Direct-to-patient access: Five questions pharma must answer

Evaluating the strategic and operational realities shaping direct-to-patient models

Direct-to-patient (DTP) models are gaining momentum as pharmaceutical organizations look for new ways to reduce access barriers and create more connected patient experiences. As interest grows, organizations are increasingly recognizing that DTP is not simply a distribution decision. It is a broader commercialization strategy that can influence how organizations engage patients, manage operations, and support long-term growth.

As organizations evaluate these models, the conversation is shifting away from whether DTP is possible and toward whether it is strategically appropriate for a specific asset, patient population, and commercial environment. Questions around operational readiness, infrastructure investment, patient support, and internal ownership are becoming central to determining whether these models can realistically succeed over time.

In a recent interview with Pharmaphorum, Swathi Rangan, Partner and Commercial Strategy Practice Lead, discusses the strategic and operational considerations organizations should evaluate when exploring direct-to-patient approaches. The conversation examines how organizations are thinking about scalability, patient engagement, data ownership, and the operational complexity required to support these model’s long term.

The interview also highlights an important industry reality: organizations pursuing DTP models often underestimate the level of coordination required to make these approaches sustainable. As these models evolve, success will depend on how effectively organizations align commercialization strategy, patient support, operational infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement into a connected and scalable approach.

→ Read the full interview with Swathi Rangan on Pharmaphorum Deep Dive: Direct-to-patient access: Five questions pharma must answer | pharmaphorum

Acumetis commercial strategy experts

Commercial success requires connected judgment across brand, asset, portfolio, and enterprise priorities, and the discipline to turn that judgment into execution. We bring together competitive intelligence, customer insight, market dynamics, and operating model expertise to help leadership teams make choices they can stand behind — from early asset evaluation and portfolio strategy through launch readiness and in-line optimization. Built on experience across 200+ launches and an average client tenure of seven years, we challenge entrenched assumptions, pressure-test strategy against real-world constraints, and align commercial direction with the access realities and cross-functional priorities that determine whether a strategy succeeds.  

Take our direct-to-patient readiness assessment

Acumetis also offers a DTP readiness assessment designed to help organizations evaluate whether a direct-to-patient model aligns with their asset strategy, operational infrastructure, patient engagement approach, and long-term commercialization goals. The assessment helps identify key considerations, potential gaps, and strategic opportunities as organizations evaluate evolving patient access models.

Start the assessment →  DTP readiness assessment