Access to affordable medicines is not just a clinical issue. It is a policy issue. And patients are often left out of the conversation.

A new global initiative, Patients and Patents, is changing that.

Co-developed by leading patient organisations in Canada, the United States, and Australia, the campaign sheds light on how pharmaceutical patent practices can directly influence the price and availability of treatments. For people living with chronic and complex conditions, including digestive cancers, this can mean delayed access to life-saving care.

While patents are designed to reward innovation, certain practices can extend market exclusivity beyond what is necessary. This delays the entry of more affordable generic and biosimilar medicines, keeping prices high for longer.

Despite its impact, awareness remains low. Many patients and advocates are not equipped to understand how the patent system shapes access to treatment.

This is where the campaign adds value.

The Patients and Patents platform offers clear, patient-friendly explanations of how pharmaceutical patents work, where the system can fall short, and why this matters for access to care globally.

For Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE), this issue is directly aligned with our mission to improve equitable access to innovative and affordable treatments across Europe. Ensuring that patients are not only heard but also informed is essential to driving meaningful policy change.

The campaign also provides practical tools to support patient organisations and advocates, including:
• Clear answers to common questions about pharmaceutical patents
• A downloadable advocacy toolkit with key messages and communication materials
• A plain-language glossary of patent terminology
• Ready-to-use social media assets to support awareness efforts

Patient organisations across Europe are encouraged to engage with the campaign, use these resources in their advocacy work, and contribute to a more informed and empowered patient community.

Because access to treatment should not depend on how well you understand the patent system.

Learn more and get involved: www.Patientsandpatents.info
Join the conversation: #Patientsandpatents

Author:

Luca Arfini