Yelak Biru, President and Chief Executive Officer at International Myeloma Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Patient-centricity had its moment. But in 2025, is it yesterday’s language?
After three decades as both a patient and an advocate in the biopharma world, I believe we’ve entered a new era: the age of the Tech-Empowered Patient Partnership.
This isn’t just a semantic shift, it’s an operational one. Three forces are driving it:
From Passive to Active Roles.
Patients are no longer passive recipients of care. Armed with data, digital tools, and connected communities, they are shaping trial design, regulatory priorities, and post-approval access. Their insights are no longer ‘nice to have’; they are mission-critical.
AI and Digital Health as Enablers.
Artificial intelligence now helps us synthesize patient-reported outcomes at scale. Wearables and health apps are transforming lived experiences into actionable real-world evidence, fueling more inclusive trials and therapies that enhance quality of life.
Equity as a Core Measure of Success.
Technology gives us tools to reach underserved communities, but only if we are intentional. Advocacy today means designing systems that bridge the digital and data divide, rather than widening it.
What excites me most is how these shifts align with recent trends:
- Pharma companies are moving from tokenism to true co-creation with patients. Read more.
- Leaders are breaking down silos to ensure patient insights flow across R&D, medical, and commercial. Read more.
- Regulators and markets alike are reinforcing that the patient voice is no longer optional; it’s central to innovation. Read more.
I am incredibly optimistic about this new chapter. By combining the power of lived experience with transformative technology, we can accelerate innovation and build a more equitable healthcare system for everyone.”
Amy C. Moore, Director of Patient Engagement and Advocacy at Summit Therapeutics, shared this post, adding:
“Yelak Biru, thank you for your leadership and efforts to model the value of patient-partnered research.
It has been an honor to work alongside you and learn from you through our mutual efforts as part of the Cancer Grand Challenges ecosystem.”
More posts featuring Yelak Biru on OncoDaily.