Session Recap: The Future of Digital Accessibility in Pharma – Key Takeaways from Dr. Stephen Framil at Future Pharma

At Future Pharma 2025, Dr. Stephen Framil, Chief Accessibility Officer at Merck & Co., Inc., delivered a compelling session on “The Future of Digital Accessibility in Pharma.” His keynote addressed core themes of inclusion, regulation, and digital transformation, offering critical guidance for pharma and life sciences leaders navigating a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With regulatory pressures and patient expectations rising, digital accessibility is no longer optional; it’s essential for business, compliance, and patient impact.

Key Takeaways

1. Digital accessibility is a business imperative

The session underscored digital accessibility as more than a compliance checkbox. Designing pharma digital assets for all users, including those with disabilities, unlocks new markets, boosts brand reputation, and ensures regulatory alignment. The business case is clear: 1.6 billion people worldwide experience disabilities, supported by over 3 billion caregivers and family members, representing a market with $18 trillion in disposable income.

2. Accessibility benefits everyone

Adopting inclusive design principles doesn’t just help those with permanent disabilities. Anyone can temporarily or situationally encounter limitations, from a broken wrist to multitasking as a working parent. By committing to accessibility across the digital ecosystem, pharma organizations enable better experiences for all users, fostering loyalty and trust.

3. Regulatory momentum is accelerating

A rising tide of regulations, from the European Accessibility Act to national laws in countries like Israel and Canada, places digital accessibility at the center of risk management. Pharma’s global digital portfolios must now anticipate and meet these requirements. Early integration of accessibility into digital product life cycles minimizes remediation costs and disruption.

4. Accessible patient journeys build equity

Modern patients are “digital patients,” interacting with pharma brands through telehealth, patient portals, clinical trials, and health apps. Accessible digital touchpoints expand reach, improve patient outcomes, and advance health equity. Ensuring everyone can benefit, regardless of ability, aligns with core industry values and future regulatory landscapes.

5. Tech and design partnerships are critical

Effective accessibility strategy requires strong collaboration across IT, compliance, product, and design. At Merck, leadership is shared between the Chief Diversity Officer and accessibility, with broad buy-in. Adopting international standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and embedding accessible practices into style guides and design systems creates sustainable, scalable change.

In Their Words

“When you design for accessibility, it may be essential for some people, but it is useful for everyone.”
— Dr. Stephen Framil, Chief Accessibility Officer, Merck & Co., Inc.

Why It Matters

Pharma leaders face unprecedented pressure to deliver for diverse patient populations in a digital-first world. The insights shared by Dr. Framil reveal that digital accessibility is not just about risk avoidance; it’s a lever for business growth, innovation, and trust. As digital patient journeys multiply and regulation intensifies, accessibility becomes woven into the fabric of operational excellence. Leading organizations will move beyond compliance to prioritize accessibility as a driver for value, equity, and differentiation in the market.

Actionable Insights

• Include accessibility from the start: Build it into design, planning, and style guides on every project.
  
• Champion inclusive design: Use patterns, structures, and labeling that benefit all users.
  
• Stay ahead of regulations: Regularly review and update digital assets to meet evolving laws.
  
• Involve people with disabilities: Seek direct input throughout the digital design process.

Explore What’s Next in Pharma

Eager for more future-facing strategies from Future Pharma? Learn more about the event or catch up on other keynotes for actionable ideas every pharma marketer needs.