Wendy Erler | Senior Vice President, Patient Affairs
Sarepta Therapeutics

Wendy Erler is a dedicated Patient Advocacy executive leader with broad expeirence across the rare disease ecosystem. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Patient Affairs at Sarepta Therapeutics, Wendy is passionate about improving the lives of individuals affected by rare diseases. With a strong background in patient advocacy and access programs, she is committed to ensuring that patient advocacy groups, patients and caregivers have the forum to shape clinical development programs, access to therapies and the support and education they need to manage their conditions effectively.

Throughout her career, Wendy has been a driving force behind the development and implementation of patient-centric initiatives that prioritize the needs of individuals with rare diseases. Her strategic leadership and collaborative approach have been instrumental in forging strong partnerships with patient advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and regulatory agencies to advance the field of orphan drug development.

Wendy is a respected thought leader in the rare disease community, known for her expertise in patient engagement, access to care, and healthcare policy. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events, where she shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in the orphan drug space with a view to driving widespread collaboration.

At the World Orphan Drug Congress USA 2026, Wendy will be sharing her expertise and insights on patient-centered approaches to drug development and access. Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge and perspectives on how to navigate the complex landscape of orphan drug development and ensure that patients remain at the center of decision-making processes.

Overall, Wendy Erler is a visionary leader who is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with rare diseases. Her commitment to patient advocacy and access to innovative therapies makes her a valuable asset to the pharmaceutical industry and a trusted voice in the rare disease community.

Appearances:

Day 1 - World Orphan Drug Congress USA 2026 @ 09:10

Building a Patient-Centered Policy Framework for Rare Disease Drug Development

Session Objectives:

Define what a patient-centered policy framework entails in the context of rare disease drug development.
Explore mechanisms for embedding patient perspectives into every stage of the regulatory and policy decision-making process.
Examine existing policy gaps that limit timely diagnosis, research funding, and equitable access to orphan drugs.
Discuss cross-sector collaboration opportunities between patient organizations, regulators, industry, and payers to shape sustainable policy reform.
Chart actionable next steps for integrating patient input into evolving rare disease frameworks at national and global levels.