Finalist
A New Standard: The gMG Patient Council as a Blueprint for Patient-Focused Innovation
Summary of work
When Merck KGaA set out to develop a new treatment for generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG), they did more than consult patients — they redefined what meaningful engagement looks like in early-stage drug development. In partnership with Origins, Merck established a pioneering Patient Council model that embedded the voices of people living with gMG and their care partners directly into trial design, strategy and decision-making. It was the first time Merck had involved patients so early — and so substantially — in the clinical development process. This wasn’t tokenistic consultation. Patients shaped the design of the phase 3 trial, challenged assumptions around endpoints, redefined eligibility criteria, and influenced medical and regulatory strategies. The model itself has since been scaled across other therapeutic areas and is now considered a best practice approach within Merck. What began as a steering group has become a catalyst for change — proving that early, structured patient involvement can unlock better science, better design, and ultimately better outcomes. This is not just a successful case study. It is a replicable blueprint for how the pharmaceutical industry can — and should — evolve.
Judges’ comments
This entry from Merck KGaA and Origins was an interesting concept with clear impact for clinical trial design and alignment to patient needs. It was strong in terms of listening and acting.
