Despite remarkable advances in biopharmaceutical innovation, patients in the Netherlands face increasing delays and barriers to accessing life-saving treatments. Recent reports show a troubling decline in the proportion of EMA-approved drugs reaching Dutch patients, with oncology and orphan drugs particularly affected. This session will further explore accessibility & equity trends across Europe using recent data and examine the root causes/gaps existing in the Netherlands— regulatory procedures, clinical research gaps, and health system priorities—and the emotional impact on patients seeking alternative pathways to care.

We’ll introduce the polarity management model as a framework for understanding the ongoing tension between accessibility and affordability, emphasizing that both are essential for a sustainable healthcare system. Drawing on Gilead Sciences’ experience and recent advocacy efforts, the session will highlight the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration—engaging patient groups, clinicians, policymakers, payers, and industry partners—to drive constructive dialogue and actionable solutions.

Participants will gain insights into:

• The latest data on drug accessibility trends in the Netherlands & EU
• The real-world impact on patients and healthcare providers
• The value of innovation and the complexity of pharmaceutical R&D
• Strategies for balancing competing priorities through polarity management
• Practical steps for fostering collaboration and improving patient outcomes