Dear Readers,

The 2024 US election has cast a long shadow over the pharma industry, with the policies of the next administration poised to reshape drug development, pricing, and patient access. Over the past few months, we've heard both candidates and their supporters debate health-related issues, citing key health statistics to bolster their arguments.

But behind these talking points and bottom lines are real people whose health and wellbeing will be directly impacted by the decisions made by the next President. Amid such political uncertainty, the voices of those most affected by the industry's actions have never been more crucial.

As this issue's contributors highlight, elevating the patient perspective is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity. Patients are the ultimate end-users of the pharmaceutical industry's outputs, and their input is invaluable in shaping products, policies, and priorities that truly meet their needs. When we amplify patient voice, we unlock vital insights that can accelerate innovation, enhance access, and deliver more effective treatments.

Meaningful and sustainable progress demands that we foster open dialogue and place the needs of people at the heart of our work, uniting all industry stakeholders – patients, providers, researchers, and innovators – in the pursuit of innovative, equitable solutions. By inverting the leadership pyramid and putting patients first, we can chart a course toward a healthier, more equitable future, regardless of the political landscape.

For all this, and much more, read on.

Eloise McLennan
Deep Dive editor