Patients as Partners in Clinical Research

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 thoughfully curated to deliver the latest insights, strategies and case studies for implementing patient-centric approaches in drug development.

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

2025 Keynotes & Zeitgeist

Keynote
Jayne Gershkowitz
Chief Patient Advocate
Amicus Therapeutics

Keynote
Ify Osunkwo, MD, MPH
Chief Patient Officer
Novo Nordisk Rare Disease

Caregiver Keynote
Justin Hopkin, MD
Patient Advocate & Division Chief, Hospital Medicine
University of Rochester

Keynote
Kenneth Getz, MBA
Executive Director & Professor
Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development
Tufts University School of Medicine

Keynote
Melinda Rottas, MBA
Head of Optimization, Analytics & Recruitment Solutions (OARS)
Pfizer

Zeitgeist
Anthony Yanni, MD, MBA
SVP and Global Head of Patient Centricity
Astellas Pharma

VIP Guest
Liselotte Hyveled, MSc. Pharm, MBA
Chief Patient Officer
Novo Nordisk

2025 Co-Chairs

Rucha Shah
Patient Advocate and Assistant Clinical Research Project Manager
ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group

 Angela Bilkhu
Sr Global Patient Partnership Director, Hematology Product Development: Medical Affairs
Roche

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

 Stacy Hurt
Chief Patient Officer
Parexel International Inc

Mackenzie Abramson, MPH
Patient Advocate and Sr. Manager, Research Program Communications
Global Genes

Angi Gillen
Senior Director, Head of Patient Experience, Global Development | Clinical Operations
Gilead Sciences

FDA Perspectives

Karen Jackler, MPH
CBER

Robyn Bent, RN
CDER

Key Highlights from the Event:

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

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

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

Firsthand Patient Perspectives – Patients shared 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

2025 Featured Speakers Included

Katie King, MSHS
Associate Director, PCE DU Lead, Patients Centricity & Engagement, Global Clinical Operations
Biogen

Holly John
Senior Director, Global Patient Advocacy Medical Affairs
Agios Pharmaceuticals

Michael DeSalvo Solarte
Program Manager, Center for Professional & Strategic Alliances
National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF)

Melissa Herman
Senior Specialist, Patient Insights, Global Value Evidence & Patient Insights
Lundbeck

Catherine Coulouvrat, MD
Head, Health Value Translation, R&D
Sanofi

April Lewis
Head of Innovative Health
J&J Innovative Medicine

Stephen Framil, DMA
Corporate Global Head of Accessibility
Merck

AnneMarie Winkler
Associate Director, Clinical Trial Optimization and Innovation
Genmab

Rachael MacQueen, MBA
Sr Manager, Patient Centricity, Patient & Site Experience
Moderna

June Cha, PhD, MPH
Director, FasterCures
Milken Institute

Foluso Agboola, MBBS, MPH
VP, Research
Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER)

Barry Liden, JD, Director, Public Policy
USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics

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

AskthePatients @ Patients as Partners

We were delighted to continue the AskthePatients onsite program, for the 12th 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