Key Takeaways from the 2024 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit

• Pharma manufacturers have an increased desire to streamline Patient Support Services offerings with Specialty Pharmacy services to eliminate patient confusion and duplication of efforts. The market perception is that cutting out the intermediary could result in fewer redundancies and positively affect Gross-to-Net – but is this the correct position for their brand?

• One size does not fit all! There is an increased focus on customizing Patient Support Programs to fulfill patient needs, rather than following suit in the industry. Instead of offering every service available, focus on those services that add value.

• Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs) IDN Network Administrators, while getting traction, still need a more sophisticated model to satisfy pharma’s expectations

• Pharma manufacturers are interested in alternative distribution models. They are considering more third-party logistics services provided by Independent 3PLs rather than just focusing on the “Big 3” of McKesson, Cencora, and Cardinal. We anticipate this trend to create innovative options like new service providers or even more direct sales to the end-user customer—a movement that has been building for the last few years.

• GLP-1s have been a game changer for the industry and are expected to continue growing due to high obesity rates in the U.S. and their expansion into other indications. Assuming the drug becomes more available than in 2023, demand and utilization will remain strong for 2024. The impact this will have on the economics of the US Healthcare system may be dramatic.

• Adopting a Value-based care mindset is critical to encouraging innovation and ensuring the sustainability of our healthcare system. Value-based care will advance health equity, allowing patients to achieve optimal health outcomes.

• Last but certainly not least, Jon Mahrt, President of OptumRx’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager and Chief Operating Officer, OptumRx, shared this in his Asembia session: “Unaffordable innovation is useless.” His team covered the challenges presented by current drug trends and those on the horizon. The biggest takeaway? Plan sponsors must balance delivering pharmacy benefits in an affordable and accessible way.

Archbow Consulting helps pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the USA and Europe design, build, and optimize product distribution and patient access strategies. Archbow was founded by industry veterans to meet a need in the marketplace for consulting options that offer diverse real-world experience, are able to leverage deep connections across the industry, and can also provide actionable strategic guidance. We invite you to learn more about our team, services, and clients’ success, and connect with us via email, LinkedIn or subscribing to this blog which you can do below.

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