USA – A new survey has revealed that three major pharmaceutical companies—Boehringer Ingelheim, Amgen, and Novartis—have secured top positions in terms of corporate reputation among patient groups focused on cardiovascular health.
The findings come from the inaugural cardiovascular (CV) edition of PatientView’s “corporate reputation of pharma” series, which assessed perspectives from 37 patient advocacy organizations worldwide.
PatientView’s report surveyed a diverse group of organizations representing nearly one million individuals affected by cardiovascular diseases.
These groups ranged from general CV support organizations to those focused on specific conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease, as well as organizations supporting female patients and caregivers.
The survey aimed to capture how these patient groups perceive the reputation and practices of 10 leading pharmaceutical companies involved in cardiovascular treatment and research.
The results highlighted that Boehringer Ingelheim, Amgen, and Novartis were regarded as having the most favorable reputations, driven by their commitment to patient-centric care and trust-building initiatives.
Boehringer, Amgen, and Novartis shine
Boehringer Ingelheim emerged as the top-ranked company, followed closely by Amgen and Novartis.
All three companies are well-known for their robust CV treatment portfolios, including Boehringer’s Jardiance, Amgen’s Repatha, and Novartis’s Entresto and Leqvio.
These companies were recognized across multiple dimensions of corporate reputation, including integrity, patient-centricity, and equitable access to care.
The top-three ranking was consistent, even when patient groups narrowed their focus to larger pharmaceutical companies or those with whom they had direct working relationships.
Key factors driving trust and reputation
Patient groups were asked to evaluate the pharma industry based on 14 specific activities, with the most important being the ability to provide products that benefit patients.
Nearly 80% of respondents rated the industry’s reputation as either “good” or “excellent,” surpassing the overall average of 57% from patient groups across various healthcare specialties.
This positive sentiment was second only to that of immune disorder-focused groups, where 83% expressed a similarly high opinion of the industry.
The criteria for reputation included transparency, safety, innovation, patient-focused communication, and services provided beyond medication.
A representative from one patient group noted, “Transparency and genuine engagement with patient communities are what set the best companies apart.”
The pharma industry’s strengths and areas for improvement
The survey found that the pharmaceutical industry’s greatest strength in the CV space lies in its innovative treatments and commitment to patient safety.
More than 50% of the surveyed groups assigned “good” or “excellent” ratings to innovation and patient-centric practices.
However, despite these high scores, there were notable areas for improvement. Patient groups called for better decentralization of information, more accessible and easier-to-read resources, and enhanced promotion of patient advocacy work within healthcare provider networks.
These recommendations highlight the industry’s opportunity to bridge communication gaps and build deeper connections with patient communities.
Advice from patient groups
The surveyed patient organizations emphasized the importance of pharmaceutical companies going beyond their role as treatment providers.
Suggestions included increasing collaboration with patient groups to promote awareness and improving the accessibility of patient education materials.
One advocacy leader suggested, “Making patient information simpler and more widely available can empower individuals and improve treatment outcomes.”
Another major recommendation was for companies to strengthen their partnerships with patient groups by promoting their initiatives to healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Such collaborations could amplify patient voices and enhance the overall patient experience.
