2026 HS Patient Partnership Summit: deepening our commitment to the HS community

When working to deliver for people living with chronic conditions, understanding the needs of the community begins with understanding more about their lived experience. This is particularly true in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), which, despite affecting millions worldwide, remains widely misunderstood, often leading to delays in diagnosis which can result in suboptimal care.

At UCB we understand that to truly comprehend the lived experiences of the HS community, patient engagement must be an ongoing commitment. The UCB HS Vision Report sets out our enduring commitment to the HS community – one we remain dedicated to advancing. The HS Vision Report reinforces the need for awareness and action, an urgent reminder that improving outcomes for people living with HS requires earlier diagnosis, more holistic care and concerted efforts to reduce stigma.

• It is against this backdrop that the third consecutive HS Patient Partnership Summit begins today. As we come together once again it marks a milestone in UCB’s sustained commitment to meaningful, long-term collaboration with the HS advocacy community. True to its founding principles, the 2026 Patient Partnership Summit is designed ‘by patients, for patients’. The year’s event brings together 21 participants representing 14 countries. Advocacy leaders from across the U.S., Canada, and Europe have come together to create a uniquely international forum grounded in shared purpose and broad perspectives.

Across two days, every session, interaction, and exchange is anchored in three objectives:

1. Connection – Building and strengthening relationships
2. Knowledge Exchange – Enabling sharing of insights and best practices
3. Co-Creation – Collaboratively exploring ideas to address unmet needs.

Connection to enable listening

At the heart of the HS Patient Partnership Summit is the creation of a space to listen. By bringing together 21 participants from across the global patient community, we can uncover and gain greater understanding of insights that cannot be captured through data alone. Through this collective sharing of global experiences, trust is built, enabling open and honest dialogue and uncovering opportunities and challenges that transcend geography.

Knowledge sharing to build understanding

Across discussions at previous summits, we have seen that while individual experiences of living with HS vary, consistent stories and priorities emerge across the globe.

The discussions can help to highlight common priorities and collective ambition underscoring the power of global connection in patient advocacy.

Co-creation to drive action

At UCB we’re committed to embedding the patient voice across our work to shape priorities, inform communications and guide sustainable solutions. Moving from listening to co-creation means the connection doesn’t stop when the HS Patient Partnership Summit ends, holding us accountable for future progress.

Looking ahead

The 2026 HS Patient Partnership Summit is focused on these three pillars of effective partnership: connection to enable listening, knowledge sharing to build understanding and co-creation to drive action. At UCB, we see this sustained partnership as critical to ensuring progress in HS. By continuing to work together, we can create a more informed, connected and hopeful future for the HS community.