STAT+: Pharma’s reputation among patient groups rose last year, but concerns remain over access and pricing

STAT PlusPharmalot Pharma’s reputation among patient groups rose last year, but concerns remain over access and pricing Of more than 2,400 groups surveyed, 57% reported drugmakers had ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ reputation Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanMay 5, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. The pharmaceutical industry saw its reputation among patient groups inch up last year, but the rise masks fresh concerns about the extent to which some companies are sufficiently focusing on patient needs, according to a new survey. Of more than 2,400 groups queried, 57% reported that drugmakers had an “excellent” or “good” reputation as they went about the business of developing and providing medicines. That was up a notch from 56% in 2024 and back to the level seen the previous year. Even so, the results place the industry below the 60% rating in 2022.Advertisement The biggest factors contributing to the slight turnabout were patient centricity — which refers to prioritizing patient needs — and ensuring patient safety, according to PatientView, a research firm that canvassed patient groups from 35 countries between December 2025 and March 2026. The firm rated the reputation of 47 companies. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot May 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about RFK Jr. targeting antidepressants, J&J pushing an IBD drug, and more Pharmalot May 4, 2026 STAT Plus: French regulator fines Novo and Lilly over weight loss ad campaigns Advertisement Pharmalot May 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an abortion pill controversy, another UCB deal, and more news Pharmalot May 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Pharmalot May 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about obesity drugs and a compounding list, an AstraZeneca setback, and more Subscriber Picks