Legal-Week_Big-Four_Deloitte

The life sciences and health care industry could lose more than $168 billion over the next decade by failing to meet consumer demands for convenience, affordability, and trust, according to a new outlook from Deloitte.

Why it matters: The analysis signals a significant turning point for the $4.5 trillion U.S. health economy. The widening gap between what consumers want and what legacy organizations provide is creating opportunities for tech entrants and startups to capture market share.

By the numbers: Deloitte's analysis projects significant potential revenue losses for companies that maintain a business-as-usual approach.

  • $114.1 billion: The potential loss for biopharma companies that rely solely on third-party distribution channels instead of exploring direct-to-consumer models.
  • $54.5 billion: The estimated loss for health systems that do not offer sufficient virtual health options.
  • 13%: The percentage of consumers who trust biopharma companies as a reliable source of information on treatments.
  • 63%: The share of consumers who say they would switch doctors if dissatisfied with communication.
The big picture: The report identifies a fundamental disconnect between industry leadership and the consumers they serve.

  • While consumers prioritize convenience, access, and affordability, less than one-third of health system executives and less than half of biopharma and medtech executives cited these as top priorities for the coming year.
  • The industry also lags in adapting to new technology. Nearly 50% of consumers reported using generative AI for health-related reasons in 2024, yet only 15% of industry executives said their organization's governance has kept pace.
Between the lines: Trust has emerged as a key competitive differentiator. According to the report's analysis, organizations that achieve a high level of consumer trust benefit from 2.5 times higher customer loyalty than those with low levels of trust.

What to watch: The report suggests that the health care organizations best positioned to thrive will be those that shift their focus from legacy enterprise models to the consumer experience. This includes adapting governance to match the speed of technological change and earning trust through transparency and personalized engagement.

View Deloitte’s 2026 Life Sciences and Health Care Outlook here.

SOURCE: Deloitte

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