Michigan Patient Advocacy Forum

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT)

This virtual event, hosted by MichBio, the statewide biosciences industry association, will bring Michigan's patient advocacy community together with the statewide biosciences industry, policymakers, and thought leaders to advance new technologies, treatments, and cures through patient-centric engagement.

The Forum will showcase efforts, best practices and evolving thinking of how the biosciences industry, regulators and others are more fully incorporating the patient voice from idea to market. The goal is to empower patient advocacy stakeholders, explore collaborations, understand advocacy priorities, and seek a better understanding of patients' hopes, needs and challenges.

Who should attend:

The Patient Advocacy Forum is designed to provide an avenue for engagement among patients, advocates, policymakers, and industry professionals whose roles are motivated by patient stories.

Registration for this event is limited to:

Patients & Patient Advocates or Advocacy Groups
R&D or Manufacturing Company Leadership
Industry Policy or Government Affairs Representatives
Lawmakers and Policy Staff

Agenda

May 20
1:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Welcome MichBio serves as a vital bridge between the life sciences industry - from discovery, innovation, and development - and the patients it aims to serve. We connect industry, researchers, and advocates to accelerate progress, improve access, and ensure patient perspectives help shape the future of healthcare.
1:05 PM - 1:55 PM	Patient Voices: Personal Journeys, Lasting Impact Patients and caregivers share candid stories of navigating diagnosis, treatment, and the barriers they’ve faced—perspectives data alone can’t capture. This opening session highlights how lived experiences shape meaningful advocacy and engagement with industry, regulators, and policymakers to inform better decisions and real-world impact.
2:05 PM - 2:55 PM	Stronger Together: Uniting Michigan’s Rare Disease Community This session highlights Michigan’s growing network of rare disease organizations, including the Michigan Rare Disease Council, Michigan Rare Coalition, and Rare Disease Network. Leaders will share how they support patients and families, influence policy, and collaborate to address unmet needs—raising awareness, strengthening advocacy, and improving access to care and innovation.
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM	The Equity Imperative: Ensuring Every Patient Counts Health equity remains one of the most urgent - and solvable - challenges in healthcare. This session will explore how systemic barriers limit access to care, clinical trials, and new therapies for underserved communities. Panelists will discuss actionable strategies to embed equity across the healthcare and drug development continuum. Learn how cross-sector collaboration can drive more inclusive innovation and better outcomes for all patients.
3:55 PM - 4:40 PM	Patients Can’t Wait: Rewriting the Playbook for Developing New Therapies Join Dr. Jeff Coller for a fireside chat on rethinking how therapies are developed—especially for rare diseases. Inspired by his recent New York Times opinion piece, this session explores collaborative, patient-centered models that challenge traditional R&D and accelerate real-world impact. Learn how scientists, advocates, and institutions can work together to reshape drug development.
4:40 PM - 5:00 PM	Call to Action - Closing

This virtual event unites Michigan’s patient advocacy community, policymakers, and life sciences leaders to advance patient-centric innovation. Participants will explore best practices and collaborations that elevate the patient voice from discovery through commercialization.

2026 PAF Prospectus

Purchase Marketing

Questions on sponsorship, exhibitor or marketing opportunities, please get in touch with Emily Brockman or Jamie Krajny.

For More Information:

3600 Green Court Suite 780
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
United States 734.527.9150