News Summary
The University of Notre Dame and Catalyst Pharmaceuticals have partnered to launch the inaugural Catalyst Advocacy Scholars Summit (CASS), a unique program aimed at advancing patient advocacy in the biopharmaceutical industry. Running from January 5 to January 9, 2026, in Coral Gables, Florida, this immersive experience allows 12 selected students to explore the intricacies of delivering medicines to individuals with rare diseases. The initiative seeks to foster the next generation of advocates equipped with a deep understanding of the challenges in the healthcare sector.
Coral Gables, Florida – The University of Notre Dame and Catalyst Pharmaceuticals have jointly launched their inaugural Catalyst Advocacy Scholars Summit (CASS), a week-long immersive program designed to advance patient advocacy in the biopharmaceutical industry. The summit commenced on Monday, January 5, 2026, in Coral Gables, Florida, bringing together a select group of students to gain critical insights into delivering medicines to individuals living with rare diseases.
A Unique Collaborative Initiative for Patient Advocacy
This groundbreaking program, running from January 5 to January 9, 2026, marks a significant collaboration between a leading academic institution and a biopharmaceutical company committed to rare diseases. The CASS program aims to provide an unparalleled learning experience for 12 students enrolled in Notre Dame’s Patient Advocacy Minor. Participants will delve into the complexities and opportunities within patient advocacy and biopharmaceutical operations. The summit was specifically created with The University of Notre Dame’s Patient Advocacy Minor Department to offer this unique educational journey.
The core objective of CASS is to educate students on the multifaceted aspects of patient advocacy and the operational framework of the biopharmaceutical sector. This immersive approach is intended to prepare the next generation of advocates with a deep understanding of the challenges involved in bringing treatments to patients with rare diseases.
Fostering Future Talent and Fresh Perspectives
For Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel medicines for rare and difficult-to-treat diseases, the summit offers a valuable opportunity to engage with emerging talent. The company expects to benefit from the fresh perspectives provided by the participating students regarding its current programs. This engagement is also intended to attract skilled individuals to the biopharmaceutical industry and promote a stronger patient focus across scientific degree programs. Catalyst Pharmaceuticals has a track record of bringing life-changing treatments to the market and is dedicated to patient care, emphasizing accessibility and comprehensive support services.
The University of Notre Dame’s Patient Advocacy Minor program, a key partner in this summit, is dedicated to equipping undergraduate students with the necessary skills and understanding to effectively advocate for rare disease patients. This interdisciplinary minor, launched in 2021 by the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare Diseases and Notre Dame’s College of Science, is recognized as the first patient advocacy program in the country to concentrate its efforts on supporting the rare disease community. It provides scientific training and fosters collaboration with various stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, regulators, pharmaceutical companies, and patients, to bridge knowledge gaps and improve health outcomes.
Impact on Rare Disease Community
The collaboration through the Catalyst Advocacy Scholars Summit represents a proactive step towards enhancing support and understanding within the rare disease community. By integrating academic learning with real-world industry experience, the program aims to cultivate advocates who are not only scientifically proficient but also deeply empathetic to the needs of patients. Such initiatives are crucial for advancing treatments and ensuring that patient voices are heard throughout the drug development and access processes. The summit facilitates practical experience and direct interaction with professionals in the field, offering students a comprehensive view of how medicines are developed and delivered to those who need them most.
The summit’s curriculum is structured to provide students with a holistic understanding of the patient journey, from scientific research and development to regulatory pathways and patient support services. This detailed exploration is vital for students aspiring to careers in healthcare, research, or patient advocacy, providing them with the tools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of rare disease patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Catalyst Advocacy Scholars Summit (CASS)?
The Catalyst Advocacy Scholars Summit (CASS) is a week-long immersive program jointly launched by The University of Notre Dame and Catalyst Pharmaceuticals to advance patient advocacy in the biopharmaceutical industry.
When and where did the inaugural CASS take place?
The inaugural Catalyst Advocacy Scholars Summit (CASS) commenced on Monday, January 5, 2026, and runs through January 9, 2026, in Coral Gables, Florida.
Who are the hosts of the Catalyst Advocacy Scholars Summit?
The summit is jointly hosted by The University of Notre Dame and Catalyst Pharmaceuticals.
How many students are participating in the CASS program?
Twelve students enrolled in Notre Dame’s Patient Advocacy Minor are participating in the CASS program.
What is the primary purpose of the CASS program?
The primary purpose of the CASS program is to provide an immersive learning experience for students, exploring the opportunities and challenges of delivering medicine to people living with rare diseases. It aims to educate students on patient advocacy and biopharmaceutical operations.
What benefits does Catalyst Pharmaceuticals anticipate from CASS?
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals anticipates gaining fresh student perspectives on its current programs, attracting talent to the biopharmaceutical industry, and increasing patient focus across scientific degree programs.
What is the University of Notre Dame’s Patient Advocacy Minor?
The University of Notre Dame’s Patient Advocacy Minor is an interdisciplinary program launched in 2021 that aims to provide undergraduate students with critical skills and understanding to advocate effectively for rare disease patients. It is recognized as the first patient advocacy program in the country to focus its efforts on supporting the rare disease community.
Key Features of the Catalyst Advocacy Scholars Summit (CASS)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hosts | The University of Notre Dame and Catalyst Pharmaceuticals. |
| Event Name | Inaugural Catalyst Advocacy Scholars Summit (CASS). |
| Launch Date | Monday, January 5, 2026. |
| Duration | Week-long program (January 5-9, 2026). |
| Location | Coral Gables, Florida. |
| Participants | 12 students enrolled in Notre Dame’s Patient Advocacy Minor. |
| Primary Goal | To provide an immersive learning experience exploring the opportunities and challenges of delivering medicine to people living with rare diseases. |
| Educational Focus | Educating students on patient advocacy and biopharmaceutical operations. |
| Benefits for Catalyst Pharmaceuticals | Gaining fresh student perspectives, attracting talent to the biopharmaceutical industry, and increasing patient focus across scientific degree programs. |
| Program Origin | Created with The University of Notre Dame’s Patient Advocacy Minor Department. |
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