Our Initiatives
We constantly seek opportunities to include the voice and experience of patients and caregivers in our work at EMD Serono.
PATIENT 360º SUMMIT
The annual Patient 360º Summit brings together patient and caregiver representatives and company leaders to exchange insights across different therapeutic areas and geographies with the goal of collaboratively shaping the vision of patient care.
How does it work?
Since 2017, patients, patient advocates and caregivers have been invited to provide input into our company’s strategy on a range of important topics such as diversity and inclusion in clinical trials, clinical trial awareness, communicating science to patients and family caregivers, services beyond treatment options and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have also discussed patient engagement in the digital age, how to better address patient needs through improved medical education, drug safety and the information needs of patient organizations.
In December 2021 we brought together patient and carer advocates from around the world to discuss digital healthcare and opportunities to enhance support through digital health tools. To read more about the meeting and the insights generated, click here.
The Patient 360° Summit has helped us to build a foundation of trust and regular dialogue with patients and family carers.
PATIENT-FOCUSED DRUG DEVELOPMENT
In our bid to discover, develop and deliver medicines that meet patients’ needs and contribute to longer, healthier lives, it is vital that we listen to, learn from and act on what matters most to patients and caregivers.
Whenever we begin to develop a new therapy, it is important to understand the patient experience and what it means to live with a particular disease. Patients and caregivers know best what it means to live with a disease, so we recognize the need to hear from them to learn about their perspectives and priorities.
When it’s time to test the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic option, we aim to work closely with patients, caregivers and advocates to design clinical trials with their needs and experiences at the forefront.
To better communicate our findings, we offer to clinical trial participants easy-to-understand summaries of what we learn from the trials.
We strongly believe that this patient-focused drug development approach will help to benefit individual patients, patient communities, and public health.
Learn more about our commitment to patient-focused drug development.
EMBRACING CARERS®
Every day, in every community, people provide care for their ill or disabled loved ones, often putting their own lives on hold. Known as caregivers, these individuals often get little support or recognition for the work they do.
About the Program
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany launched Embracing Carers® in 2017 to improve the support and recognition of caregivers everywhere. Family members play a vital role in a patient’s daily life.
Guided and advised by the leading international caregiver organizations, Embracing Carers® is focused on improving caregivers’ health and wellness, while increasing awareness and support for them within healthcare systems around the world.
Through Embracing Carers®, we’ve learned so much about the vital role that families play in a patient’s daily life.
In an effort to understand and demonstrate the consequences of COVID-19 on caregivers, we initiated the Carer Well-Being Index in 2020. It identified the impact on economic, physical, and psychological well-being. The report compares experiences across 12 countries identifying possible paths to better support caregivers.
Learn more about the Embracing Carers® initiative.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE OR INTERESTED IN COLLABORATING?
If you would like to find out more about our patient-directed initiatives or if you are interested in collaboration opportunities, please contact us.