The Syneos Health Podcast

Syneos Health
The Syneos Health Podcast

The Syneos Health Podcast Series dissects some of the most complex issues biopharma leaders are facing today. Our clinical and commercial experts provide time-tested solutions, as well as perspectives on the news of the day. Each episode explores the challenges and considerations involved with bringing biopharmaceuticals to the market.

  1. JUL 7

    Asembia AXS25 Series: Redefining Access for Enhanced Retail Therapies, with Cheryl Allen of Curatio Advisors

    In this episode, host Sara Rubin is joined by Cheryl Allen, RPh, founding partner at Curatio Advisors, to explore how manufacturers can evolve their access strategies in response to the growing complexity of specialty-like therapies. With a career spanning specialty pharmacy, digital health innovation and commercialization strategy, Cheryl shares how reframing these products as “enhanced retail” can unlock smarter, patient-centered support models. The conversation highlights how patient voices are shaping the next generation of hub services, starter kits and adherence programs, and why a product’s clinical and administrative profile should inform infrastructure decisions from day one. Cheryl offers actionable guidance on building programs that not only help patients start therapy, but support long-term persistence in a fragmented and demanding access environment. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

    10 min
  2. JUN 5

    Asembia AXS25 Series: Reimagining Patient Support: Scaling Access, Affordability and AI Integration with Kelly Carter of Amgen

    In this special edition of the Syneos Health Podcast recorded from the floor of Asembia’s AXS25 Summit, host Michael Sarshad sits down with Kim Plesnarski, SVP of Market Access and Patient Support Services at Syneos Health and Kelly Carter, AVP of Patient Support at Amgen, to unpack the evolving landscape of patient support.  The discussion explores the blurring lines between general and specialty medicine, the growing administrative burden on providers and the need to embed seamless, tech-enabled support into the healthcare journey. The trio dives into the role of Field Reimbursement Managers (FRMs), payer challenges, affordability barriers and how AI and automation are beginning to transform operations—from personalized patient education to proactive intervention.  If you're interested in how manufacturers can shift from reactive to proactive models and scale personalized support in an increasingly complex environment, this episode is a must-listen. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

    19 min
  3. MAY 29

    Asembia AXS25 Series: Redefining Market Access: Patient Support, Technology and Pharma Strategy with Rob Truckenmiller of PharmaCord

    In this episode of our Navigating Modern Market Access series, recorded from the floor of Asembia's AXS25 Summit, host Sara Rubin sits down with Rob Truckenmiller, the newly appointed CEO of PharmaCord.  Drawing from his deep experience across small, mid-sized and large pharmaceutical companies, Rob explores how market access strategies must evolve to meet today’s healthcare challenges. From the integration of patient services and payer strategies to the role of technology and data in shaping outcomes, Rob shares his perspective on how pharma companies can empower patients, optimize gross-to-net and navigate the complex US healthcare landscape.  Tune in for actionable insights on building a smarter, more patient-centric access model. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

    10 min
  4. MAY 22

    Asembia AXS25 Series: Holistic Patient Support with Tiara Green of Accessia Health

    In this special episode recorded from the floor at Asembia’s AXS25 Summit, host Michael Sarshad sits down with Tiara Green, President of Accessia Health, to explore the evolving landscape of patient support.  They discuss how Accessia Health is addressing the growing needs of individuals with rare and chronic conditions—not just through copay assistance, but by tackling social determinants of health like transportation, food insecurity and mental health services. Tiara shares insights on the expanding role of technology, from streamlined eligibility systems to telehealth and AI, and emphasizes the importance of personalized, community-based care. They also dive into provider education, the power of partnerships and how pharma can promote health equity by engaging diverse populations earlier in the care continuum. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about improving access and outcomes through innovation and collaboration. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

    10 min
  5. MAY 20

    Asembia AXS25 Series: Modernizing Patient Services: AI, Hybrid Models and Innovation Strategy with Greg Morris of CareMetx

    In this special edition of the Syneos Health Podcast recorded from the floor of Asembia’s AXS25 Summit, host Michael Sarshad speaks with Kim Plesnarski, SVP of Market Access and Patient Support Services at Syneos Health and Greg Morris, Chief Strategy Officer at CareMetx.  They explore the latest trends shaping patient support services—from the surge of AI-powered solutions to the shift toward hybrid hub models. The conversation dives into the challenges of reactive support programs, the need for continual innovation and the nuanced debate between insourcing and outsourcing.  With practical insights and real-world examples, Kim and Greg share strategies for building scalable, tech-forward patient service models that meet the evolving demands of both patients and providers. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

    29 min
  6. MAY 14

    Project Optimus Series: Clinical Pharmacology and Project Optimus

    We continue our Project Optimus series with a focus on clinical pharmacology—a foundational element in redefining dose optimization in oncology drug development.  Dr. Wael Harb is joined by Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, Vice President of Clinical Pharmacology at Syneos Health, to discuss how model-informed strategies, exposure-response analysis and biomarkers are transforming early phase trials. They examine how tools like PK/PD modeling and tumor dynamics simulations enable a shift from traditional maximum tolerated dose approaches to more patient-centric dosing strategies, and explore how AI, data sharing and regulatory innovation are shaping the future of precision oncology. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

    19 min
  7. MAY 8

    2025 Health Trends | Strategy, Agility and Innovation in Launch Excellence

    Hosted by Drew Beck, Head of Strategy, Growth and Innovation for Syneos Health Learning Solutions, this limited series dives into the breakthrough trends redefining health in 2025 and beyond. From bold moves in R&D and medical affairs to next-gen trial design, product launch strategies and the future of healthcare communications, each episode connects you with the minds driving real change. Big ideas. Real-world impact. In this episode, Drew dives into launch excellence in 2025 with Syneos Health experts Larry Dollar, VP of Medical Affairs, and Michael Sarshad, Managing Director, Consulting. Together, they unpack how strategic spending, agile planning and early investment in medical resources are driving launch success. They explore the rise of new medical affairs roles using the transformative impact of AI on clinical trials, and the evolving needs of field teams. The discussion also highlights how innovations like machine learning–driven physician segmentation are helping companies identify new clinical trial sites faster and more precisely. Whether you're with an emerging biotech or a large pharma company, you'll get key insights on collaboration, creativity and why the year leading up to launch is more critical than ever.  The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

    23 min
  8. APR 24

    2025 Health Trends | AI as an R&D Investment

    2025 Health Trends meets The Syneos Health Podcast for a limited series exploring how Trends come alive in the life sciences industry with host Drew Beck, Head of Strategy, Growth and Innovation for Syneos Health Learning Solutions. Syneos Health experts Brian Carver, Executive Director of Therapeutic Strategy and Innovation, Rare Disease Consortium, Vik Chawla, Managing Director, Syneos Health Consulting and Katya Magonova, Managing Director, Syneos Health Consulting explore the role of AI in rare disease drug development, diagnosis and treatment. They share how AI is accelerating R&D, improving patient identification and enhancing clinical trials. The discussion also highlights investment trends in AI within the healthcare sector, the emergence of AI-first companies and the ongoing challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into life sciences, underpinned with data from our 2025 Dealmakers’ Intentions Survey. Emphasizing the importance of understanding AI's applications and implications, host Drew Beck has a special call to action for the industry to harness AI’s power in drug development and commercializ The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

    24 min
4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

The Syneos Health Podcast Series dissects some of the most complex issues biopharma leaders are facing today. Our clinical and commercial experts provide time-tested solutions, as well as perspectives on the news of the day. Each episode explores the challenges and considerations involved with bringing biopharmaceuticals to the market.

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