Pharma Lions
The Pharma Lions celebrate creative communications for pharmaceutical clients and services with work that brings science and innovation to life.
On this page
Introduction
The history of the Pharma Lions
The Pharma Lions were launched in 2014, alongside the Health & Wellness Lions, to recognise creativity in a heavily regulated industry. It celebrates products and services prescribed by healthcare professions.
Since being introduced, the Award has evolved and redefined how we reflect this sector through constant open dialogue and development with the industry.
What kind of work can be entered?
All work entered into the Pharma Lions must be aimed at specific practitioners and patient groups. It must address the management of a disease or medical condition diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.
The work must be created specifically to shape understanding of medical conditions, drive their treatment and/or advocate for the development or provision of those treatments. Work that is for an OTC or general wellbeing product or service should be entered into the Health & Wellness Lions.
What’s the Jury looking for?
Bold, innovative ideas that navigate the unique challenges of pharmaceutical regulations while standing out creatively within the sector's constraints. This may include work that overcomes barriers such as legal compliance and complex medical language, prioritizing empathy and understanding of patient journeys to tell compelling stories about how treatments or innovations improve lives. Innovative approaches to visualizing data or medical conditions, as well as pioneering work that pushes beyond traditional norms to elevate the standards of communication in the pharma industry is also eligible.
HEART SURGEON'S COOKBOOK | GETINGE | FORSMAN & BODENFORS, GOTHENBURG | BRONZE, PHARMA LIONS | 2024
The Categories
To enter into Pharma Lions, you must first select the sector/category (direct to consumer, regulated, non-regulated and veterinary) for your piece of work. Then you select the relevant medium.
The categories in Pharma are representative of the sector and the mediums are reflective of the types, and the forms of the work being entered. The mediums very closely follow the specialisms of the Lions, for example, Brand Experience & Activation or Creative Data.
A. Direct to Consumer
Direct-to-consumer branded work created to launch and/or promote a specific regulated prescription product, service or therapy.
The work here must have aired in New Zealand, the USA or, in some circumstances, Canada, due to regulatory restraints.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Direct-to-consumer unbranded work created to launch and/or promote a specific regulated prescription product, service or therapy.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
B. Regulated
Work created for a specific regulated branded product, service, therapy or company to drive choice, progress healthcare advancement and raise awareness and understanding of a disease or medical condition.
Only work for products or services that must adhere to strict regulatory compliance and compulsory fair balance copy can be entered in section B. Regulated.
All entrants within this section must provide regulatory requirements for your region in relation to your submission.
Direct-to-patient work created to launch and/or promote a specific branded regulated prescription product, service or therapy.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Work targeted directly at healthcare professionals created to launch and/or promote a specific branded regulated prescription product, service or therapy.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Work created to raise awareness and understanding of a disease or medical condition for patients or healthcare professionals.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Work aimed at healthcare professionals, influencers, researchers and key opinion leaders to establish and continue scientific education, drive industry advancement and adopt technologies and programmes associated with the development and distribution of research and treatment options.
Work that is created to raise understanding and awareness of diseases and medical conditions should be entered into B03 Disease Awareness & Understanding: Direct to Patient or Healthcare Professional.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Work aimed at patients intended to support adherence; drive proper, responsible usage of treatment; improve patient experience; and drive better outcomes while building a positive reputation for a client and/or brand.
Approaches may include, but are not limited to, the use of data analytics and connective technology to enhance the patient journey, compliance programmes, screening services and psychosocial support services."
Work that is created to raise understanding and awareness of diseases and medical conditions should be entered into B03 Disease Awareness & Understanding: Direct to Patient or Healthcare Professional.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Innovative uses of technology solutions for patients or healthcare professionals. Approaches may include, but not be limited to, the treatment, diagnosis and data collection of patients; technology; software and hardware; clinical trial tools; treatment products; etc.
Pre-development ideas/concepts are not eligible. Entrants must be in a position to fully demonstrate the technology.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
C. Non-Regulated
Work created for a non-regulated branded product, service, therapy or company. Only work for products or services that are utilised by specific practitioners and patient groups in relation to the management of a disease or medical condition diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional can be entered into C. Non-Regulated.
If you wish to enter an OTC or general wellbeing product or service, please see the Health & Wellness Lions.
Direct-to-patient work created to launch and/or promote a specific branded non-regulated prescription product, service or therapy.
The work here must be in relation to the management of a disease or medical condition diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Work targeted directly at healthcare professionals created to launch and/or promote a specific branded non-regulated prescription product, service or therapy.
The work here must be in relation to the management of a disease or medical condition diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Work created to raise awareness and understanding of a disease or medical condition, change perceptions or overcome social stigma.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Work aimed at healthcare professionals, influencers, researchers and key opinion leaders to establish and continue scientific education, drive industry advancement and adopt technologies and programmes associated with the development and distribution of research and treatment options.
Work that is created to raise understanding and awareness of diseases and medical conditions should be entered into C03 Disease Awareness & Understanding: Direct to Patient or Healthcare Professional.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Work aimed at patients intended to support adherence; drive proper, responsible usage of treatment; improve patient experience; and drive better outcomes while building a positive reputation for a client and/or brand. Approaches may include, but are not limited to, the use of data analytics and connective technology to enhance the patient journey, compliance programmes, screening services, psychosocial support services.
Work that is created to raise understanding and awareness of diseases and medical conditions should be entered into C03 Disease Awareness & Understanding: Direct to Patient or Healthcare Professional.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Innovative uses of technology solutions for patients or healthcare professionals. Approaches may include, but not limited to, the treatment, diagnosis and data collection of patients; technology; software and hardware; clinical trial tools, treatment products, etc. Pre-development ideas/concepts are not eligible. Entrants must be in a position to fully demonstrate the technology.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
D.Veterinary
Products and solutions created for animals requiring veterinary diagnosis, prescription and treatment.
Please choose your Pharma mediums.
Mediums
The mediums are a type of subcategory found in Health & Wellness Lions and Pharma Lions only and are chosen by the entrant in addition to the category for each submitted piece of work.
Work that communicates a brand message through audio excellence, sonic innovation or superior aural storytelling across the airwaves and digital streams.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea, the execution and the impact.
Each execution constitutes one entry.
Creative, comprehensive brand building through the next-level use of experience design, activation, immersive, retail and 360° customer engagement. The work should demonstrate how the customer journey, experience of the brand and optimisation of every touchpoint led to increased brand affinity and commercial success.
A number of criteria will be considered during judging and weighted as follows: 20% idea; 20% strategy; 30% execution; 30% results.
Work enhanced or driven by the creative use, interpretation, analysis or application of data. The creative use of data must sit at the core of the idea, and the results/impact must be clear and robust. A number of criteria will be considered during judging and weighted as follows: 30% strategy; 30% use of data; 20% idea; 20% impact and results.
Work focused on the interactive journey and exceptional form and function within digital healthcare. Work that demonstrates flawless design, expert execution, and outstanding user experiences across all digital platforms to drive progress in healthcare.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the execution and experience.
Targeted and response-driven creativity. The work should demonstrate how insights and/or data were used as part of the strategy to engage specific target audience groups and develop customer relationships, inspiring action and producing measurable results.
A number of criteria will be considered during judging and weighted as follows: 30% idea; 20% strategy; 20% execution; 30% impact and results.
Ideas that are unskippable, engaging users through entertainment platforms such as music, sport and gaming, communicating a brand message or connecting with consumers in a new way.
A number of criteria will be considered during judging and weighted as follows: 20% strategy & insight; 30% creative idea; 30% craft & execution; 20% results.
Brands refers to talent, artists, creators, influencers, streamers, athletes, teams, organisations, sponsors, platforms, media owners, rights holders or any entity that produces and distributes products and content related to the entertainment industry.
If you are submitting a series please upload all episodes in a single video file with slates denoting the start of the next episode.
Traditional film advertising should be entered into the Film medium.
Creativity of the moving image. The work should demonstrate brilliant brand storytelling intended for a screen. Includes filmed content created for TV, cinema, online and out-of-home experiences.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea, the execution and the impact.
Work that’s not in English should be subtitled, so that it can be understood in English, exactly as it was published or aired. Please note that dubbing is not allowed.
Each film execution constitutes one entry.
All forms and styles of animation and visual effects created for film.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea and the execution.
Work that’s not in English should be subtitled, so that it can be understood in English, exactly as it was published or aired. Please note that dubbing is not allowed.
Each film execution constitutes one entry.
The quality and effect of the cinematography. The style, artistic choices, camerawork, cinematic techniques, shot composition, lighting and other effects will be considered.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea and the execution.
Work that’s not in English should be subtitled so that it can be understood in English, exactly as it was published or aired. Please note that dubbing is not allowed.
Each film execution constitutes one entry.
The vision and achievement of the direction, including the translation of the creative brief through a director’s vision and how well that vision has been achieved. This may include but is not limited to the way that casting, set design, sound design and cinematography have been used to bring that vision to life.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea and the execution.
Work that’s not in English should be subtitled, so that it can be understood in English, exactly as it was published or aired. Please note that dubbing is not allowed.
Each film execution constitutes one entry.
The aesthetic of the production design/art direction. This includes set design and location builds, as well as the overall look, feel and atmosphere of the piece. The Jury will consider how the narrative has been enhanced by the artful management of the visual components.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea and the execution.
Work that’s not in English should be subtitled, so that it can be understood in English, exactly as it was published or aired. Please note that dubbing is not allowed.
Each film execution constitutes one entry.
The film’s script, as written. Analysis of the script will include dialogue, voiceovers, scene setting, movement, actions and expressions. The Jury will consider how successfully the script delivers on the creative idea, while also considering the effectiveness in conveying important health-related information.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea and the execution.
Work that is not in English should be subtitled, so that it can be understood in English, exactly as it was published or aired. Please note that dubbing is not allowed.
Each film execution constitutes one entry.
The impact and success of original/licensed music and/or the creative use of sound design within film advertising.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea and the execution.
Work that is not in English should be subtitled, so that it can be understood in English, exactly as it was published or aired. Please note that dubbing is not allowed.
Each film execution constitutes one entry.
Products, devices and service innovations that have helped solve a business or patient issue for a health brand or have been produced/developed in order to meet a brand's communication needs.
A number of criteria will be considered during judging and weighted as follows: 40% idea; 40% execution, form and function; 20% results.
The overall design, direction and visual execution.
Brand & Communications Design, Packaging Design, Print & Publishing & Outdoor.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the execution.
For Standard Print and Outdoor entries, each execution constitutes one entry. For Packaging & Brand Communication & Design entries, whole campaigns should be entered as one entry.
There is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Industry Craft.
How the copywriting brings the creative idea to life.
Brand & Communications Design, Packaging Design, Print & Publishing & Outdoor.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the execution.
For Standard Print and Outdoor entries, each execution constitutes one entry. For Packaging & Brand Communication & Design entries, whole campaigns should be entered as one entry.
There is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Industry Craft.
The creative impact of the illustration.
Brand & Communications Design, Packaging Design, Print & Publishing & Outdoor.
The criterion considered during judging will predominantly be the execution.
For Standard Print and Outdoor entries, each execution constitutes one entry. For Packaging & Brand Communication & Design entries, whole campaigns should be entered as one entry.
There is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Industry Craft.
Engagement through use of photography and creative expression.
Brand & Communications Design, Packaging Design, Print & Publishing & Outdoor.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the execution.
For Standard Print and Outdoor entries, each execution constitutes one entry. For Packaging & Brand Communication & Design entries, whole campaigns should be entered as one entry.
There is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Industry Craft.
Design aesthetics and storytelling conveyed through the use of typography.
Brand & Communications Design, Packaging Design, Print & Publishing & Outdoor.
The criterion considered during judging will predominantly be the execution.
For Standard Print and Outdoor entries, each execution constitutes one entry. For Packaging & Brand Communication & Design entries, whole campaigns should be entered as one entry.
There is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Industry Craft.
Work that uses multiple media platforms. The work should demonstrate the integration of chosen elements or channels throughout the campaign, and how the different media complemented and built on each other to drive tangible business results, were instrumental to cultural change or integral in the achievement of brand purpose.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea, strategy, execution and results.
Device-driven creativity. Entries should demonstrate performance in portable platforms. Includes work where a hand-held or wearable environment is central to the idea and experience and enables key aspects of the execution.
Criteria considered during judging include idea, execution, platform relevance, impact and results.
Nonstandard and free-format outdoor advertising that leverages the use of public spaces, objects and environments in an unconventional manner. This could include, but not be limited to, small-scale solutions, special build, installations, live advertising and events.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea, the execution and the impact.
Content intended for static and digital billboards, posters, bus stops, in-store posters, point of sale, signage, transit solutions, banners etc.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea, the execution and the impact.
For Standard Outdoor entries, each execution constitutes one entry.
Strategic and creative communication that demonstrates how original thinking, transformative insight and a strategy rooted in earned media have influenced opinion and driven business, societal and/or cultural change. Work with storytelling at its core, which established, protected and enhanced the reputation and business of an organisation or brand.
A number of criteria will be considered during judging and weighted as follows: 20% idea; 30% PR strategy; 20% PR execution; 30% impact and results.
Brochures, booklets, leave behinds, custom sales materials, detail aids, promotional items, brand reminders, calendars, newsletters, annual reports and press releases.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea, the execution and the impact.
Content intended for published printed media. This could include, but not be limited to, newspaper, magazines, medical journals and inserts.
Criteria considered during judging will predominantly be the idea, the execution and the impact.
For Standard Print entries, each execution constitutes one entry.
Creative social thinking and strategic influencer marketing specifically created for healthcare solutions to engage with online communities, enhance meaningful relations and deliver measurable results for a brand.
A number of criteria will be considered during judging and weighted as follows: 30% idea; 20% strategy; 20% execution; 30% results.
Use of existing or new technology to execute or support a brand campaign. This could include, but not be limited to, AI, AR and VR, robotics, gadgets and electronics, wearable and interactive technology, etc. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
Criteria considered will predominantly be the idea, execution and results of the technology on the brand, product or service.
Eligibility
Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 8 February 2024 – 10 April 2025.
Is there a limit to how many times I can enter?
There’s no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Pharma as long as the mediums chosen are relevant.
Exceptions:
- The same piece of work may be entered into the Pharma Lions or the Health & Wellness Lions.
- Only products and services prescribed by healthcare professionals should be entered in the Pharma Lions.
- The same piece of work can only be entered in either section 'A. Direct to Consumer’, ‘B. Regulated', 'C. Non-regulated' or 'D. Veterinary'.
MIS[S]DIAGNOSED | ORGANON | MULLENLOWE MENA, DUBAI | BRONZE, PHARMA LIONS | 2024
Previous Winners
Magnetic Stories
Cannes Lions 2024 Grand Prix Siemens Healthineers | AREA 23, an IPG Health Network Company, New York
Siemens Healthineers developed a series of audiobooks that transform the unsettling sounds of paediatric MRI scans into engaging narratives. By syncing the noises of common scans with creative storytelling, the initiative reduces anxiety for young patients, making MRIs a more enjoyable experience. Launched at CUF hospitals in Portugal, the project aims to expand across Europe, enhancing Siemens’ reputation as an innovative leader in healthcare.
MAGNETIC STORIES | SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS | AREA 23, AN IPG HEALTH NETWORK COMPANY, NEW YORK | GRAND PRIX, PHARMA LIONS | 2024
Why the work won
The Pharma Jury awarded this work the Grand Prix for improving patient experience and transforming a frightening medical procedure into an engaging and immersive experience. Jury President Collette Douaihy called it “storytelling at its best”.
MAGNETIC STORIES | SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS | AREA 23, AN IPG HEALTH NETWORK COMPANY, NEW YORK | GRAND PRIX, PHARMA LIONS | 2024
Inside the Jury Room: Pharma Lions
To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.
Entries & Judging
What are the judging criteria?
Individual judging criteria is dependent on the medium selected
What do I need to provide with my entry?
To enter, you’ll need to complete an online entry form, which can be found on the Cannes Lions entry site. In the ‘Written Explanation’ section, you’ll be asked to provide the Jury with everything they need to know about your work.
You’ll also be able to submit optional supporting materials to provide additional context with your entry.
All case films, films, demo films and original content must be subtitled in English.
Detailed information outlining the entry process can be found on A Guide to the Cannes Lions Awards.
What if I don’t have all the details right away?
Don’t worry – you can fill in the form in any order and save your progress at any time while it’s still in the pending stage. However, please only check out when your entry is 100% complete as no changes can be made to your entry once you’ve clicked “Submit” and “Checkout”.
The Written Submission
Here’s a preview of the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.
To start your entry to the Pharma Lions, go to our Awards page.
The Jury will refer to the written explanation you provide throughout the judging process. Our advice is to provide as much relevant detail as possible.
When answering the following questions keep the main element you’re trying to celebrate in mind (e.g. the storytelling, the strategy, the craft, the use of data).
The bullet points under each question are prompts designed to guide your thinking, based on the factors the jury will be considering when reviewing your work. You might not need to use them all, and that’s totally fine. They’re there to help you consider what’s most important in your work.
Questions
The word limit for this section is 100 words.
This question is compulsory.
The pharmaceutical product or service the work was created for has to have gone through the relevant medical / legal / regulatory processes that apply to these communications.
Please describe the approval process for this particular work, pertaining to the company and/or region it was created for.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
The word limit for this section is 100 words.
This question is compulsory for section A and B.
Please provide any brand and cultural context that would help the jury understand any cultural, national or regional nuances applicable to this work.
You should outline why this piece of work was created for this particular brand, in this market, at this particular moment in time, with all of the cultural and market conditions. "
The word limit for this section is 250 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please select the objective(s) that were most important when creating this work – what the work set out to achieve.
For the jury to accurately assess the work, it must first establish its objectives. As you progress through the entry system, you must link your results back to each objective selected.
- Over achieve on brand metrics (e.g. awareness, engagement)
- Change consumer behaviour (e.g. attitudes, frequency, penetration)
- Create short-term sales growth (e.g. sales, promotions, discounts)
- Improve brand health (e.g. consideration, preference)
- Create sustained sales success (e.g. profit, sales)
- Create long-term brand and sales growth (e.g. shareholder value, retention, loyalty)
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please provide a summary of your entry. Describe the background and context behind the work What creative challenges did the work face.
This should be an overview of the work and an analysis of its effectiveness. You should describe how the objectives of the campaign have been successfully met.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please refer back to the objectives selected when answering this question. Consider:
- performance against brand metrics (e.g. awareness, engagement)
- change in consumer behaviour (e.g. attitudes, frequency, penetration)
- indications of short-, medium- or long-term sales success (e.g. shareholder value, profit, revenue, ROI, sales, share)
- brand health improvement (e.g. consideration, preference)
- potential changes in government regulations or societal/economic events (e.g. changes in economic, political, social factors).
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is optional.
Describe any restrictions or regulations regarding Healthcare / RX / Pharma communications in your country/region including:
- healthcare regulatory bodies
- government
- tv stations/media channels
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Describe the target audience and why your work is relevant to them. Pharma audience types:
- Healthcare Professional
- Patient
- Consumer (Canada, USA & New Zealand only)
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the creative idea:
- Does the work cross boundaries/have the ability to think beyond conventional boundaries or categories?
- Does the work evoke surprise/have the power to continue captivating attention?
- Does the work transcend the original challenge?
- Does the work incorporate breakthrough thinking?
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the strategy:
- Was the strategy based on consumer behaviour and/or cultural insight?
- Did the insight come from research and data?
- Did creativity play a key role in the interpretation of the business challenge?
- Was this piece of work relevant to the defined target audience?
- Does the work genuinely solve a real problem?
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the execution:
- How effectively was the concept brought to life?
- What specific implementation strategies were employed to ensure success?
- Which channels were utilised for placement, and were they optimal for reaching the target audience?
- How extensive was the scale of the execution in relation to the defined objectives?
- Did the execution adapt to any unexpected challenges or changes in the environment?
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please refer back to the objectives selected when answering this question. Consider:
- performance against brand metrics (e.g. awareness, engagement)
- change in consumer behaviour (e.g. attitudes, frequency, penetration, response rate)
- indications of short-, medium- or long-term sales success (e.g. donations, shareholder value, - profit, revenue, ROI, sales, share, site traffic)
- brand health improvement (e.g. consideration, preference)
- potential changes in government regulations or societal/economic events (e.g. changes in economic, political, social factors).
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
- Yes
- No
This question is compulsory.
I would like the Jury to see this response when judging this work (tick box)
Please outline how this piece of work has aligned with the brand’s sustainability strategy. This could involve either operational measures to reduce the impact on the environment, and consumer strategies to encourage positive behaviour change, or both.
Please provide details of the benchmarks used for measuring the success of this piece of work’s contribution to the overall strategy. This could include, but is not limited to, targets around advertising business operations - advertising production - media planning and buying.
This question is optional.
I would like the Jury to see this response when judging this work (tick box)
Based on the brief, what consideration was given to representation and diversity of the team(s) involved?
What consideration was given to accessibility in the work and what role did DEI thinking play throughout the development of the work?
This question is optional.
If there are additional results you wish to disclose to the Jury but prefer to keep confidential, please enter them below.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is optional.
NOT A LONELY JOURNEY | BIOGEN | VML, MILAN | BRONZE, PHARMA LIONS | 2024
Contact us
Everything you need to know to enter
For more detailed information on how to use the entry site, craft a compelling submission or submit your work we have a whole range of resources.
From Entry Guides that give you a step-by-step overview of the entire process to the Entry Kits that provide all the detailed rules and requirements for each and every category.
We are here to help
As Awards Experts, we know the Lions inside out. We can help with:
- Sharing the updates to the Awards for 2025
- Offering best-practice advice on how to craft a compelling entry
- Discussing your work and relevant categories
- Scheduling regular catch-ups to answer any questions that arise throughout the entry process.
Whether you have a specific query or would like expert advice, get in touch today.
Email: awards@canneslions.com Helpline: +44 0 20 7046 1155