In this episode of Arthritis at Home, we explore an issue that affects every person who relies on medication to manage their disease: why are some medications so expensive, and what role do pharmaceutical patents play in access to affordable treatment? 

Host Kelly Lendvoy speaks with Cheryl Koehn, President, Arthritis Consumer Experts, about the launch of the new Patients and patents website as part of a global, patient-led initiative designed to help patients better understand how patent rules can influence the cost and availability of the medications they depend on. Together, they discuss how patents are meant to protect innovation but sometimes are used in ways that delay access to affordable options like biosimilars, and what patients and organizations can do to get involved in the campaign. 

Additional learning resources 

• Patients and patents: A grassroots education campaign on pharmaceutical patents
• The “Patients and patents” campaign infographic