Ellen 't Hoen

She is an expert in medicines policy and intellectual property law and has been a consultant to a number of countries and international organisations.

't Hoen trained as a lawyer – earning a master's degree from Amsterdam University – and a social worker.

However, she has spent the main part of her professional life as an activist for patients rights and more equitable pharmaceutical policies.

Until end 2008 't Hoen was the policy and advocacy director of the Médecins sans Frontières' campaign for the access to essential medicines.

[1] At the 61st World Health Assembly in 2008, 't Hoen coined the phrase "pharma fraud" for use in discussions and resolutions involving illegal activities in the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.