Scaling Smarter: Why Advocacy Is a Non-negotiable for Emerging Biotechs

As many small and midsize biotechs prepare to gather next week at BIO 2025, they face a pivotal opportunity: not just to lead in science, but to lead in how they engage with the communities they aim to serve. In today’s environment, public trust is fragile, and differentiation is tough. Investing in advocacy early isn't a luxury; it's a smart, strategic move. 

Why Now: Biotech’s 2025 Landscape

The climate has changed. Enhanced research into rare disease, AI-driven discovery and precision oncology therapies are on the rise. At the same time, government restructuring, funding cuts to the NIH and questions of price and access show that success today requires more than science. Strategic partnerships and connection to and credibility with stakeholders matters more than ever. That’s where advocacy comes in. Patient advocacy groups aren’t asking for perfection; they want presence. They want to be heard, respected and brought to the table early. And they remember who listened before there was a product, before there was a press release. 

Advocacy as a Differentiator 

You don’t need a blockbuster budget to build credibility. In fact, smaller biotechs often have a secret weapon: agility. Early-stage companies can be more accessible, responsive and inclusive than larger organizations weighed down by bureaucracy. Advocacy partnerships aren’t won with money. They’re built on trust. Inviting advocacy leaders to meet with your executive team, seeking feedback on clinical trial designs, protocols and programs, and simply listening with empathy can go as far as a sponsorship check early on. Advocates have a deep knowledge of both patient and provider, which gives them a unique viewpoint on how to make the science work for the individuals living with a condition. Compassionate communication isn’t just good practice; it’s how you establish credibility. Especially during uncertain moments, how you show up and speak up matters. Advocacy groups and patient communities are watching. 

The Blueprint: Six Advocacy Imperatives for Small-to-Midsize Biotechs 

• Start early. Your credibility begins the moment you introduce yourself. Biotechs should engage advocacy groups early in development to shape meaningful and patient-centric clinical programs. 

• Prioritize patient impact. Advocacy strategies should be rooted in patient needs and lived experiences, not just commercial outcomes. Patient-centricity must guide decision-making at every stage. 

• Communicate with compassion. Brands need to show a human connection in all communications, especially in times of uncertainty. Compassionate, credible communication builds legitimacy for early-stage biotechs. 

• Build long-term, trust-based relationships. Advocacy partnerships should be relational, not transactional. Consistency, transparency and access to leadership go further than funding alone. 

• Show up beyond the product. Companies can earn trust by showing up sincerely for the community – whether or not there's a product launch in sight. It's not about the money; it's about the intention. 

• Maximize activation moments. Listening sessions, co-creation opportunities and leadership dialogues can all build lasting trust. These touchpoints matter as much – if not more – than a high-profile campaign. 

Looking Ahead to BIO 

BIO is always a moment to reset, recharge and recommit. Last year’s theme, "Time for Science," was a rallying cry for innovation. This year, the message is even clearer: "The World Can’t Wait." 

This theme speaks directly to the role of small and midsize biotechs. It underscores the urgency of acting now – not only to advance the science but to build trust, equity and access from the beginning. The pace of innovation must be matched by the pace of empathy. 

I’m particularly excited this year to hear directly from patient leaders and advocacy organizations helping redefine what science means in practice – not just in labs, but in people’s lives. 

We’ve reached a turning point. Biotechs of all sizes now have a seat at the advocacy table if they choose to take it. The world can’t wait, and neither can the communities counting on us. 

If you’re ready to get started building your advocacy strategy today, contact me at nlevy@realchemistry.com.