Danielle Alstat, a patient advocate diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), shares her journey from diagnosis to becoming a prominent voice in patient advocacy.

After facing the shock of her diagnosis and the challenges of working as a respiratory therapist during the COVID-19 pandemic, Danielle found solace and support through online communities, notably the PBC Foundation. Her advocacy efforts led her to establish a support group with over 2,000 members, providing a platform for patients worldwide to connect and share experiences.

Danielle emphasises the importance of patient voices in clinical trials, highlighting ethical concerns with long-term placebo use in PBC trials. Her role as a patient representative at an FDA hearing underscored the need for regulatory systems to evolve and better accommodate patient needs.

Through collaboration with various stakeholders, including pharma companies, Danielle advocates for change in clinical trial protocols to ensure patient safety and efficacy. Her story is a testament to the power of community, education, and the relentless pursuit of advocacy to drive meaningful change in healthcare.

This episode features Dr Anthony Yanni, global head of patient centricity at Astellas Pharma. Sponsored by Intercept Pharmaceuticals, the episode delves into the importance of patient engagement and centricity in the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr Yanni discusses his methodology of "dull nagging pressure" to advocate for patient centric approaches, emphasising persistence and the need for industry-wide adoption. He shares insights from his clinical experience and the challenges of integrating patient perspectives into medicine development and delivery.

The conversation highlights the role of patient centricity in rebuilding trust with patients and the necessity of sharing successful practices across the sector. Dr Yanni's work at Astellas, including the Patient Centricity University, aims to inspire and educate professionals on creating impactful patient engagement strategies.

The episode concludes with a call to action for patient engagement professionals to embrace their roles as privileged and essential in transforming healthcare.

Emma hosts a Pep Talks episode, sponsored by Intercept Pharmaceuticals, featuring Alexandra Charge, CEO of ISPEP. The podcast explores patient engagement leaders' journeys, focusing on Alex's extensive pharmaceutical experience. With over 20 years in clinical trials and operations, Alex shares her passion for humanising healthcare and prioritising patients.

She discusses her career path, challenges in large organisations, and her commitment to transforming clinical trials to prioritise patient experience. Alex emphasises the importance of trust, perseverance, and innovation in driving industry change. Despite personal setbacks, including health challenges, she remains dedicated to improving patient engagement and fostering trust in clinical trials.

The conversation highlights the need for industry-wide commitment to raising awareness about clinical trials and integrating them into patients' healthcare journeys. Alex's leadership style, characterised by empathy and adaptability, is praised as essential for building trust and driving transformation in the pharmaceutical sector