Dr. Robert Popovian and Conner Mertens dive into the problematic practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that prioritize profits over patient access to affordable medications. Focusing on the case of a generic asthma medication offered at a discount yet overlooked by PBMs, the hosts explore the deep-seated issues of misaligned incentives in health care. They also discuss innovative solutions to bypass the traditional pharmaceutical distribution system, aiming to enhance patient access and affordability.

Join our hosts as they explore the complexities of health care economics and the path towards a more equitable system.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:21: Our hosts discuss the problematic practices of PBMs, such as refusing to cover cheaper, generic medications for profit motives

03:08: Dr. Popovian explains how rebate systems influence PBMs to prefer higher-priced brand-name drugs over generics, leading to misaligned incentives that do not favor cost savings for patients or employers

04:36: Our hosts touch upon how PBMs exclude drugs from formularies, not for efficacy reasons but for profit, impacting patient access and savings negatively

05:49: Dr. Popovian speaks on the potential benefits of pharmaceutical companies selling directly to consumers, bypassing PBMs and insurers, and how it could save patients money and increase access

10:01: Our hosts discuss how direct-to-consumer sales, and other models like direct sales to health providers or employers, could challenge the current pharmaceutical distribution system dominated by PBMs

13:09: Dr. Popovian and Conner discuss the importance of seeking ways to make health care more accessible and affordable

14:27: Conner shares his thanks and reflections as he says goodbye to the series

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Conner Mertens, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF: cmertens@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Manager of Programs & Special Projects at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

Dr. Robert Popovian and Conner Mertens dive into the problematic practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that prioritize profits over patient access to affordable medications. Focusing on the case of a generic asthma medication offered at a discount yet overlooked by PBMs, the hosts explore the deep-seated issues of misaligned incentives in health care. They also discuss innovative solutions to bypass the traditional pharmaceutical distribution system, aiming to enhance patient access and affordability.
Join our hosts as they explore the complexities of health care economics and the path towards a more equitable system.
Among the highlights in this episode:
02:21: Our hosts discuss the problematic practices of PBMs, such as refusing to cover cheaper, generic medications for profit motives
03:08: Dr. Popovian explains how rebate systems influence PBMs to prefer higher-priced brand-name drugs over generics, leading to misaligned incentives that do not favor cost savings for patients or employers
04:36: Our hosts touch upon how PBMs exclude drugs from formularies, not for efficacy reasons but for profit, impacting patient access and savings negatively
05:49: Dr. Popovian speaks on the potential benefits of pharmaceutical companies selling directly to consumers, bypassing PBMs and insurers, and how it could save patients money and increase access
10:01: Our hosts discuss how direct-to-consumer sales, and other models like direct sales to health providers or employers, could challenge the current pharmaceutical distribution system dominated by PBMs
13:09: Dr. Popovian and Conner discuss the importance of seeking ways to make health care more accessible and affordable
14:27: Conner shares his thanks and reflections as he says goodbye to the series
Contact Our Hosts
Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: <a href="mailto:rpopovian@ghlf.org">rpopovian@ghlf.org</a>
Conner Mertens, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF: <a href="mailto:cmertens@ghlf.org">cmertens@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Manager of Programs &amp; Special Projects at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

Welcome to Healthcare Matters! In this podcast, we talk about 'matters' in healthcare and why it matters to you! 

Our host Ben Blanc will speak with our talented Chief Science Officer Robert Popovian. And together, we will take on some pretty complex topics and distil them, so everyone can understand what is happening in the world of healthcare. 

The show is brought to you by the Global Healthy Living Foundation. 

www.ghlf.org

Welcome to Healthcare Matters! In this podcast, we talk about 'matters' in healthcare and why it matters to you! 
Our host Ben Blanc will speak with our talented Chief Science Officer Robert Popovian. And together, we will take on some pretty complex topics and distil them, so everyone can understand what is happening in the world of healthcare. 
The show is brought to you by the Global Healthy Living Foundation. 
www.ghlf.org

Healthcare Matters

A podcast that pulls back the curtain to help you make sense of complex healthcare economics and policy issues. Our goal is to help simplify the complexities in healthcare economics and policy issues for you.

The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF and Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

A podcast that pulls back the curtain to help you make sense of complex healthcare economics and policy issues. Our goal is to help simplify the complexities in healthcare economics and policy issues for you.
The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF and Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

S4, Ep 10- PBM Practices Uncovered: A Closer Look at Drug Pricing

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc bring you essential takeaways from the World Vaccine Congress. Joined by guests Abby Bownas, leader of the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) and the American Disease Prevention Coalition (ADPC), and Dr. Thomas Acciani, Director of U.S. Vaccine Policy at GSK, they delve into their significant roles within the vaccine landscape and discuss the overarching importance of the congress. Dr. Popovian highlights the latest advancements in vaccine research conducted by GHLF and their research partner IQVIA Human Data Sciences.

This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of vaccine development and deployment. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the field of vaccines.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:20: Dr. Popovian shares his recent participation to the World Vaccine Congress, including his roles as a presenter and panel moderator, offering insights into the significance of the event

02:43: Dr. Popovian and Abby Bownas discuss the importance of increasing adult vaccination rates and the federal and policy opportunities that can help achieve this goal 

04:13: Abby explains the role of the American Disease Prevention Coalition (ADPC) in supporting pharmacists as vaccinators across different states, highlighting the variation in vaccination rules and authority levels

05:06: Dr. Popovian and Abby discuss the broad coalition of partners involved in ADPC, including pharmacists, vaccine makers, patient groups, and advocacy organizations. They emphasize the coalition's efforts to harmonize state laws on pharmacist vaccination authority before federal temporary provisions expire

06:53: Abby stresses the collaborative effort required among all providers to improve vaccine access and uptake, making the case for pharmacies and physicians to work together effectively

08:23: Dr. Acciani describes his role at GSK and the importance of addressing policy barriers to enhance patient access to vaccines, stressing the collaboration with public and private sectors to remove these obstacles

09:17: Dr. Popovian and Dr. Acciani discuss the need to eliminate unnecessary policy barriers to improve vaccination accessibility, advocating for a "no wrong door" policy where patients can receive vaccinations immediately upon request

11:20: Dr. Popovian presents findings from a study on Medicaid reimbursement and its correlation with vaccine uptake, emphasizing the impact of economic incentives on vaccination rates

13:50: Dr. Popovian discusses GHLF’s research on immunization access and its correlation with reimbursement strategies, particularly focusing on the disparities in vaccination rates among different socio-economic groups

15: 57: Dr. Popovian discusses the challenges faced by immunocompromised patients in accessing vaccines, discussing the significant barriers that persist despite insurance coverage

17:27: Dr. Popovian shares insights on future research directions for GHLF, including a study on vaccine uptake challenges among immunocompromised patients and the potential policy interventions to reduce barriers to vaccination

20:10: Dr. Popovian reflects on the broader implications of vaccine research beyond infectious diseases, pointing to exciting developments in oncology vaccines and their potential impact on public health

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc bring you essential takeaways from the World Vaccine Congress. Joined by guests Abby Bownas, leader of the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) and the American Disease Prevention Coalition (ADPC), and Dr. Thomas Acciani, Director of U.S. Vaccine Policy at GSK, they delve into their significant roles within the vaccine landscape and discuss the overarching importance of the congress. Dr. Popovian highlights the latest advancements in vaccine research conducted by GHLF and their research partner IQVIA Human Data Sciences.
This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of vaccine development and deployment. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the field of vaccines.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:20: Dr. Popovian shares his recent participation to the World Vaccine Congress, including his roles as a presenter and panel moderator, offering insights into the significance of the event
02:43: Dr. Popovian and Abby Bownas discuss the importance of increasing adult vaccination rates and the federal and policy opportunities that can help achieve this goal 
04:13: Abby explains the role of the American Disease Prevention Coalition (ADPC) in supporting pharmacists as vaccinators across different states, highlighting the variation in vaccination rules and authority levels
05:06: Dr. Popovian and Abby discuss the broad coalition of partners involved in ADPC, including pharmacists, vaccine makers, patient groups, and advocacy organizations. They emphasize the coalition's efforts to harmonize state laws on pharmacist vaccination authority before federal temporary provisions expire
06:53: Abby stresses the collaborative effort required among all providers to improve vaccine access and uptake, making the case for pharmacies and physicians to work together effectively
08:23: Dr. Acciani describes his role at GSK and the importance of addressing policy barriers to enhance patient access to vaccines, stressing the collaboration with public and private sectors to remove these obstacles
09:17: Dr. Popovian and Dr. Acciani discuss the need to eliminate unnecessary policy barriers to improve vaccination accessibility, advocating for a "no wrong door" policy where patients can receive vaccinations immediately upon request
11:20: Dr. Popovian presents findings from a study on Medicaid reimbursement and its correlation with vaccine uptake, emphasizing the impact of economic incentives on vaccination rates
13:50: Dr. Popovian discusses GHLF’s research on immunization access and its correlation with reimbursement strategies, particularly focusing on the disparities in vaccination rates among different socio-economic groups
15: 57: Dr. Popovian discusses the challenges faced by immunocompromised patients in accessing vaccines, discussing the significant barriers that persist despite insurance coverage
17:27: Dr. Popovian shares insights on future research directions for GHLF, including a study on vaccine uptake challenges among immunocompromised patients and the potential policy interventions to reduce barriers to vaccination
20:10: Dr. Popovian reflects on the broader implications of vaccine research beyond infectious diseases, pointing to exciting developments in oncology vaccines and their potential impact on public health
Contact Our Hosts
Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: <a href="mailto:rpopovian@ghlf.org">rpopovian@ghlf.org</a>
Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: <a href="mailto:bblanc@ghlf.org">bblanc@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

S5, Ep 5- Frontiers in Immunization: Learnings from the World Vaccine Congress

In this episode, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc are joined by Kate Hudson, Associate Vice President and Counsel for Government Relations and Public Policy at the Association of American Universities, to dissect the complex issue of march-in rights. They delve into how this regulation negatively influences the partnership between public research and private sector investment, which is crucial for supporting biopharmaceutical innovation from university labs to a patient’s bedside. The episode reveals march-in rights' potential risks and benefits, especially how the policy might impact innovation and patient access to future therapies.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:25: Researchers found that 75% of all Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs between January 2008 and December 2017 were funded and researched by private companies, with only 19% of the approved drugs having origins in publicly supported research and development, and 6% originating in companies that were spun from publicly supported research programs

03:48: Kate shares her professional journey and current role at the Association of American Universities

06:06: Kate explains the concept of march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act, detailing its purpose, application, and implications for intellectual property generated from federally funded research

09:52: Dr. Popovian describes his involvement with University Pharmco and its mission to promote research commercialization, emphasizing the potential impact of march-in rights on such initiatives

12:19: Kate addresses why the debate around march-in rights is crucial from a patient's perspective, particularly concerning the potential chilling effect on innovation and drug development

17:18: Kate provides her perspective on how march-in rights could influence private sector investment, potentially driving it outside the United States, and discusses the international adoption of similar legislative frameworks

19:54: Dr. Popovian shares some final thoughts

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc are joined by Kate Hudson, Associate Vice President and Counsel for Government Relations and Public Policy at the Association of American Universities, to dissect the complex issue of march-in rights. They delve into how this regulation negatively influences the partnership between public research and private sector investment, which is crucial for supporting biopharmaceutical innovation from university labs to a patient’s bedside. The episode reveals march-in rights' potential risks and benefits, especially how the policy might impact innovation and patient access to future therapies.
Among the highlights in this episode:
02:25: Researchers found that 75% of all Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs between January 2008 and December 2017 were funded and researched by private companies, with only 19% of the approved drugs having origins in publicly supported research and development, and 6% originating in companies that were spun from publicly supported research programs
03:48: Kate shares her professional journey and current role at the Association of American Universities
06:06: Kate explains the concept of march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act, detailing its purpose, application, and implications for intellectual property generated from federally funded research
09:52: Dr. Popovian describes his involvement with University Pharmco and its mission to promote research commercialization, emphasizing the potential impact of march-in rights on such initiatives
12:19: Kate addresses why the debate around march-in rights is crucial from a patient's perspective, particularly concerning the potential chilling effect on innovation and drug development
17:18: Kate provides her perspective on how march-in rights could influence private sector investment, potentially driving it outside the United States, and discusses the international adoption of similar legislative frameworks
19:54: Dr. Popovian shares some final thoughts
Contact Our Hosts
Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: <a href="mailto:rpopovian@ghlf.org">rpopovian@ghlf.org</a>
Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: <a href="mailto:bblanc@ghlf.org">bblanc@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

S5, Ep 4- Balancing Act: March-In Rights and Medical Innovation

Join Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc for a special live episode from the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, DC, where they delve into the latest developments in vaccine policy and economic research. This episode spotlights the congress's role as a vital hub for collaboration and innovation in the vaccine industry.

Tune in to get an insider's view of the pivotal conversations shaping the future of vaccines.

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

Join Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc for a special live episode from the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, DC, where they delve into the latest developments in vaccine policy and economic research. This episode spotlights the congress's role as a vital hub for collaboration and innovation in the vaccine industry.   Tune in to get an insider's view of the pivotal conversations shaping the future of vaccines.
Contact Our Hosts
Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: <a href="mailto:rpopovian@ghlf.org">rpopovian@ghlf.org</a>
Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: <a href="mailto:bblanc@ghlf.org">bblanc@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

S4, Ep 10- PBM Practices Uncovered: A Closer Look at Drug Pricing

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