Patients as Partners in Clinical Research

Early Bird Rate Ends Friday, December 19th

13th Annual:
Demonstrating HOW Patient Involvement
Gets Done to Enhance Access and Accelerate Medicine Development

Patients as Partners® in Clinical Research is the first conference dedicated to raising the patient voice in R&D to drive better clinical outcomes for all. Guided by a steering commitee of Pharma R&D leaders, the FDA, patient advocates, and engagement professionals, the program is thoughtfully curated to deliver the latest insights, strategies and case studies for implementing patient-centric approaches in drug development.

The event provides actual examples of progress and measurable value, demonstrating how patient insights can drive efficiencies and improve outcomes.

We are thrilled to announce that the Patients as Partners in Clinical Research conference is now part of Fierce Life Sciences. Combining our resources allows for greater market reach, more networking and partnering.

2026 Co-Chairs and Keynotes

Keynote

Inaaya Shariq
Lived-Experience Expert & iCan Illinois KIDS Member (Lurie Children's Hospital)

Keynote

Lisa Petermann
Chief Patient Experience Officer
Roche Canada

Keynote

Kenneth Getz, MBA
Executive Director & Professor
Tufts CSDD,
Tufts University School of Medicine

Co-Chair

Victoria DiBiaso
VP, Global Head
Patient-Informed Development
Health Value Translation
Sanofi

Co-Chair

Gonzalo Linares
Global Head
Patient Advocacy, R&D
J&J Innovative Medicine

Co-Chair

Mackenzie Abramson, MPH
Patient Advocate

Co-Chair

Sarah Woods
Lived-Experience Expert & Founder
Serenely Guided Foundation

Featured Speakers

Stacey Bledsoe, RN, MSN
Head, Global Clinical Patient Engagement and Inclusion
Gilead Sciences, Inc

Josee Pelletier, MBA
Executive Director, Research & Drug Development, Global Patient Outreach
BMS

Gwyneth Mogg-Hall
Director, Participant Experience Lead
Pfizer

Donna Dinkin
Patient Advocate

Janella Beltran
Patient Recruitment Lead, Global Patient Experience – Alexion
AstraZeneca Rare Disease

Kimberley Kallsen
Head of Patient & Site Engagement, Clinical Development & Operations
Boehringer Ingelheim

Kurt Harrington
Patient & Founder/CEO
Ventoux Biosciences

Ashley Iyer
Director, Global Patient Partnership, Ophthalmology & DE&I Catalyst
Roche

Kelli Wright
Director, Patient Advocacy
Day One Biopharmaceuticals

Michelle Hull
Head, Global Medical Affairs, Oncology
J&J Innovative Medicine

Patrick Gee, Sr, PhD, JLC
Patient Advocate, Founder & Chief Executive Hope Dealer iAdvocate, Inc

Jill Feldman
Patient Advocate & Co-Founder
EGFR Resisters

Solution-Oriented Sessions

Dive deep into actionable solutions to address the following industry challenges.

Inclusive Representation in Trials

Patient Engagement Impact Measures

AI, Digital & Mobile Tech

Patient Experience Data/Data Return

Operationalizing Patient Engagement

Early Patient Engagement

FDA & HTA Regulatory Updates

Flexible & Hybrid Trials

Clinical Trial Site Engagement

Key Highlights:

22+ Case Studies – Pharma R&D and advocacy leaders showcase real-world partnerships with patients that are improving clinical development

Regulatory Insights – Direct Q&A sessions with FDA representatives provide updates on guidance and initiatives designed to enhance patient engagement in research

Interactive Solution-Building – Hands-on sessions focuses on breaking down barriers to trial participation and creating actionable strategies for patient access

Firsthand Patient Perspectives – Patients share their clinical trial experiences, offering valuable insights on how to improve trial design and accessibility

Extensive Networking – Over 7 hours of dedicated networking, including breakfasts, breaks, receptions, and partnering opportunities to foster meaningful connections

AskthePatients @ Patients as Partners

We are delighted to continue the AskthePatients onsite program, for the 13th year, at Patients as Partners in Clinical Research.

AskthePatients offers a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with patients or caregivers who had actively participated in clinical trials in 1:1 meetings. This initiative offers valuable insights into their experiences, challenges, and perspectives in navigating clinical trials, contributing to shaping future progress.

"I prioritize attending the Patients as Partners conference because of the valuable learnings I glean from those attending. The energy in the room is always inspiring and the connection with colleagues is fulfilling. This is a community that comes together to share common ideas and open dialogue about the challenges we need to overcome so that we can work together and amplify the patient voice."

- Rebecca Vermeulen, Genentech, a Member of the Roche Group