When Genmab recently cut the ribbon on the expansion of its U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro — a facility that will now provide more than 270,000 square feet for transformative research in cancer care — it noted how the state-of-the-art workspaces are designed to foster cross functional collaboration of more than 1,000+ scientists, researchers, and commercialization professionals
Equally important, company officials said, was the desire to ensure members of its patient advisory councils also would play a huge part in the process.
The Danish company, which specializes in creating innovative antibody medicines to transform treatments for cancer and other serious diseases, has long made patient feedback a large part of its mission.
Genmab officials will say the experiences and needs of patients shape everything they do.
The company notes the importance on its website.
“We listen closely to understand what truly matters to them, ensuring their voices guide each step — from the science we pursue to how our medicines are delivered,” they wrote. “With these insights, we strive to make an impact on the lives of patients throughout their care experiences.”
The reason is simple.
“The most important aspect of our medicines is the people who use them. That’s why, every day, we are guided by a commitment to doing what’s best for patients and their care partners. At Genmab, we focus on collaborating within the patient community to make a meaningful difference for those impacted by cancer.”
To be sure, patient advisory councils are used by many health systems, physician practices and medical technology companies, including the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. In fact, regulatory bodies now require patient insights be a part of clinical trial protocols.
How much they are used isn’t dictated. Genmab, however, has made advisory councils a key part of everything it does.
In fact, at the recent ribbon-cutting, patient adviser Portia Badham joined CEO Jan G.J. van de Winkel as a keynote speaker.
Kelly Ragins, a senior vice president and head of development operations at Genmab, said the company has long embraced the concept.
BINJE recently asked Ragins for a few insights regarding how and why the company makes patient feedback such an integral part of its processes.
Here’s a look at the Q&A:
BINJE: Why are patient advisory councils so important to Genmab?
Kelly Ragins: There’s actually quite a bit of research that shows the importance of including patient perspective into the development of medicine and, ultimately, improvement of health care services. So much so that regulatory bodies now require patient insights into clinical trial protocols.
At Genmab, this approach really aligns with our values. We’ve always been committed to patients, and, as we’ve grown, our team working with patient and professional organizations created the council alongside senior leaders across the company.
Today, it remains an integral part of how we are realizing our 2030 vision of fundamentally transforming the lives of patients with cancer and other serious diseases with our antibody medicines.
BINJE: How are the members of the patient advisory council included in your work?
“The patient section on Genmab.com was built with patient perspectives, front and center. Their voices truly helped shape it.” — Kelly Ragins, Senior vice president & head of development operations, Genmab
KR: Our teams are always on the lookout for ways to improve what they do, and that includes listening closely to patients. Members of the council are involved throughout the process — from early-stage development all the way through to when a product is approved. They weigh in on clinical trial protocols, help shape patient education materials, and more.
BINJE: Can you give us an example of how feedback from patient groups influenced an action/product at Genmab?
KR: Absolutely. One example is the development of our U.S. patient support program, which combines digital tools with a dedicated, in-house team of trained professionals to provide support for patients, caregivers and health care professionals throughout their treatment with a Genmab medicine.
Our Patient Advisory Council played a big role in shaping the program. Their input really emphasized how important it is to have personal, meaningful communication and resources that feel tailored to the person.
Based on what we learned from them, we established a team of Patient Engagement Liaisons, who are there to support both patients and care partners. We also made sure caregivers get the same resources as patients — something that came directly from understanding just how much they carry, too.
BINJE: A lot of companies talk a big game in this area; give us another way Genmab is living the concept.
KR: The patient section on Genmab.com was built with patient perspectives, front and center. Their voices truly helped shape it.
For information about Genmab, go to genmab.com.
