Biotech goes beyond science - although the building blocks of our industry are made up of groundbreaking approaches that start in the lab, the goal is that they end in one place - impacting patients. This is why it is critical, even in early discovery stages, to remember the true meaning behind our work. Today, patient advocacy groups offer a bridge from biotech to patients. These groups are powerful axes for patient engagement, which is something Boston-based HC Bioscience understands well. The biotech partnered with Make-A-Wish after a ten-year-old boy requested to meet the company working on a drug for his disease. The impact of this wish was felt by many, including the entire HC Bioscience team who now have a personal connection that stays with them every day as they progress the same drug that could impact his condition. This session will draw from real stories on the benefits of patient and biotech interaction and why listening directly to patients provides valuable team motivation to accelerate new therapies.