The Deadly Wait for Cancer Treatment Approval

Top Performers in 2025

This year’s topline rankings showcase a competitive field where innovation meets execution. Janssen and Pfizer/Seagen share the number one spot with 76 points each, demonstrating exceptional performance in both visibility and quality of engagement. Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) follows with 52.5 points, maintaining a strong presence in therapeutic development. Merck (48 points) and Eli Lilly (44.5 points) round out the top five, reflecting consistent contributions across portfolios.

Other notable performers include Sanofi/Genzyme (36.5), AbbVie (35), Amgen/Horizon (30.5), and Gilead/Kite (21), with each making strategic contributions in specific therapeutic areas.

Partnerships & Program Support

Janssen, Pfizer/Seagen, and Sanofi/Genzyme emerge as the leaders in building collaborative programs that deliver measurable patient impact. Janssen’s excellence in disease education (5.96) and coalition support (5.74) underscores its patient-first approach, while Pfizer/Seagen’s strength lies in advisory initiatives and patient-centric insights. Sanofi’s high rating in patient financial support (5.90) highlights its focus on accessibility.

However, the data shows a significant need-gap: industry support in coalition building (4.36) lags behind organizational interest (5.86), signaling an opportunity for deeper alliances and joint advocacy.

Policy Engagement

Policy leadership is no longer about visibility alone—it’s about precision and consistency. Pfizer/Seagen tops the Federal & State Government Policy-Related Activities segment, with Janssen and Merck close behind. Key trends reveal:

• High interest but low support in payer engagement (interest 4.66 vs. support 3.29)
  
• Strong performance in legislative events, but weaker scores in proactive policy development
  
• Under-recognized high performers like BMS, which scored highest in policy briefings (5.82) but ranked fifth overall due to limited visibility

To stay ahead, companies must align payer strategy with legislative advocacy and integrate policy engagement into broader ESG and R&D narratives.

Corporate Image & Reputation

Pfizer/Seagen leads in corporate reputation with an average rating of 5.92, praised for ethics (6.04) and commitment to helping patients (6.38). Janssen follows closely (5.89), with standout scores in credibility and value beyond funding. BMS, despite ranking third, earned the highest average rating overall (6.23), excelling in ethics (6.73) and patient support (6.67).

Health Equity and Diversity

Health equity remains a defining issue for 2025. Janssen leads with an average score of 5.36, excelling in intersectionality and individual education. Pfizer/Seagen ranks second, focusing on systemic barriers and technology, while BMS ranks third with strong contributions to education and enablement. Respondents highlight the need for sustained, long-term DEI strategies rather than trend-driven initiatives.

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Patient Advocacy & Access

From oncology to HIV care, companies are expanding patient-centered programs:

• Janssen, Pfizer, and Merck are recognized for advancing treatment access and disease-specific education.
  
• Pfizer is perceived as the leader in advancing health equity education (19.23% response rate).
  
• Notable examples include Dendreon’s personalized cancer care initiatives and Genentech’s nonprofit collaborations.

Emerging Challenges

The report identifies several areas requiring urgent attention:

• Non-medical switching remains a concern, with 49.5% of respondents citing high patient impact.
  
• Health literacy gaps persist, with over one-third of patients at a 5th–6th grade reading level.
  
• Awareness of alternative funding programs is low, despite their potential to reduce costs.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 data paints a clear picture: leadership in healthcare now demands a balance of innovation, accessibility, and authentic stakeholder engagement. Companies that combine strategic partnerships, precise policy influence, and a steadfast commitment to patient equity will define the next era of industry leadership.