Reframing the Narrative: Why Patient-Centricity Must Lead the Conversation in Biotech

The clinical development industry may seem like it’s under fire, and certainly under significant scrutiny. Headlines often focus on billion-dollar mergers, pricing debates, and the business of biotech — all while missing the real story: the remarkable science, the patients, and the lives changed by industry’s dedication. 

This disconnect is precisely why we must revise the narrative around what matters most — the people at the heart of it all. It was this framework that began our discussion at our most recent CORE event, produced by Halloran Consulting Group, a company of ProductLifeGroup (PLG), designed to catalyze transformation in global clinical research by enabling conversations (and commitments) on how to lead the evolution of clinical research to achieve smarter, faster, and more patient-centric outcomes. 

Leading the discussions at the opening of the event included Xavier Duburcq, PLG’s CEO, and keynote speaker, Tim Scott, CEO of Biocom California. 

Xavier provided an overview of PLG, focusing on how its global expansion is emphasizing that science knows no borders, and progress is a result of bridging the continents, unified in bringing life-saving treatments to patients. In that spirit, he emphasized the collective ambition to push boundaries, innovate, and think outside the box together, setting the stage for the following two days of conversations and interactive workshops. 

Tim Scott began with the importance of being patient-centric, especially at times when the industry seems under attack, and further emphasized the community doesn’t often get the credit it deserves for the risk, innovative science, and relentless problem-solving on behalf of unmet needs. 

Here’s a closer look at Tim’s story. 

A Reminder Why We Do This 

Patient stories are critical and at the heart of this industry’s work. Recently, he visited a new manufacturing facility in California dedicated to producing treatment for Hunter Syndrome — a rare genetic disorder. The meeting included policymakers and industry leaders, but the most impactful voice in the room wasn’t from government or corporate. It was from a mother who shared the journey of raising a child with this condition. 

Hearing her describe the life-altering impact of enzyme replacement therapy was a sobering, beautiful reminder of the why behind everything this industry seeks to accomplish. It’s easy to get lost in the mechanics of the work — research, compliance, funding, approvals — but the purpose is simple: people.  

Additionally, he visited another facility supporting the program called BabyBIG — a treatment for infant botulism. It’s extremely rare, but for the infants affected, timely treatment is critical. During the visit, the plant was celebrating a recent batch of treatment, which requires plasma donations. The 950-person manufacturing plant shuts down for two weeks in order to make the BabyBIG drug which is manufactured only once every five years. Donors shared their personal motivations and stories, and employees spoke with pride about their role. Their message is: every vial has a child’s name. 

Shifting the Narrative 

These are the kinds of stories we need to tell, balancing the perception of unruly drug pricing with the miracle of medicine coming out of major biotech hubs. 

Too often, we read about biotech in terms of billions exchanged and blockbuster deals. But rarely do we hear about miracles of medicine coming out of our research laboratories, or physicians, caregivers, and scientists whose work saves lives. 

This is the narrative we need to amplify. But how? 

Biocom California: A Broader Mission 

At Biocom California, their mission is to reflect the full scope of the industry’s impact by supporting biotech and pharmaceutical companies of all sizes, especially in the realm of policy — because advocacy is essential if we want science to flourish. 

We’re now navigating what many are calling the “third biotech winter” — a cyclical downturn that feels different this time because of its duration and underlying uncertainty, especially at the federal level. 

With high turnover in government agencies and increasing skepticism from both VCs and generalist investors, there’s a chilling effect across the industry. IPOs are scarce, and even though some large deals still get done, overall venture activity has dropped to a significant low. This impacts everyone — especially the small, innovative companies that make up the backbone of the clinical development ecosystem. 

Headwinds & Tailwinds 

We’re facing three major headwinds, as he noted: 

1. Geopolitical tension with China, impacting global collaboration. 
2. Diminishing VC investment, especially in early-stage companies. 
3. Threats to NIH funding, which directly impacts foundational research and SBIR grants, which are crucial lifelines for smaller players. 

But there are tailwinds, too: 

• Clinical development is still the most expensive part of drug development, and AI is opening new doors to streamline operations and development approaches. From trial recruitment to data analysis, digital tools are reshaping what’s possible. 

• Concepts like digital twins, surrogate biomarkers, and genome screening for newborns are no longer futuristic — they’re becoming real assets, particularly in rare disease research. 

• There may be hope for the 505(b)(2) pathway in the current environment, offering a potentially faster, more efficient route to market. 

Where Do We Go from Here? 

The biotech community needs to double down on telling the right stories — the ones about families, hope, and meaningful scientific breakthroughs. Let’s make sure our industry is known not just for what it produces, but for who it impacts. 

To move beyond the headlines, and instead, spotlight the dedication and hard work, it takes a village. Engage and collaborate with your local life science association, like Biocom California, to advocate on your behalf with the determination to encourage public officials to pass legislation that is positive to this industry, while working to defeat proposals that would be detrimental.  

To learn more about PLG – a catalyst for the biotech communities in Europe, the U.S., and other regions – click here.