Today’s guest post comes from Sarah Alwardt, Vice President of Operations at Ontada.

Sarah describes how historical patient information can be used in current and future clinical trials, often eliminating the need for new trial participants. She also introduces us to Ontada, a new McKesson business that uses technology, real-world data, and research capabilities as a way to accelerate innovation and improve cancer therapies.

To learn more, visit the Ontada website.

Read more »

        

Source: Post feed

Well, we are almost finished with 2020. Help us bid it good riddance with our final news roundup of the year:

• Quantifying the blockbuster 340 pharmacy profits of CVS, Walgreens, and Express Scripts

• An insider describes PillPack’s pre-Amazon origins

• Physicians vote to oppose copay accumulator adjustment

• Maine’s secret analysis shows that importation costs more

Plus, the first batch of humor about Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.

P.S. Join the nearly 10,800 followers of my curated links published on @DrugChannels on Twitter. You can also join my nearly 14,000 followers on LinkedIn.

It's time to get ready for 2021! Start by joining me next week for my Drug Channels Outlook 2021. This live video webinar will take place on Friday, December 18, at 12:00 p.m to 1:15 p.m. ET. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Read more »

        

Source: Post feed

When Americans complains about “drug prices,” most are actually complaining about the share of costs they pay—and how those costs are computed. Addressing patient affordability issues therefore requires a deep understanding of the U.S. drug channel.

Today, I review four crucial issues that the new Congress could tackle to address affordability, patients' out-of-pocket obligations, and prescription prices. I also highlight some of the existing and proposed legislative efforts. 

Read more »

        

Source: Post feed

During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every aspect of the pharmaceutical channel—and our lives. Pharmacy and healthcare provider markets experienced unprecedented volatility. If all goes well, 2021 will begin our return to normalcy, as vaccines roll out across the country.

This year has demonstrated the underlying resilience of U.S. distribution channels for prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical wholesalers have maintained shipments and operational capacity. They are now poised to play a vital role in distributing COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics as they become available. However, there are substantial uncertainties about the timing and level of financial impact on wholesalers’ economics.

Below, I highlight six trends that will affect the U.S. drug wholesaling industry. I hope you enjoy this summary as we look toward the new year.

Speaking of next year, Drug Channels Institute will host an exclusive live webinar, Drug Channels Outlook 2021, on December 18, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. ET. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Read more »

        

Source: Post feed

Medicaid and Government Pricing Congress

December 14-17, 2020 | Virtual

www.informaconnect/medicaidgov

Register Today and be sure to use promo code MDCDCBG to save $300*

With drug pricing and benefit coverage top of mind for many Americans, coupled with a volatile election and overall healthcare landscape, the stakes are incredibly high for bio/pharma manufacturers. Staying on the pulse of industry trends, policies and changing regulations has never been more crucial. 

        

Source: Post feed

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Before you stretch your stomach, stretch your mind with this extra-stuffed helping of food for thought. In this issue:

• Rebate rule redux

• Most Favored Nation and healthcare benchmarking

• Amazon’s pharmacy customer opportunity

• Drug spending realities updated

• GPO consolidation

Plus, I congratulate Dirk Rodgers of RxTrace on his retirement.

P.S. Join the more than 10,600 followers of my curated links published on @DrugChannels on Twitter. My recent tweets have highlighted: doctors against step therapy, distribution of COVID-19 therapies, biosimilar savings, copay accumulator data, prospects for smaller PBMs, the new transparency rule, specialty pharmacy profit metrics, the future of oncology practices, and an update on Diplomat founder Phil Hagerman. You can also join my more than 13,500 followers on LinkedIn.

Join me for an exclusive live webinar, Drug Channels Outlook 2021, on December 18, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. ET. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Read more »

        

Source: Post feed

Informa Connect’s 16th Annual Commercial Contracts & Chargebacks

December 17-18, 2020 | Virtual Event

informaconnect.com/contracts-chargebacks

Informa Connect’s 16th Annual Commercial Contracts & Chargebacks, taking place virtually December 17-18, arms the industry with strategic approaches to improve contract operations, navigate class of trade complexities, streamline membership management and reduce revenue leakage to improve chargeback efficiency and the bottom line. Dynamic conference features include:

• Two Days of Live Content, Audience Polling, Speaker Q&As and Interactive Discussions
• View Our Library of On-Demand Content at Your Leisure, Available for 30 Days After the End of the Conference
• High Impact Topics Transforming the Market Include:
• Membership Eligibility and Classification — Tolmar Pharmaceuticals
• Strategic Contracting Playbook — Pfizer Inc.
• Expert Manufacturer/Trading Partner Exchange — McKesson
• Class of Trade Navigation — Health Industry Business Communications Council (HIBCC)
• EDI Think Tank — FFF Enterprises
• Scorecarding and Metrics — Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA
• Next-Gen Technology — Chronicled

Drug Channels readers are eligible for an exclusive savings of $300 off* the standard rate by using promo code CHR300, so download the complete conference agenda and reserve your seat today!

*Expires 12/16/2020; applies to standard rate only and may not be combined or applied to existing registrations; other restrictions may apply.

The content of Sponsored Posts does not necessarily reflect the views of Pembroke Consulting, Inc., Drug Channels, or any of its employees.

        

Source: Post feed

Amazon is getting more serious about pharmacy. ICYMI: Introducing Amazon Pharmacy: Prescription Medications Delivered.

This announcement is much less disruptive than it appears to be. Amazon is copying the GoodRx discount card model—including GoodRx’s partnership with Express Scripts. At the same time, Amazon is launching a mail pharmacy that will accept insurance and be in PBM pharmacy networks.

Amazon’s actions are another negative headwind for retail pharmacies, but not a fatal blow to the system. Perhaps Amazon will one day become a true disrupter. For now, Amazon is choosing to join the drug channel, not fundamentally change it.

Drug Channels Institute will host an exclusive live webinar, Drug Channels Outlook 2021, on December 18, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. ET. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Read more »

        

Source: Post feed

Almost three years ago, I warned about the emerging trend of copay accumulators and outlined the costly consequences for patients.

I’m sad to report that the latest data show a startling acceleration in the adoption of copay accumulator adjustment and the closely related copay maximizer. 

Read more »

        

Source: Post feed

This December, join Dr. Adam J. Fein, CEO of Drug Channels Institute (DCI) and the author of Drug Channels, for an exclusive live video webinar:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Join Dr. Fein as he helps you and your team get ready for the year ahead by outlining key issues and uncertainties that will surely affect your planning. He’ll also share DCI’s latest market data to help you stay on top of new developments. This event can be both a capstone of your annual learning and a touchpoint for the future.

Dr. Fein will share his latest thinking on a wide range of topics, including:

• COVID-19’s impact on the prescription market in 2021 and beyond

• The likely drug pricing policy moves by the Biden administration and our new Congress

• Retail pharmacy’s challenging future

• What’s next for the 340B Drug Pricing Program

• The outlook for copay accumulators, maximizers, and utilization management tools

• Prospects for further vertical integration, consolidation, and alliances

• How the changing U.S. payer mix will affect PBMs and insurers

• And more!

PLUS: Dr. Fein will take your questions. CLICK HERE to submit questions in advance of the event.

Read on for full details on pricing, including substantial discounts for multiple sites. You can also watch a video invitation below.

Read more »

        

Source: Post feed