With a background in biology and firsthand experience as both a patient and a scientist, Ella is deeply committed to amplifying the patient voice in healthcare. Her journey has led her to bridge the gap between research and patient advocacy, particularly focusing on antibiotic-resistant infections prevalent in conditions like cystic fibrosis. Through her own battle with CF-related infections and involvement in experimental treatments like phage therapy, Ella has become a vocal advocate for patient-centric approaches in medical research and treatment development. By sharing her experiences through writing, public speaking engagements, and participation in committees and advisory roles, she aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for novel therapies and foster collaboration between patients, healthcare companies, researchers, and regulatory bodies. Ella's efforts have been recognized through various awards and speaking engagements, and she continues to strive for advancements in medical progress that prioritize the patient experience. Learn more about her work and experience at www.ellabalasa.com
Effective patient engagement is essential for the success of any healthcare innovation, but smaller biotechs, providers, and payers often face unique challenges in building meaningful, lasting relationships with patients. This panel will explore the practical strategies and tools these stakeholders can use to directly engage patients, gather insights, and ensure that their needs and preferences are integrated into the development, delivery, and reimbursement of orphan drugs.
Panelists will share real-world examples and actionable advice on how smaller companies and organizations can break through the noise and create a patient-centered approach that resonates with the communities they serve. Discussion will focus on building trust, ensuring transparency, and fostering collaboration with patient advocacy groups to drive better outcomes for patients, while also meeting business and regulatory objectives.