Pfizer
Pfizer
Fibromyalgia affects millions of Americans, particularly women, and has been widely misunderstood. As Public Affairs & PR Agency-of-record for Pfizer in NJ, Rosica Communications was tasked with launching a PR and advocacy program centered on disease awareness and supporting legislation to protect patients and ensure they have access to medications that alleviate pain and help suffers live productive, happier lives.
Rosica Elevates Fibromyalgia Awareness for Pfizer
To drive awareness and encourage legislators to champion the bill, we worked with Pfizer’s internal team and lobbying firm on three primary fronts.
First, we researched patient advocacy groups and partnered with them to engage patients and grow share-of-voice. We strengthened ties with existing groups and forged new relationships with several others. We ensured patients and patient advocacy group leaders authored op-ed articles that highlighted the importance of recognizing fibromyalgia as a disease and encouraging policy makers to support legislation that would make it imperative for insurance companies to cover medications for those diagnosed with the chronic illness.
Second, these media placements were shared with the lobbying firm, which disseminated them to every legislator in the Garden State. This strategy helped Pfizer’s lobbying partner identify bill sponsors on both sides of the aisle and the effort was a resounding success; NJ state law now identifies May as Fibromyalgia Month in New Jersey. As a result, drug therapies (the primary being Pfizer’s) and other treatment protocols remain available to state residents!
Third, to acknowledge the bill’s sponsors and supporters, Rosica executed a high-profile event at the State House. This mediagenic event was designed to highlight the legislation and further educate healthcare providers and the public about the disease. We, therefore, brought together legislators, patient advocacy group directors, fibromyalgia patients, and healthcare professionals to discuss the importance of the bill and how it helps those with chronic pain due to the disease. Our panel conducted a meaningful conversation about healthcare equity, access, and the need for broader public awareness of fibromyalgia. Rosica also recommended creating a larger-than-life copy of the resolution (pictured above) and had legislators from both side sides of the aisle sign it, which garnered tremendous media coverage for the state house event and generated significant buzz for Pfizer among elected officials.
Post-event, we further elevated the voices of physician thought leaders and real patients through additional earned media placements, sharing their stories across print, digital, streaming, and broadcast outlets and recognizing the new legislation as a tangible win for patients statewide.
Soon after, Rosica, a trusted healthcare PR firm, was ranked #1 among more than 20 U.S. public affairs firms supporting Pfizer, showcasing our ability to align advocacy, communications, lobbying, and stakeholder engagement to drive meaningful policy change.
