The pharmaceutical industry saw its reputation slip last year among patient advocacy groups thanks to growing concern about the rising prices for medicines and a lack of confidence prompted by increasing shortages, according to a new survey.
Of more than 2,500 groups queried, 57% reported that the industry maintained an “excellent” or “good” reputation as it goes about the business of developing and providing medicines. Although the findings suggest a clear majority of patients are largely satisfied with drug companies, this represents a decline — albeit, a slight one — after several years in which the industry was seen more positively.
The previous survey found that 60% of the groups indicated the industry had an “excellent” or “good” reputation, which amounted to a substantial, year-over-year improvement from the 41% of the groups that expressed such a view in 2018. The steady increase was largely attributed to the initial response among many companies to quickly develop salves for the Covid-19 pandemic.
