BIO releases principles on interacting with patient groups

In a set of principles concerning how its member companies engage with patient advocacy organizations, BIO said its members should "value and embrace the autonomy" of patient groups, which may develop different public policy and scientific agendas than industry does.

Companies "should not attempt to compel" patient advocacy stakeholders to adopt specific policy positions, but when companies and patient groups share policy objectives, they should "work together as equal partners," the principles said. ...