18 episodes
Prescription for Better Access Mark Hansan and Dr. Scott Howell
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- Health & Fitness
With pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers launching more high-cost specialty drugs and the insurance industry increasing the use of more restrictive barriers to access, those who need these medicines—the patients themselves—are caught in the middle, not only shouldering the cost of higher copays and deductibles, but for many, rationing or even abandoning treatment altogether.
While manufacturers invest in programs to help navigate the challenges impeding access and affordability, the entire healthcare industry can agree -- the status quo is unsustainable. There has to be a better way. And two industry veterans have joined forces to co-host a new interview-focused podcast to help shape the future of patient access and affordability.
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Understanding 340B Programs: An Interview with Antonio Ciaccia, CEO, 46brooklyn Research
In this episode, we explore the 340B Drug Pricing Program, an essential yet complex component of the American drug supply landscape that aims to enable healthcare entities to offer more affordable medication to underserved populations. We interview Antonio Ciaccia, a drug pricing and 340B expert who provides an in-depth look at how the program works, its financial incentives, and how stakeholders have exploited this well-intentioned program, all to the detriment of patients.
Antonio Ciaccia, President, 3 Axis Advisors and CEO, 46brooklyn Research, an Ohio non-profit Corporation
46brooklyn
Ohio Pharmacist Association
3 Axis Advisors
Medicaid
340B Program
340B Litigation
340 Eligibility, HRSA
Covered Entities
Medicaid Drug Rebate Program
Obamacare
Indian Health Service
"Money from Sick People," Report from 46Brooklyn
Medicare
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)
Jamie Robinson, Health Economist
Medical terminology referenced in this episode:
Novolog
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Interview with Victor Bulto, President, US, Novartis
In this important podcast episode, we interview Victor Bulto, President, US for Novartis, to discuss the company's efforts to develop groundbreaking treatments while ensuring accessibility and affordability for patients. We delve into how the pharmaceutical industry navigates numerous post-FDA approval barriers to launch new drugs and the importance of market access, patient support services, and a commitment by manufacturers to provide patient assistance and other support for patients.
Victor Bulto, President, Novartis
Novartis
FDA
Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER)
American Heart Association (AHA)
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM)
Medicare
Medical terminology referenced in this episode:
Cell therapy: CART-T
Radioligand therapy
RNA
Entresto
Molecular glues
Targeted protein degradation
Antisense oligonucleotides
Small interfering RNAs: siRNAs
LDL cholesterol
COVID
Hematological malignancies
Refractory autoimmune diseases
Questions or comments?
Email us at comments@prescriptionforbetteraccess.com.
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Biosimilar's Role in Improving Patient Access
Biosimilars are entering the market at their fastest pace ever. In this episode, we interview a renowned health economist and an expert consultant in biosimilar distribution and patient support to explore the complex landscape of biosimilars, including examining the hurdles and breakthroughs in achieving acceptance by payers and providers and how best to improve patient access and affordability in a market dominated by established brands.
Dr. Jason Shafrin, Senior Managing Director, Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy at FTI Consulting
Marina Allen, SVP, Fingerpaint Market Access, Patient Support & Access Strategy Leader in Pharma-Biotech
Biosimilars
The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009
PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers)
Medicare Advantage
Humira (biosimilars)
340B program
Inflation Reduction Act
Medicare Part D
"brown bagging and white bagging"
Mark Cuban (CostPlusDrugs)
GoodRx
average sales price (ASP)
electronic health record (EHR) system
Questions or comments?
Email us at comments@prescriptionforbetteraccess.com.
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2024 Policy Preview: An Interview with Dr. Mark McClellan
Scott and Mark welcome Dr. Mark McClellan, a distinguished health policy expert who has served as the Commissioner of the FDA and the Administrator of CMS, to look ahead at the major policy activities in 2024. They discuss how the government's role as regulator and purchaser of drugs will influence the drug industry and the patient's ability to access and afford medicines this year. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities for improving public health and the emerging role of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Mark McClellan, PhD, Director and Professor of Business, Medicine and Policy at the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy at Duke University
IRA
Medicare Part D
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)
Medicare Advantage
FDA commissioner Rob Califf
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Part B
Medicare Modernization Act
FDA
FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Per Member Per Month (PMPM) billing
Questions or comments?
Email us at comments@prescriptionforbetteraccess.com.
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Episode 13: The Sustainability of Innovation: An Interview with Rachel King, CEO, BIO
In our 2023 podcasts, there have been a series of revelations about the complexity and unintended consequences related to drug access and affordability. This episode explores the essential underlying tension between the notion that affordability and access are deteriorating while science is advancing so rapidly. We interview Rachel King, CEO of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), to explore the priorities for the industry and how the challenges related to patient access and affordability could jeopardize innovation for patients today and in the future.
Rachel King, CEO, BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization)
John Crowley, Executive Chairman, Amicus Therapeutics
James Robinson PhD, MPH, Chair, Health Policy and Management Division, Berkeley School of Public Health
The Inflation Reduction Act
Orphan Drug Act
Orphan Cures Act
PBM (pharmacy benefit management)
Medicare Part D
Step Therapy
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Therapies mentioned in this episode:
RNAi
Antisense
mRNA
Monoclonal antibody
Email us at comments@prescriptionforbetteraccess.com.
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Episode 12: How Alternative Funding Programs Exploit Patient Assistance Programs
In this episode, we investigate the rise of Alternative Funding Programs (AFPs) that bypass coverage for vital specialty drugs. Kyle Crowell, an expert consultant on AFPs, discusses how payers avoid their responsibility for costs by collaborating with third-party companies to exclude specific drug coverage and directing patients towards manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs (PAPs). Patient advocate, Amy Niles from the PAN Foundation, describes how the mounting tension caused by AFPs are leaving patients to navigate the uncertain waters of their medication coverage and access, potentially risking their health and even their lives.
Kyle Crowell, Principal (Partner) at ZS Associates
Amy Niles, Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, PAN Foundation
Patient Assistance programs (PAPs)
Alternative funding programs (AFPs)
“AFP Caution For Patients”
“Pharma faces tough choices as alternative funding programs exploit charitable giving”
Medicare Part D
“AbbVie sues a behind-the-scenes company for exploiting its patient assistance program”
Federal Trade Commission
Carl Schmidt from the HIV and Hepatitis Policy Institute
Copay Accumulator Adjustment Programs Lawsuit
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