Janssen: Pharmaceutical industry can do more to improve reputation

Janssen has called on other businesses in the pharmaceutical industry to take a proactive stance towards improving the sector's reputation among consumers.

Speaking at the Financial Times Global Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Conference in London this month, Janssen's Europe, Middle East and Africa chairman Jane Griffiths said better communication is the key to building relationships with the public.

According to the business leader, more needs to be done to showcase the industry's efforts to become more transparent, in addition to highlighting the good work drug companies are doing to bolster public health efforts.

Ms Griffiths outlined several Janssen projects aimed at creating a dialogue with consumers, such as its efforts to engage patient groups in the design of clinical trials for HIV, as well as the activities of its Janssen Health Innovation group.

"There is so much positive work going on and we need to get better at ensuring people are informed about these activities," she explained.

Last month, Janssen allied with the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network to launch a social networking tool for GPs, which will help them to keep informed of developments in the mental health sector.