RRPF Nominated for Inaugural Prix Galien Patient First Award in Honor of Michael J. Fox
The Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Foundation is honored to announce that we have been nominated for the inaugural 2026 Prix Galien Patient First Award in Honor of Michael J. Fox.
The Prix Galien is a prestigious global award recognizing achievements in the life sciences. This new award category recognizes excellence in clinical research, clinical trials, and patient-centered care initiatives that embody the principle "No decision for me without me."
Our nomination, titled "Even One Less Surgery: How Patient Voice Became Part of the Regulatory Record," reflects years of work by RRPF and our community to ensure that patient perspectives are not only heard but formally integrated into the drug development and regulatory process.
What This Recognition Means
For too long, the lived experience of RRP patients went unacknowledged in the spaces where treatment decisions are made. RRPF has worked to change that by elevating patient stories, engaging directly with the FDA, collaborating with researchers and industry partners, and ensuring that the realities of living with this disease are part of the conversation at every stage.
This nomination recognizes that work and the broader movement within our community to advocate for treatments that address what matters most to patients: fewer surgeries, preserved voice function, and a better quality of life.
A Prestigious Honor
The Prix Galien Foundation is the premier global institution recognizing groundbreaking achievements in the life sciences. The Patient First Award honors initiatives that integrate patient voices into research priorities, clinical trial design, and real-world care delivery.
RRPF is proud to be recognized alongside leading patient organizations including the Alzheimer's Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Susan G. Komen, The ALS Association, and many others.
The award is named in honor of Michael J. Fox, whose tireless advocacy for the Parkinson's community has set a standard for patient-driven research and engagement. Mr. Fox is also this year's recipient of the Prix Galien Roy Vagelos Pro Bono Humanum Award for his outstanding efforts to improve the human condition.
What Happens Next
The winner of the Patient First Award will be announced at the Galien Patient Summit on October 29, 2026, at the New York Academy of Medicine in New York City.
Regardless of the outcome, this nomination reflects the strength and resilience of the RRP community. Every patient who has shared their story, participated in research, joined the registry, or raised their voice in advocacy has contributed to this recognition. This nomination belongs to all of us.
We are deeply grateful to the Prix Galien Foundation for recognizing the importance of patient-centered care in rare disease, and we remain committed to ensuring that patient voices continue to shape the future of RRP treatment.
Learn more about the Prix Galien Foundation: www.galienfoundation.org
