The Bloc

The Bloc is an independent healthcare creative and communications agency working across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare technology and global health nonprofits. Its work connects brand strategy, scientific understanding and creative production to address the needs of healthcare professionals, patients, consumers and commercial stakeholders.

Founded in New York in July 2000 by Susan Miller and Enrico “Rico” Viray, the agency developed from a US-centered medical marketing business into an international organization. Its current footprint combines direct regional operations with collaborations through The BlocPartners, a separately organized network of independent healthcare agencies. The distinction allows the company to draw on international relationships while maintaining its own operating identity.

Strategy, science and creative production

The agency’s offering spans brand positioning, omnichannel campaign development, copywriting, art direction and experiential activations. Healthcare professional communications and direct-to-consumer advertising sit alongside patient advocacy, medical affairs and launch strategy. Its scientific communications work includes medical education, advisory boards, key opinion leader management and scientific literature planning.

Digital capabilities include customer experience design, CRM architecture, virtual reality, interactive tools and data-driven platforms. Video and narrative production through its Storytellers division covers live-action, CGI and health-focused short films. These capabilities support both explanatory health content and campaigns built around personal or societal experiences of healthcare.

Behavioral science is central to the agency’s approach. Its proprietary BE-COMMS®, or Behaviorally Enriched Communications, framework examines conscious and non-conscious influences on decisions by patients and healthcare providers. The framework informs how communications identify barriers and encourage changes in behavior.

International development

Beginning in 2023, the company expanded its international operations through acquisitions, integrations and new regional capabilities. Its development has included integrating healthcare communications businesses in Italy and Switzerland, establishing a creative technology and delivery hub in the Philippines, and launching a London European hub in 2025. These operations extend its ability to coordinate healthcare communications across markets and time zones.