This week, I’m rerunning some popular posts while I put the finishing touches on DCI’s 2025-26 Economic Report on Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Specialty Distributors.

Click here to see the original post from July 2025.

It’s time for Drug Channels’ annual update on drug pricing trends at the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers.

This year’s review includes the following nine companies: Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, Takeda, Teva, and UCB. You can find links to each company’s data below.

These data highlight divergent trends reshaping the gross-to-net bubble:

• Rebates, discounts, and other fees reduced the selling prices of brand-name drugs at the biggest drugmakers to less than half of their list prices.

• When accounting for all list price reductions, average brand-name drug prices declined at three manufacturers and increased at six others.

• Gross-to-net difference in price changes ranged from −12.8% to +6.3%, reflecting significant differences in the manufacturers’ portfolio mix and pricing strategies.

As I noted in last week’s gross-to-net bubble analysis, manufacturers’ evolving market access strategies increasingly aim to offset—or circumvent—growing pricing pressure from both commercial and government payers. Drug pricing flat earthers (#DPFE) will be challenged by falling net prices, while policy wonks will be amazed at the unintended consequences unleashed by our crazy system.

So, journey with me to Bikini Bottom as we again delve into the murky waters of gross-to-net drug pricing. Click here to share your thoughts with the Drug Channels community.

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This week, I’m rerunning some popular posts while I put the finishing touches on DCI’s 2025-26 Economic Report on Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Specialty Distributors.

Click here to see the original post from July 2025. ICYMI, Express Scripts will boot the reference products from its 2026 formulary, but will cling to its biosimilar pricing double standard.

The 2025 launch of biosimilars to Johnson & Johnson’s Stelara (ustekinumab) marks another turning point in pharmacy benefit dynamics. But unlike the chaotic rollout of Humira biosimilars, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) came prepared.

Private label strategies, aggressive pricing, and exclusive formulary deals have transformed what might have been a slow-crawling biosimilar introduction into a full-on pricing war. As with Humira, the reality of biosimilar economics is far messier—and more revealing—than the policy narratives suggest.

In this post, I examine how the major PBMs—and some of the smaller ones—are handling Stelara biosimilars, what’s changed since the Humira experience, and why their strategies reflect the growing dominance of private-label rebating schemes.

As always, with great pricing power comes great responsibility. Excelsior!

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Informa Connect’s PBM Contracting Summit

December 9-10, 2025 | Chicago, IL

(Pre-Summit Workshop on December 8th)

Drug Channels readers save 10% with code 25DRCH10*

Informa Connect’s PBM Contracting Summit returns to Chicago this December! Join the industry as expert speakers navigate the complex PBM landscape, gaining unparalleled strategies to enhance patient care and effectively manage costs.

The 2025 event features:

• A regulatory snapshot, reviewing state mandates and federal enforcement
• Analysis on rebate transparency and next-generation PBM contracting
• A look inside the GLP-1 challenge, with a focus on balancing momentum with sustainable models
• Perspectives on alternative funding programs with a focus on risk, compliance and cost in managing high-cost therapies
• Expert analysis of AI and automation, focusing on prior auth, precision medicine and the future of pharmacy
• Examination of digital health disruption and the PBM model
• Overview of specialty pharmacy access
• Insights into the rise of disruptor PBMs, biosimilars and more
• Deep dives into the 340B firestorm, covering policy, pricing and practical fixes
• Coverage on redefining network adequacy while balancing access and geography
• An outlook into Medicaid for the year ahead
• An inside look into the patient voice within PBM contracting
• And more!
• PLUS! Attend a Pre-Summit Workshop on December 8th: GLP-1 Cost, Coverage, and Care – Continuum or Conundrum?

The PBM Contracting Summit remains essential to tackle the rising drug costs head-on–Spotlighting bold innovations in contracting, GLP-1 strategy, AI-powered solutions and federal & state driven regulatory change.

View the agenda for PBM Contracting 2025 to see the complete picture–the program, speakers, and more, and visit www.informaconnect.com/pbm-contracting for further details and to register.

Drug Channels readers will save 10% off when they use code 25DRCH10 and register prior to November 3, 2025.*

*Cannot be combined with other offers or used towards a current registration. Cannot be combined with special category rates or other offers. Other restrictions may apply.

The content of Sponsored Posts does not necessarily reflect the views of HMP Omnimedia, LLC, Drug Channels Institute, its parent company, or any of its employees. To find out how you can publish an event post on Drug Channels, please contact Paula Fein (paula@DrugChannels.net).

       

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Today’s guest post comes from Jordan Armstrong, VP of Business Development at AssistRx.

Jordan examines the growing role of direct-to-consumer (DTC) access models in the pharmaceutical sector. He discusses recent regulatory developments, the potential benefits and risks for manufacturers, and key considerations for building sustainable DTC programs.

To learn more, register for AssistRx's October 21st webinar: The New Patient Support Program: Why Regulatory Shifts Require a Higher Caliber of Program Sophistication and How to Do It.

Read on for Jordan’s insights.

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Autumn is here! Curl up with your Labubu’s favorite pumpkin-spiced blog and savor these stories harvested from the great Drug Channels patch:

• Mark Cuban’s company trims third-party fat but insured patients sometimes pay more

• Express Scripts boots Stelara, but clings to its biosimilar pricing double standard

• Thanks, IRA! The Part D market keeps unravelling

• Fresh insights from two government reports on the 340B Drug Pricing Program

Plus: If you loved The Pitt, you'll love the sequel!

P.S. Join my 65,000+ LinkedIn followers for curated links to neat stuff, along with sharp and thoughtful commentary from the DCI community.

Drug Channels Leadership Forum 2026

Drug Channels Institute is proud to host the 2026 Drug Channels Leadership Forum, which will take place from March 16–18, 2026, in Miami. Check out the agenda and request your invitation to this invite-only gathering of senior leaders from across the drug channel ecosystem. You must request an invitation to be considered for attendance. We will begin sending invitations in mid-October.

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Informa Connect’s Copay, Reimbursement and Access Congress 2025

November 18-20, 2025 | Hilton New Brunswick, East Brunswick, NJ

Exclusive Offer–Use promo USAVE25 to save 10%* on your registration

The healthcare landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, bringing new challenges and opportunities for patient access and affordability. As legislation shifts, market forces disrupt and cost-sharing programs grow increasingly complex, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater. Are you prepared to navigate this dynamic environment?

The Copay, Reimbursement and Access Congress is back November 18-20, 2025. Driven by real-time marketplace insights and led by the brightest minds in access and reimbursement, Copay 2025 is designed to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to enhance patient affordability, ensure program sustainability and stay ahead of regulatory changes.

Can’t-Miss Highlights:

• 14+ hours of content featuring 5+ sessions dedicated to deciphering copay legislation and 10+ sessions dedicated to copay operationalization.

• Expert insights from top organizations like Sanofi, Geron, Pfizer, Kyowa Kirin, Novartis, J&J, Teva, Nuvation Bio, Celltrion, Exelixis and more.

• Illuminating case studies on Mastering Copay Communication, Integrating Field Teams, Navigating Specialty Pharmacy in Rare Disease and Redesigning Insurance to Better Meet Patient Need

• Enforcement perspectives on trends and actions within the copay and patient services space

• 7+ hours of networking to build powerful partnerships, expand your professional network and give your organization a competitive edge

Why Attend?

       

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Today’s guest post is from Laura Jensen, Chief Commercial Officer and President of Pharma Solutions at GoodRx.

Laura shares her perspective on how direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies are evolving and the role that platforms like GoodRx can play in improving access.

Click here to learn more about GoodRx’s DTC solution for pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

Read on for Laura’s insights

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Over the summer, the boffins at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the latest projections for U.S. spending on healthcare. (See links below.) These data provide the latest official and apolitical look at the future of U.S. healthcare spending.

The top line projections highlight the government’s official view that prescription drugs dispensed by retail and mail pharmacies will have a modest impact on U.S. healthcare costs.

However, there are some notable changes from the previous forecast. CMS now expects that the Inflation Reduction Act’s changes to the Medicare Part D program will have a greater impact than previously projected, while private insurers will find drug costs creeping higher.

Below, we outline the four major takeaways from the latest projections, which continue to show that taxpayers—primarily via Medicare and Medicaid—will continue to dominate the employer-sponsored insurance market. And like it or not, vertically integrated insurers, PBMs, specialty pharmacies, and providers will continue to prosper.

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Informa Connect’s Patient Support Services Congress

November 20-21, 2025 | Hilton East Brunswick, East Brunswick, NJ

The Patient Support Services Congress returns on November 20-21, 2025, at the Hilton East Brunswick, bringing together industry leaders to address the evolving landscape of patient support programs in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

Exclusive Discount for Readers

Use promo code 25DC10 to save 10% off* your registration.

This year’s congress focuses on innovative approaches to patient support amid rapid technological advancement and regulatory changes. The meticulously crafted agenda delivers a perfect blend of policy updates, strategic insights, and technical expertise for professionals looking to revolutionize their patient support initiatives.

Key Highlights for 2025:

• AI Integration in Patient Services: Explore the transformative potential of AI in patient support programs while balancing cutting-edge technology with personalized care
• Direct-to-Patient Distribution Models: Learn strategies for overcoming logistical challenges and integrating direct-to-patient channels within existing support programs
• Data Privacy and Compliance: Navigate the complexities of obtaining valid patient consent for data usage and address challenges in managing patient data rights
• Digital Therapeutics: Discover regulatory landscapes and approval processes for digital therapeutics and their seamless integration into patient support programs
• Accumulators and Maximizers: Join a closed-door summit to brainstorm with industry peers on mitigating risk from accumulators, maximizers, and alternative funding programs

Distinguished Speakers Include:

• Kristin Manzolillo, Senior Director and Team Lead, US Oncology Patient Solutions Strategy, Pfizer
• Jeffrey Vernice, Director, Patient Excellence, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Brian Campbell, Vice President and General Manager, US, Orchard Therapeutics, A Kyowa Kirin Company
• Justin Sinchul Kang, Corporate Counsel, Patient Support & Diagnostic Testing, Sanofi
• Suzanne Marinakos, Senior Director, Patient Solutions & Field Reimbursement, Novo Nordisk
• Charles Husser, Federal Affairs Manager, Department of Advocacy and Access, Arthritis Foundation
• And so many more!

The congress offers diverse session formats including expert panels, spotlight sessions, interactive benchmarking, and dedicated case studies. Strategically timed networking breaks and a vibrant evening reception provide ample opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders.

This is the only event on the market uniting both compliance and operational teams, making it an essential gathering for anyone involved in patient support services.

Register today for this immersive event experience that will leave you energized, inspired, and equipped with strategies to enhance your patient support programs. View the agenda today and join us this November!

Drug Channels readers—Save 10% off the current registration rate with promo code 25DC10*. Register today.

*Offer applies to current rates only and may not be combined with other offers, category rates, promotions or applied to an existing registration. Offer not valid on workshop only or academic/non-profit registrations.

The content of Sponsored Posts does not necessarily reflect the views of HMP Omnimedia, LLC, Drug Channels Institute, its parent company, or any of its employees. To find out how you can publish an event post on Drug Channels, please contact Paula Fein (paula@DrugChannels.net).

       

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Today’s guest post comes from Carolyn Zele, Advisor, Solution Consulting at MMIT.

Carolyn explores how access to BIN/PCN/Group (BPG) data—the three key identifiers on pharmacy benefit cards—can shape the benefit verification process for patient support services programs. By linking this data to claims systems and APIs, companies may be able to accelerate verification, reduce regulatory complexity, and better align financial assistance with patient needs.

Click here to learn about MMIT’s Bridging as Service solution for benefit verification.

Read on for Carolyn’s insights.

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