The innovation that happens every day in America’s biopharmaceutical companies prevents disease, transforms lives and creates a healthier America. While we know there are still serious illnesses that remain to be conquered, the progress we’ve made in the past 25 years has changed the lives of countless patients and their families.
PhRMA’s latest report, “A new era of biopharmaceutical innovation: How medicines prevent disease, transform lives and create a healthier America,” highlights the critical role of scientific research and medicine development in preventing disease and costly health care interventions. The innovation report highlights several examples of scientific advancements made in the first quarter of the 21st century, including:
- Cancer mortality declined 34% from 1991 to 2022, preventing an estimated 4.5 million deaths
- Advances in HIV therapies increased patient lifespans by ~20 years
- New antiviral treatments have effectively cured hepatitis C, reducing long-term health care costs by $49 billion over 10 years
- Innovative statins and their generics improved outcomes while saving the health care system $41 billion per year
- New GLP-1 treatments are not only treating chronic diseases but also helping to prevent them in the first place
This report paints the clearest picture yet that medicines are one of the keys to fighting disease and creating a healthier society. In fact, research shows that every dollar invested in medicines generates roughly three times the impact on life expectancy compared to other kinds of medical care. And the science has never been more promising. The current biopharmaceutical pipeline is focused on changing the course of disease and addressing the burden of costly, chronic conditions, with medicines that can prevent disease before it takes hold, one-time treatments to slow or stop disease progression, and medicines that can be individually tailored with fewer side effects.
To sustain this progress we must have a policy environment that encourages innovation and enables patient access. PhRMA’s newly released 2025 Policy Agenda outlines the solutions it will take for American to retain our global leadership.
Our industry is committed to changing the trajectory of disease, using the latest technology to improve our efficiency, doing our part to support America in leading the world in biopharmaceutical innovation and working to improve the health care system so that it works better for patients. Together, we are working towards a healthier America.
Read the full report at innovation.org.
Robert Zirkelbach
Robert Zirkelbach is an accomplished public affairs executive with more than 20 years of experience shaping the debate and influencing policy on behalf of highly regulated industries and corporations. As Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), Zirkelbach leads public affairs, strategic initiatives and membership on behalf of America’s biopharmaceutical industry.
He oversees integrated public affairs campaigns that advance patient-first solutions, strengthen our health care system and preserve the role of the U.S. as the world leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. Since returning to PhRMA in 2023, he has elevated the industry’s voice in Washington, expanded PhRMA’s membership and spearheaded the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
Previously, Zirkelbach served as Global Head of Issues and Advocacy at ExxonMobil, where he led high-impact advocacy campaigns on issues central to the company’s mission, including climate change and plastic waste. During his tenure, he also oversaw a strategic risk function responsible for identifying and mitigating potential policy, geopolitical and reputation risks facing the company. Zirkelbach served as spokesman for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) during the pivotal debate and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He started his career on Capitol Hill as press secretary for Congressman Jim Nussle (R-IA).
Zirkelbach is a graduate of Central College. He lives with his wife and two children in Washington, DC.
Robby Zirklebach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robzirk/
Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives
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Research and Development
Policy Solutions
Biopharmaceutical innovation for a healthier America: PhRMA releases new innovation report
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