5 Key Insights from the 2025 PatientView Report on Pharma Reputation

In 2025, the pharmaceutical industry experienced a modest recovery in its standing among patient advocacy organizations, according to the latest PatientView survey. While 57% of over 2,400 groups rated drugmakers as having an “excellent” or “good” reputation—up from 56% in 2024—the improvement falls short of the 60% peak seen in 2022. Behind the numbers lie critical drivers like patient centricity and safety, but also persistent worries about drug pricing and access. This listicle breaks down the five most important takeaways from the 2025 report, offering a clear picture of where pharma stands and what still needs to change.

1. A Slight Uptick in Reputation

The overall reputation of pharmaceutical companies among patient groups edged higher in 2025, with 57% of respondents reporting a positive view. This marks a one-percentage-point increase over the previous year, bringing the industry back to the 2023 level. However, the gain is fragile—it remains below the 60% rating recorded in 2022. The survey, conducted between December 2025 and March 2026, included groups from 35 countries and evaluated 47 companies. While the improvement is encouraging, it suggests that the industry still has ground to recover after a dip in 2024. For a deeper look at the methodology behind these numbers, see item 5.

2. Patient Centricity and Safety Drive Positive Perceptions

Two factors emerged as the primary reasons behind the reputation boost: patient centricity—the degree to which companies prioritize patient needs in their operations—and a strong focus on patient safety. According to PatientView, these elements were the biggest contributors to the slight turnabout. Patient groups increasingly value transparency, engagement, and genuine commitment to outcomes over mere product development. Companies that actively involve patients in clinical trials, drug design, and access programs tend to receive higher ratings. This finding underscores that how a company operates matters as much as what it produces. For more on how these factors influence trust, refer back to item 1.

3. Access and Pricing Still Major Pain Points

Despite the reputation improvement, deep concerns about drug affordability and equitable access remain. Many patient groups expressed frustration that high prices limit patients’ ability to obtain necessary treatments, particularly in lower-income countries. Even when companies are seen as patient-centric in other areas, pricing strategies often undermine trust. The survey revealed that these issues are not new—they have been persistent for years—but they continue to dampen overall perceptions. Addressing them requires not only fair pricing models but also collaborative efforts with healthcare systems to ensure medicines reach those in need. This tension is a key reason the industry has not yet returned to its 2022 reputation peak, as discussed in item 4.

4. A Rollercoaster Trend: Below 2022 Peak

Tracking the reputation numbers over recent years reveals a noticeable pattern: a peak of 60% in 2022, a decline to 56% in 2024, and now a partial recovery to 57% in 2025. This rollercoaster highlights the volatility of trust in the pharmaceutical sector. The 2022 high may have been buoyed by the industry’s role in COVID-19 vaccine development, but subsequent scrutiny over pricing and marketing practices eroded goodwill. The 2025 uptick shows that efforts to refocus on patient needs are yielding results, but the industry remains in a fragile position. For context on the factors driving the recovery, see item 2.

5. A Global Survey of Over 2,400 Patient Groups

The findings come from PatientView’s annual reputation survey, which this year polled 2,400+ patient groups across 35 countries between December 2025 and March 2026. The research firm evaluated 47 pharmaceutical companies based on several criteria, including patient centricity, safety, and ethical behavior. The large and diverse sample gives the results strong credibility, but it also means that regional differences may be masked. For example, groups in high-income countries often emphasize pricing, while those in low-income settings highlight access. This global perspective is crucial for understanding the full scope of pharma’s reputation. To revisit the overall trend, jump to item 1.

Conclusion: The 2025 PatientView report paints a cautiously optimistic picture for the pharmaceutical industry. While the slight increase in reputation is welcome, it is tempered by the fact that the sector remains below its recent peak and that pricing and access concerns are far from resolved. Companies that double down on patient centricity and safety—while addressing affordability—are likely to build more lasting trust. For patient groups, the data offers a clear message: progress is being made, but there is still a long way to go before pharma earns a consistently high reputation across the board.