Bionews Insights:
Rare Disease Content That Captivated the Community in 2024
Content Insights for Pharma Marketers
By Bionews Staff | Dec 5, 2024
In 2024, Bionews content about rare disease captured our communities’ attention more than ever. Our readership (unique visitors) grew by 84%, and they consumed 114% more page views compared to the previous year.
This year, a powerful trend continued to develop: the ability of personal narratives to humanize the content we address. Patients and caregivers sought the solace, practical advice, and sense of belonging that came from stories that mirrored their own experiences.
As the year draws to a close, our team reflects on the specific articles across our 50+ rare disease communities that attracted the most attention. Here’s a roundup of some of the most-read articles across a few of our rare and chronic conditions: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), Pompe Disease (Pompe), Muscular Dystrophy (MD), Friedrich’s Ataxia (FA), Myasthenia Gravis (MG), and Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF).
One of the most read articles about PH delved into the difficulty of accepting the news of disease progression, even when one has taken all the necessary steps towards maintenance. The article offered strategies for addressing both behavioral and emotional management. Other popular articles covered the importance of finding love and purpose, and a practical guide to gifts for someone who’s chronically ill.
Pompe – pompediseasenews.com
Parents found support and practical advice in the leading story about navigating a 4-year old’s anxiety caused by a failed port and resulting trip to the ER. Other popular articles advocated for more appropriate medical equipment, and addressed the emotional toll of the disease.
How to avoid the common mistakes when getting an MRI was the subject of the most popular article about MS. Readers also connected with advice on minimizing the impact their MS has on their dental health and their willingness to see the dentist. Another popular article covered the emotional relief we get from pets.
An article about how to manage a heart monitor was a top read in our MD community. Also popular was a heartfelt letter to children with MD about how much their parents love them, and an article about the role guilt plays in chronic disease written by someone living with MD.
Fabry – fabrydiseasenews.com
One of the most popular articles on FabryDiseaseNews.com explores the multifaceted nature of this rare genetic disorder with a One-Size-Doesn’t-Fit-All
personal account of a family’s journey with treatment options, including enzyme replacement therapy and clinical trials. Other top articles focus on managing pain, and navigating the challenges of teenage years with the disease.
A touching letter offering hope and advice from someone living with FA to the younger generation was a top read. Other popular articles included Bill Nye’s advocacy for the ataxia community and a heartwarming account of a service dog’s impact.
A key theme in the most popular article is about what it’s like to live with MG. The article uses toll plaza and broken battery analogies to help communicate its impact on day-to-day life. Navigating the VA system with presumptive conditions was the subject of the next most popular article. Another discusses the benefits of “filling your cup”.
Readers on our PF site were drawn to articles explaining the challenges of using supplemental oxygen, the widespread impact of PF on other aspects of health and life, and the best ways to manage flare-ups and exacerbations.
Looking across all Bionews content consumption, our team observed a few key trends:
- The Power of Personal Stories: First-hand accounts bring the disease experience to life, deepening understanding and providing practical support.
- The Importance of Mental Health: Content addressing emotional and mental health challenges gained significant traction.
- The Role of Community: Online forums and support groups remained vital for patient and caregiver connections.
- The Impact of Technology: Digital health tools and services are emerging to play an increasingly important role in disease management.
Want to learn more about how Bionews can help you leverage patient insights for your next campaign? Contact us today.
Partner with Bionews for Patient-Focused Marketing
Bionews offers a unique platform to connect with patients at the intersection of health news, hope, and community. In partnership with Bionews, pharmaceutical companies and digital marketers can connect with patients and caregivers on a deeper level, by embracing empathy and building trust through authentic stories that address real-world challenges.
Partner with Bionews to:
Amplify Your Impact:
Reach a highly engaged audience of patients and caregivers who rely on Bionews for accurate and timely information.
Elevate Patient Voices:
Collaborate with us to share authentic patient stories and foster meaningful connections.
Drive Real-World Engagement:
Implement innovative marketing strategies that resonate with your target audience.