12th 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 provides 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
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
Cyndi Grossman, PhD
OEID, OST & CDRH
Karen Jackler, MPH
CBER
Bray Patrick-Lake, MFS
CDRH
Christine Lee, PhD, PharmD
OMHHE
Kathryn Capanna, MBA
CDRH
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What You Get by Attending:
22+ Case study sessions from pharma R&D and advocacy showcasing how they're partnering with patients to improve clinical development
Engage with a diverse, 360° community of pharma, biotech, FDA, patient advocates, and engagement experts, and exchange insights to help increase patient involvement in medicine development
Q&A with FDA Agencies to obtain updates on regulatory guidance and initiatives aimed at advancing patient involvement in drug development
Participate in interactive sessions to develop solutions that help break down barriers and make it easier for patients to access and engage in clinical trials
Hear first-hand patient perspectives on their clinical trial experience and how they can be improved
7+ hours of networking including breakfasts, breaks, receptions and partnering opportunities to broaden your professional network
2025 Featured Speakers
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)
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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.
Diversity & Inclusion
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 are delighted to continue the AskthePatients onsite program, now in its 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.
Attendees have the opportunity to sign up on site to meet with the participating patient advocates.
"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
Collecting and Operationalizing Self-Identified Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data
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Patient Advocate Advice on Bringing Empathy into Clinical Trial Patient Engagement
Creating Shared Resources in Patient Engagement via Industry-Advocacy Collaborative
2025 Sponsors
