At the 2025 BIO International Convention, industry leaders reiterated the centrality of patients to biotechnology innovation. Panels highlighted the vital role of patient advocacy, including personal stories underscoring how medical data points correspond to real individuals’ lives. Programs such as Make-A-Wish exemplify the impact of patient engagement on motivation and progress in drug development. The convention emphasized urgency in developing therapies that respond to patient needs and improving communication between biotech and patient communities to accelerate medical breakthroughs.