PHIL Inc., a direct-to-patient (DTP) and digital hub platform for pharmaceutical manufacturers, today released a new report, The DTP Breakthrough: A Deep Dive on Pharma’s Direct-to-Patient Next Generation. The exclusive research from a survey of 74 life sciences leaders across the United States, sourced by an independent third-party research panel, captures the current state of direct-to-patient adoption and the strategic and operational shifts set to define the industry’s next phase of innovation. The findings build on foundational research from earlier in the year that uncovered what patients and providers want from these programs.

Over the past year, direct-to-patient has transformed into a foundational patient access strategy. Among respondents, 76% report DTP is a “mission-critical” or “very important” strategic priority today, with “mission-critical” sentiment climbing by a 20% relative increase over the next 12 months. The shift is backed by meaningful advancements in patient outcomes: 70% of leaders report DTP initiatives have already had a “transformative” or “significant” impact specifically on patient access.

“Direct-to-patient is becoming core patient access infrastructure, not just another channel. And the data makes clear that the future isn’t cash versus coverage. It’s giving life sciences brands the flexibility to use both, and getting each patient onto the pathway that gives them the best access to therapy.” – Deepak Thomas, CEO & Founder, PHIL Inc.

The research further identifies key trends shaping direct-to-patient programs, and where the industry is headed next.

Flexible, affordable access is a key priority for addressing patient needs: providing multiple affordability pathways, flexible intake options, and speed of access are ranked as the top three most critical focus areas. Hybrid models, routing patients to the most affordable pathway between cash and coverage, dominate the landscape with nearly 2 in 3 established DTP programs using this configuration today. The majority of DTP programs today actively support or plan to support specialty products in the next 12 months, and over half are currently leveraging AI with opportunity for growth.

Looking ahead, manufacturers are increasing investments in program expansion to support new brands and therapeutic areas, and external partnerships with flexible, end-to-end solutions that can support evolving brand priorities, patient needs, and compliance shifts.

Access the full findings in the report here.

The growing presence of direct-to-patient across therapeutic areas and patient populations is highlighted by leading pharma companies that have partnered with PHIL over the past year. This includes work with some of the largest brands in pharma, new program launches, including Tenpoint Therapeutics and Evolved Health, as well as existing customer expansions, such as Sprout Pharmaceuticals. Read more success stories here.

About PHIL Inc.

PHIL partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers to deliver direct-to-patient and digital hub programs that improve access, affordability, and adherence. Learn more at phil.us.

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