Wedoany.com Report-Dec.4, Citizen Health has formed a multi-year strategic partnership with global biopharmaceutical company UCB to accelerate drug development for epilepsy and five rare diseases.
Epilepsy affects approximately three million adults and nearly half a million children in the US.
The collaboration combines Citizen Health's AI-powered patient insights and advocacy platform with UCB's established expertise in neurology and immunology. Participating Citizen Health members who voluntarily share their health data will contribute throughout the entire drug development process—from pre-clinical research to post-marketing surveillance.
The partnership will also explore new ways to increase patient engagement and industry collaboration through the Citizen Health platform, including streamlined matching to clinical trials and clear, accessible communication channels. Special emphasis is placed on transparent, easy-to-understand consent processes to build trust.
Citizen Health CEO Farid Vij stated: "UCB is leading the next wave of innovation in epilepsy and rare conditions. We're proud to partner with a team that deeply understands the needs of rare disease patients and is committed to advancing more efficient, patient-driven research models. In our work together across rare and ultra-rare programmes, we've seen UCB's unwavering dedication and readiness to tackle the most complex challenges. They are a forward-looking company that recognises the power of technology and AI to improve patient experience and accelerate drug development."
Epilepsy represents a major focus area for the Citizen Health community. In the United States alone, the condition affects approximately three million adults and nearly half a million children, generating annual healthcare costs exceeding $5 billion, according to Centers for Disease Control data.
Beyond traditional clinical research, the two companies will jointly develop up to three new AI applications and test innovative, patient-centric business models that prioritise secure, consumer-friendly, and technology-enabled healthcare solutions.
This partnership enables patients to play an active role in advancing treatments for their conditions while helping UCB incorporate real-world evidence and patient perspectives earlier and more comprehensively in the drug development lifecycle.
