Milan. The series of meetings with patient associations organized by Novartis Italia starts in Milan to help improve access to innovation in all its phases, from research to patient care.
Over forty associations specializing in different fields - from oncology to hematology, through neuroscience and immunology - intervened to analyze gaps, opportunities and lines of action in the new European and Italian scenario, with a focus on the theme of Health Technology Assessment (Hta) in light of the EU regulation that came into force last January and the 2025 Budget Law.
During the morning of meeting and discussion, key words and needs emerged. For associations, there is a need for clear and timely information on participation processes and the need for adequate technical tools for collecting and processing real-world health data. Above all, the two fundamental pillars remain listening and the importance of networking to achieve a common vision.
“We find ourselves at a crucial historical moment, in which the regulatory innovations and changes of recent months will have to find practical application, to create a new form of participation, informed and competent, capable of dealing with an increasingly complex scenario”, stated Federico Spandonaro, professor at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and President of CREA Sanità (Centre for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare).
“The great challenge for patient associations is to be able, on the one hand, to exercise a vision of the future, and, on the other, to make available to the health system information and new data that are fundamental to responding to the needs of efficiency and equity”.
The value of collaboration also emerged above all. During the meeting, the associations involved worked, together with Novartis, to define common areas of intervention, but also to share experiences and virtuous examples of public-private collaboration with the various actors in the health system. The result is a roadmap of shared actions, which highlight the desire to put patients' needs first.
The next appointments will continue the path of collaboration in line with the commitment of Novartis Italia. “Our work alongside patient associations has distant roots and embraces the multiple needs of those who face the difficult experience of the disease and, as such, has a unique perspective on the value of innovation”, commented Chiara Gnocchi, Country Communication & Patient Advocacy Head of Novartis Italia.
"For our company, being a 'Partner for the Future' means acting alongside all the players in the health system, to reimagine together the healthcare of the future. This journey with patient associations aims to contribute to a positive change to bring innovation closer to those who need it, according to principles of fairness and timeliness. This first meeting brought out enthusiasm and participation, but above all the common determination to create a new vision for the future".
The path just begun is part of the “Partners for the Future” project, launched in 2023 at the initiative of Novartis to contribute to the evolution of the National Health Service. A project that expresses the company's commitment to the country not only in terms of medical-scientific research and production, but also through active collaborations both at the national level and with various Italian regions and with all the actors of the health system, to encourage the emergence of new models of value-based medicine and improve access to innovation.
Article published on 1 April 2025 - 16:18
