Many direct-to-patient (DTP) programs have significantly affected access to medicines, a survey of U.S. life sciences leaders found.
Almost three years after the launch of Eli Lilly’s LillyDirect platform, the biopharma industry has a growing body of evidence of DTP’s impact. Phil, which partners with drugmakers on the programs, shed light on that impact by surveying 74 people, 70% of whom said DTP initiatives have had a transformative or significant impact on access to medicines.
The programs are similarly impactful for the drugmakers themselves. Almost one-third of respondents called DTP “mission critical.” A further 46% of respondents described DTP programs as very important.
DTP programs supporting multiple brands are in place at 42% of the surveyed organizations, with a further 16% of respondents operating platforms for a single brand. About 20% of respondents aim to launch a DTP program in the next year. The remaining 23% are exploring DTP but are yet to commit to establishing a platform.
Companies with established programs continue to refine and improve their offerings. More than half of manufacturers are actively using AI, and a further 36% are piloting or exploring the technology. Most respondents have had positive experiences with AI. Only 15% said the technology fell short of their expectations. AI met or exceeded 62% and 23% of users’ expectations, respectively.
Phil identified specialty support as another fast-growing area of DTP expansion. Branded retail and other medications with moderate access needs were early additions to DTP programs, but specialty support is rising. Support is in place at 65% of established DTP programs. That figure is forecast to rise to 90% within 12 months. Support is rarer at emerging programs, 15% of which have specialty capabilities today.
Many respondents are measuring the impact of their programs, most frequently by their effect on patient satisfaction, refill adherence and patient starts. Respondents aim to provide multiple affordability pathways, flexible intake options and speed of access.