%. The latest statistics reveal that 61% of ANZ patient groups hold the industry’s corporate reputation in high regard, deeming it ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ in 2022. Although this figure experienced a slight dip from the 67% rating in the preceding year, the overall trajectory is one of progress.

The improvement has been driven almost entirely by innovation, providing products that benefit patients and ensuring patient safety. However, amidst these commendable strides, some aspects have witnessed a decline, particularly in areas related to extending services ‘beyond the pill’ and maintaining a patient-centric approach.

Pfizer has emerged as the undisputed frontrunner in the 2022 PatientView survey’s assessment of Pharma’s Corporate Reputation across ANZ. Garnering the top position, Pfizer’s triumph is a testament to its unwavering mission to elevate the patient experience.

Following closely behind, Gilead secured the second rank, while Janssen clinched the third position, as acclaimed by patient groups ‘familiar’ with these companies. When viewed through the lens of patient groups ‘working’ with these companies, Janssen stepped up to secure the second spot, with AstraZeneca making an appearance in third place.

In a landscape featuring heavyweight contenders like AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche, Pfizer’s triumph speaks volumes.

Anne Harris, Managing Director of Pfizer Australia & New Zealand, declared, “This achievement reflects our purpose: to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. At Pfizer, patients are at the heart of our business decisions daily. Understanding and acting on patients’ needs and expectations will help speed development and access to treatments. As a result, every decision we make starts with the essential question ‘what will this mean for patients?”

Ms Harris went on to emphasise, “However, we are not resting on our laurels. We will place even greater focus on inclusion of patients to enhance our understanding of patient needs and deliver decisions that serve them better.”

Leigh-Anne Simmonds, Pfizer’s Senior Manager for Patient Advocacy, affirmed that the survey’s outcomes spotlight the collective dedication of Pfizer’s workforce in charting a pioneering path toward patient-centric care.

“We know patient centricity exists at Pfizer when we listen and learn from the patient perspective, acting as partners with accountability and integrity to deliver outcomes that matter most to patients and those involved in their care. We do this through four key principles of patient centricity: insights and immersion, empowering and equipping, support and services, and advocacy action. This is how we apply our patient focus every day,” Ms Simmonds said.

The voices of patient groups further affirm the impact of such an approach. A national bladder cancer patient group said, “We love our meetings with Merck and Pfizer. It makes us feel really seen and heard. Asking what gaps exist now for patients and their caregivers can help dictate future projects and help meet expectations.”

A gastrointestinal patient group urged the industry to “Stop re-inventing the wheel, and partner with patient organisations to deliver evidence-based messages, recruit for clinical trials and provide support services for population groups.”

Meanwhile, a rare conditions patient group stressed the importance of engaging patient groups in the development of information, adopting a “patients-as-experts” approach.

The survey drew insights from an extensive pool of 58 patient groups spanning the region. The evaluation criteria encompassed ten key indicators that measure the pharmaceutical industry’s commitment to patients. These metrics, including patient centricity, patient information, patient safety, high-quality products, transparency, integrity, patient-group relationships, services beyond medications, involvement in research and development, and equitable access, formed the foundation for the survey’s rankings.

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