This white paper discusses the evolving landscape of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising in the pharmaceutical industry and the need for a shift towards direct-to-patient (DTP) solutions. It outlines the challenges faced by traditional DTC approaches, particularly in light of new regulatory scrutiny and the complexities of modern patient journeys. The paper identifies three archetypes of friction that hinder patient activation: underdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis, entrenched treatment standards, and therapy access hurdles. It emphasizes the importance of moving beyond mere awareness to provide comprehensive support for patients throughout their treatment journeys. The authors document the emergence of DTP platforms aimed at simplifying care access and enhancing patient engagement. However, they note that many of these initiatives have underperformed due to structural gaps, such as ineffective messaging and inadequate clinical models. The paper concludes with key success factors for improving DTP programs, highlighting the need for tailored solutions that address the complexities of patient care.