Joint project wins Silver at Patient Partnership Index for work tackling unregulated medicines online

Published 30th April 2026

The Patients Association has been awarded Silver at the 2026 Patient Partnership Index, recognising the impact of its work with Lilly UK to better understand and respond to the growing risks of patients purchasing medicines from unregulated online sources. 

Run by OVID Health, the Patient Partnership Index celebrates outstanding collaborations between industry and patient organisations around the world that deliver meaningful benefits for patients. 

The award recognises a project by the Patients Association and Lilly UK exploring why increasing numbers of patients are turning to unregulated online sellers, and what can be done to improve public awareness and patient safety when purchasing medicines online. 

The work was delivered in two phases. The first phase was sponsored by Lilly UK and independently led by the Patients Association (Lilly UK provided funding but had no input or control) and consisted of an evidence review and focus groups with patients and carers to understand the factors driving online medicine purchases. In the second phase, which was a partnership where Lilly UK had involvement as well as providing funding, patients helped shape campaign materials designed to raise awareness of the dangers of buying medicines from unregulated sources. 

The research found that barriers to accessing NHS care including long waits, prescription shortages and difficulties registering with a GP, were among the main reasons some patients sought medicines elsewhere. It also highlighted the growing influence of social media advertising and a lack of awareness about how to identify legitimate online pharmacies. 

Participants were recruited through the Patients Association’s networks and through outreach to organisations representing a wide range of communities, helping ensure the findings reflected diverse patient experiences. 

Rachel Power, Chief Executive, the Patients Association, said: 

"We are delighted that this work has been recognised with a Silver award at the Patient Partnership Index. 

"Our research shows that people are not turning to unregulated online medicines lightly. Many understand the risks, but feel driven there by long waits, difficulty accessing care, and a lack of alternatives. That should concern all of us. Patients must never be placed in a position where unsafe options feel like the only option. 

"The answer is not to blame or shame people, but to improve access to timely healthcare, provide clear information on how to stay safe online, and involve patients directly in designing solutions that work in the real world." 

Claudia Birney, Associate Director, Communications and Advocacy, Lilly UK, said: 

 “At Lilly, we believe every patient deserves real, UK-approved medicine, not a dangerous imitation. Counterfeit or fake medicines can cause real harm. It’s critical to understand the challenges and drivers that can lead patients to unregulated routes, and our work with the Patients Association was key in ensuring that patient insights shaped our awareness campaign.” 

Notes to editors 

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