Category: Medicine

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/FreshIdea.com The FDA has approved an expanded access program that will provide an alternative for Tice BCG—a Merck medication that treats various types of bladder cancer—to patients in the United States.1 A rise in global demand has resulted in supply shortages of Tice BCG in the country, which have impacted the treatment […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Laura Johnson, senior director of sales, life sciences, Loftware, discusses how supply chain collaboration is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. According to Johnson, the adoption of cloud-enabled collaborative supply chains is crucial for improving real-time data sharing. This enhances visibility and coordination […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/AndrzejTokarski.com After revealing a plan in which the United States would match the tax rates of what trading partners also charge on imports (as a way to balance the trade scales),1 President Trump recently announced that that he would impose a tariff of 25% or higher on pharmaceuticals, according to Reuters.2 […]

Navigating Distrust: Pharma in the Age of Social Media Ian Baer, Founder and CEO of Sooth, discusses how the growing distrust in social media will impact industry marketing strategies and the relationships between pharmaceutical companies and the patients they aim to serve. He also explains dark social, how to combat misinformation, closing the trust gap, […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Itsaree.com Many would agree that over the past five years or so, telehealth has skyrocketed in popularity, as another way to provide clinical healthcare, increasing access to mental health and managed care.1-4 Nevertheless, this is a double-edged sword—for all its benefits, the argument could also be made that telehealth could worsen […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Laura Johnson, senior director of sales, life sciences, Loftware, discusses how supply chain collaboration is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. According to Johnson, the adoption of cloud-enabled collaborative supply chains is crucial for improving real-time data sharing. This enhances visibility and coordination […]

The ChloraPrep Clear 1 mL Applicator. Image Credit: BD Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), a medical technology (MedTech) company that produces and sells medical devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products, is voluntarily recalling one lot of its ChloraPrep Clear 1 mL Applicators, due to fungal contamination.1 Under certain environmental conditions, the growth of Aspergillus penicillioides […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, James Shehan, chair of the FDA Regulatory practice at Lowenstein Sandler, discusses the potential impact of upcoming tariffs on pharmaceutical supply chains, focusing on Canada, Mexico, and China. He believes that tariffs on Mexico and Canada would have minimal effects on supply chains, as the pharmaceutical industry sources […]

Mike Hennessy Jr., President and CEO, MJH Life Sciences 2025 is upon us, officially marking a quarter of a century since Y2K and the midpoint of the decade. There is no doubt that time does quickly fly by, and with that, the February issue of Pharmaceutical Commerce has arrived just as swiftly. The first edition […]

Pharmaceutical Commerce – February 2025 Issue (PDF) Beyond the GLP-1 Headlines Conference Connect: Navigating the Future of Pharma Trade 3PLs: From Resilience to Sustainability The Prominence of Pharmacy Deserts Breaking Point: How 2025 Will Reshape Patient Support Services M&A in Pharma: Balancing Growth and Risk Welcome to the ‘Dark Side’ Closing the Health Literacy and […]

PwC Report Identifies Top Trends in Pharma PwC report identifies transformative trends impacting the pharma market this year and into the future. As Use Becomes More Widespread, Counseling About Cannabis Use Is Crucial The trend toward higher-potency marijuana could pose additional, unknown risks. DOGE Cuts Pose Risk to Largest Government Contractors The Trump administration’s moves […]

How Pharma Can Effectively Combat Misinformation/Disinformation In this part of his Pharmaceutical Executive video interview, Ian Baer, Founder & CEO of Sooth, identifies strategies pharmaceutical companies can use to combat misinformation on social media. Partnering for Women’s Health: The Pharmacist’s Collaborative Role Panelists discuss how health care professionals collaborate through interdisciplinary teams, integrated care coordination, […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/IrisFocus.com Axplora, a partner to pharma companies and biotechs for complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), is investing $52.5 million into its Mourenx plant in Southwest France, as it looks to bolster its capabilities in the areas of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This specific project will concentrate on large-scale API industrial chemistry and chromatography, and the company believes it will augment Mourenx’s services […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jenna Dale, direct of client relations at Cencora, shares how pharmaceutical manufacturers are able to handle supply chain disruptions. She explains that while these issues may arise due to political or environmental factors, they aren’t new challenges for the industry. Manufacturers have faced similar hurdles before and are […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Bernice.com Earlier this afternoon, President Trump revealed a plan in which the United States would match the tax rates of what trading partners also charge on imports, as a way to balance the trade scales, according to a report published by AP. The timeline for these reciprocal tariffs to be completed […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jenna Dale, direct of client relations at Cencora, shares how pharmaceutical manufacturers are able to handle supply chain disruptions. She explains that while these issues may arise due to political or environmental factors, they aren’t new challenges for the industry. Manufacturers have faced similar hurdles before and are […]

Image Credit: UPS Healthcare UPS Healthcare has unveiled three new specialized cross-docking facilities in Milan, Italy; Frankfurt. Germany; and Mexico City, Mexico.1 The plants will be providing support for pharma packages that have various time and temperature control requirements. In a climate where 80% of pharma products in Europe are now requiring some sort of […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jenna Dale, direct of client relations at Cencora, shares how pharmaceutical manufacturers are able to handle supply chain disruptions. She explains that while these issues may arise due to political or environmental factors, they aren’t new challenges for the industry. Manufacturers have faced similar hurdles before and are […]

Industry professionals in the trade and channel space convened at the W Philadelphia for Informa Connect’s Trade & Channel Strategies to discuss a plethora of topics, including channel strategy, distribution, reimbursement, and product strategy, to name a few. Pharmaceutical Commerce was in attendance, providing behind-the-scenes coverage. The sessions covered included: “2024 Year-in-Review and Preview of […]

Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) have an essential role in the pharmaceutical supply chain: handling the logistics of certain products that are unable to be accomplished by a manufacturer, distributor, or dispenser, whether that be due to lack of resources, cost, product complexity, or other reasons. For the second consecutive year, Pharmaceutical Commerce sought to uncover […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Anusorn.com PHC Corporation—a healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across various industries including the life sciences—has signed a master collaboration agreement with the Center for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM)—a public-private partnership that prioritizes the commercialization of regenerative medicine-based tech—surrounding the design of primary T-cell expansion culture processes.1 […]

In recent years, the landscape of retail pharmacy has changed significantly due to massive financial, legislative, and social pressures, creating a challenging environment for both large and small pharmacies, and resulting in some having to close their doors. With news of pharmacy closures frequently making headlines, questions have arisen about the consequences for communities that […]

Overall Impact of AI-Driven Discovery Platforms In this Pharmaceutical Executive video interview, Edoardo Madussi, Head of Business Development, Intelligencia AI compares and discusses the potential impact of AI-driven drug discovery platforms. Caring for the Caregiver: Prioritizing Well-Being as a Pharmacist Pharmacists are essential health care providers, bridging the gap between patients and optimal health outcomes. […]

Introducing a new Pharma Commerce column focused on combating illicit trade and protecting product integrity—and ultimately patients.

The pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a resurgence of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) as companies seek to gain a competitive edge, accelerate innovation, and drive growth. By consolidating resources, expanding market reach, and acquiring valuable intellectual property, pharmaceutical organizations are reshaping the industry landscape. However, these deals come with significant risks that must be carefully managed […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/NLawrenson.com After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the US government declared a public health emergency, and the individual states provided continuous Medicaid coverage to enrollees. Not only did the Families First Coronavirus Response Act grant states additional Medicaid funding, the states were also not allowed to remove patients […]

2024 was a pivotal year for the patient support landscape, as the space underwent a substantial shift shaped by market dynamics, regulatory changes, and the evolving needs of patients. After a quarter marked by intense discussions at industry conferences and candid conversations with pharmaceutical leaders grappling with unprecedented change, one thing is clear: 2025 will […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Alex Guillen, global pharma and life sciences director at Tive, highlights a significant concern: the rapid advancement of technology and its potential misuse by organized crime. While technology itself is not inherently dangerous, the pharma industry’s slow adoption of emerging tech, such as IoT devices, sensors, and cloud-based […]

A bipartisan government funding deal at the end of last year initially included reforms of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that would limit their ability to use rebates as a major profit center. PBM reform was excluded from the final government funding deal, but there continues to be strong support in Congress to address the subject. […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, James Shehan, chair of the FDA Regulatory practice at Lowenstein Sandler, discusses the potential impact of upcoming tariffs on pharmaceutical supply chains, focusing on Canada, Mexico, and China. He believes that tariffs on Mexico and Canada would have minimal effects on supply chains, as the pharmaceutical industry sources […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/TadaImages.com Merck’s recent earnings call revealed that although the company generated worldwide sales of $64.2 billion—an 7% increase over 2023—the company will be temporarily suspending Gardasil shipments to China until at least June, citing a decline in sales and excess inventory that needs to be cleared as the main reasons behind […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jenna Dale, direct of client relations at Cencora, shares how pharmaceutical manufacturers are able to handle supply chain disruptions. She explains that while these issues may arise due to political or environmental factors, they aren’t new challenges for the industry. Manufacturers have faced similar hurdles before and are […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Tangtong.com After initially ordering 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico over the weekend,1 President Trump announced yesterday that a 30-day pause has been placed on these, per AP.2 The pause will allow time for negotiations on the immigration (via increased border security) and drug trafficking front to occur. Canada will be […]

The specialty pharmacy channel plays a pivotal role in supporting patients who require complex and life-changing therapies. These pharmacies not only distribute specialty medications but also deliver critical patient support services, such as adherence programs, financial assistance navigation, and clinical expertise. Recognizing this importance, pharmaceutical manufacturers invest significant resources into engaging the specialty pharmacy channel […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Supapich.com President Trump signed three executive orders over the weekend, ordering tariffs on three key US trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China. These taxes on imports, Trump says, stem from the threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including fentanyl, as he declared it a national emergency under International Emergency […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Alex Guillen, global pharma and life sciences director at Tive, highlights a significant concern: the rapid advancement of technology and its potential misuse by organized crime. While technology itself is not inherently dangerous, the pharma industry’s slow adoption of emerging tech, such as IoT devices, sensors, and cloud-based […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Alex Guillen, global pharma and life sciences director at Tive, highlights a significant concern: the rapid advancement of technology and its potential misuse by organized crime. While technology itself is not inherently dangerous, the pharma industry’s slow adoption of emerging tech, such as IoT devices, sensors, and cloud-based […]

Fair Market Value (FMV) is a legal concept in the pharmaceutical industry that defines the appropriate amount to pay for services. It’s a critical component of compensation arrangements and a regulatory compliance issue. FMV reports help determine the value of bona fide service fees rendered during government price reporting and provide financial guardrails during wholesaler […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Ed Schoonveld, value & access advisor for Schoonveld Advisory and author of The Price of Global Health, points out that the latest 15 drugs chosen for price negotiations under Medicare Part Dare not “negotiations” but rather government-mandated price reductions, based on a percentage discount determined by how far […]

The Future of Fertility: AI, Personalized Medicine, and Ethical Considerations Dr. Lawrence B. Werlin, MD, FACOG of HRC Fertility (@md.lawrence.werlin on TikTok), discusses how to combat the spread of misinformation on social media, opportunities that social media presents, advancements in fertility technology, and more. Navigating the Enhanced Oncology Model: Insights and Strategies From American Oncology […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Andranik123.com The FDA has officially approved Celltrion’s Avtozma (CT-P47, tocilizumab-anoh) in both an intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulation as a biosimilar to Actemra.1 This biosimilar is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and COVID-19.2 The agency’s decision was […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Ed Schoonveld, value & access advisor for Schoonveld Advisory and author of The Price of Global Health, points out that the latest 15 drugs chosen for price negotiations under Medicare Part Dare not “negotiations” but rather government-mandated price reductions, based on a percentage discount determined by how far […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/K KStock.com The World Health Organization notes that obesity—a chronic disease defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more—can result in a multitude of severe health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney diseases, hepatic steatosis, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.1 In the United States, its prevalence […]

Treating Disruptive Symptom’s in Crohn’s Patients The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recently issued a positive opinion for the use of Omvoh for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s in adults. Mark Genovese, MD, senior vice president at Lilly Immunology Development, spoke with Pharmaceutical Executive about the importance of […]

Left to right: Paul Kelsall (director of clinical manufacturing), Nikki Whitfield (CEO), Ian Lafferty (chief technical officer), and Jon Austwick (director of quality & compliance) Upperton Pharma Solutions, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has completed the construction of its new 7,000 square-foot sterile manufacturing facility in Nottingham, UK,1 joining the pre-existing 50,000 square-foot […]

The Regulatory Response to Abuse-Deterrent Drugs Paul Howe, chief commercial officer at Protega Pharma, discusses how regulatory agencies are updating their policies based on the presence of abuse-deterrent medications. USP Calls for Pharmacists to Volunteer to Advance Global Public Health Standards Farah Towfic, PharmD, MBA, RPh, explains the importance of USP’s expert volunteer recruitment, particularly […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Janews094com Dual-eligible individuals—those who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid—help drive spending in both programs,1 especially since their care needs and social risk factors are associated with high care utilization.2 However, there are reportedly high costs among this segment of beneficiaries, due to in efficiencies surrounding “misaligned” incentives and issues […]

In this exclusive PC Podcast interview, Donald Prentiss, founder and CEOofQualthera, explains: The role that compounding pharmacies play in the pharmaceutical supply chain How compounding pharmacies helped bridge the gap for patients in need of their medication (especially during the tirzepatide shortage), while dispelling the notion that commercialized and compounded drugs are competing with one […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/DouceFleur.com The FDA is set to review the Biologics License Applications (BLAs) for Alvotech’s AVT05, a proposed biosimilar to Simponi and Simponi Aria, branded forms of golimumab, which is a medication prescribed to treat a multitude of inflammatory conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.1 These represent the first […]

Using Digital Therapeutics with Abuse-Deterrent Pain Medication The opioid crisis in the United States continues to cause chaos and misery. One of the main hurdles preventing the pharma industry from solving this problem is that pain-management medication is still vitally important. Paul Howe, chief commercial officer at Protega Pharma, spoke with Pharmaceutical Executive about ongoing […]

How Politics Impacts Investors in 2025 As investors react to an ever-changing political climate, Ash Shehata from KPMG explains what factors they’re paying attention to. Pharmacies Struggle Amid California Wildfires, Continue to Provide Much Needed Medication to Patients Pharmacies are actively working to address issues and support their patients by collaborative with regulatory bodies like […]

Pharma Forecasting: Key Markets Investors Can’t Ignore The importance of expanding your pharma sales forecasting horizon beyond the US. Learn how to effectively navigate country-specific regulatory red flags. Moderna Awarded $590 Million for Bird Flu Vaccine Development The development of avian influenza vaccines is the main priority amid rising cases in the United States. DeepMind’s […]

The Ups and Downs of AI for Pharma Investors Ash Shehata from KPMG discusses how artificial technology has a lot to prove, although investors still see a lot of potential in it. New Report Aims to Further Define Diagnostic Criteria for Clinical Obesity The Commission aims to provide information for clinical decision making, therapeutic interventions, […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Anderm.com AstraZeneca will be investing $570 million in Canada, which is expected to help power a move to a larger, more modern facility in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario.1 In the process, the decision will also be creating more than 700 high-skilled jobs, spanning various business sectors. By 2030, the […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Amanda Salindong, associate director of channel & distribution at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, explains how she participated in two key sessions: “Trade 101” and “Women in Trade.” The former, which she presented at both this year and last, is designed for those new to the trade function in biotech and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Carl.com In June 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in Dobbs v Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization, resulting in a change in abortion access, as individual states began enacting either total or near-total abortion bans.1,2 Even prior to this ruling, COVID-19 played its role in altering the […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Amanda Salindong, associate director of channel & distribution at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, explains how she participated in two key sessions: “Trade 101” and “Women in Trade.” The former, which she presented at both this year and last, is designed for those new to the trade function in biotech and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Natalia.com It could be argued that the demand for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy, both of which made the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ latest list of Part B and D drugsto be covered under this plan for price negotiations1) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Donald Prentiss, founder and CEO of Qualthera, describes how compounding pharmacies play a critical role in addressing unique and unmet medication needs that cannot be met by commercially available drugs. Their role in the pharmaceutical supply chain varies depending on the type of compounding facility: 503A or 503B. […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Donald Prentiss, founder and CEO of Qualthera, describes how compounding pharmacies play a critical role in addressing unique and unmet medication needs that cannot be met by commercially available drugs. Their role in the pharmaceutical supply chain varies depending on the type of compounding facility: 503A or 503B. […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Zimmytws.com As of Jan. 1 of this year, Medicare drug plans will be limiting enrollees’ annual out-of-pocket (OOP) spending to $2,000, due to a provision included in the Inflation Reduction Act. Keeping this in mind, a new AARP report shows that 94% of all Part D enrollees that are expected to reach this […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Donald Prentiss, founder and CEO of Qualthera, describes how compounding pharmacies play a critical role in addressing unique and unmet medication needs that cannot be met by commercially available drugs. Their role in the pharmaceutical supply chain varies depending on the type of compounding facility: 503A or 503B. […]

Digital transformation is a non-linear journey. New technologies are introduced, but there are often growing pains and delays before they’re fully functional and integrated. Fortunately, we’re at a pivotal time in the healthcare industry. Data and technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) are uniting to up-level our processes, capabilities, and—most importantly—patient care. Below is a […]

Engaging Patients: Why Pharma’s Direct-to-Patient Approach Should Be Applauded Physicians remain central even as DTP programs are implemented. Telehealth, the Fully Hybridized Version | Prediction for 2025 Lyle Berkowitz, MD, CEO of KeyCare, gives a prediction for 2025. OpenAI Courts Trump With Vision for ‘AI in America’ The maker of ChatGPT hopes to spur investment […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/ВладГащук.com Building off the momentum of the first round of 10 prescription drugs1 for individuals with Medicare Care Part D, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revealed its choices for the 15 latest drugs to be covered under this plan for price negotiations.2 As stated in the Inflation Reduction […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Donald Prentiss, founder and CEO of Qualthera, describes how compounding pharmacies play a critical role in addressing unique and unmet medication needs that cannot be met by commercially available drugs. Their role in the pharmaceutical supply chain varies depending on the type of compounding facility: 503A or 503B. […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Adrian_Ilie825.com The latest staff report from the FTC revealed that CVS Caremark Express Scripts, and OptumRx (OptumRx) also known as the “Big 3” pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—hiked up the prices of various specialty generic drugs that were dispensed at their affiliated pharmacies by as much as thousands of percent, resulting in […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Donald Prentiss, founder and CEO of Qualthera, describes how compounding pharmacies play a critical role in addressing unique and unmet medication needs that cannot be met by commercially available drugs. Their role in the pharmaceutical supply chain varies depending on the type of compounding facility: 503A or 503B. […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Microgen.com Via its wholly owned subsidiary Speros FL, an innovation life sciences hub, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Cryoport, a temperature-controlled supply chain solution provider for the life sciences industry, will be collaborating in the name for biorepository services, which is centered around the storage of biological specimens.1 Cryoport’s business unit, Cryogene, specializes in […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Mark Jara, founder and CTO of RxS, dives into how the sample distribution process in the pharmaceutical industry has evolved significantly over the years. A major change has been the reduction in the size of sales teams. In the past, organizations had large sales forces with 5,000-10,000 representatives, […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Eyetronic.com Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A., a biopharmaceutical company that develops therapies for diseases impacting the central and peripheral nervous system, and Myung In Pharm Co. Ltd., a CNS specialist pharma company in South Korea, are partnering up to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Newron’s modulator of the excessive release of glutamate known as […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Mark Jara, founder and CTO of RxS, dives into how the sample distribution process in the pharmaceutical industry has evolved significantly over the years. A major change has been the reduction in the size of sales teams. In the past, organizations had large sales forces with 5,000-10,000 representatives, […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Melita.com Johnson & Johnson will be purchasing all outstanding shares of Intra-Cellular Therapies, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for central nervous system disorders, for $132.00 per share in cash, in a deal valued at approximately $14.6 billion.1 “Building on our nearly 70-year legacy in neuroscience, this […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Mark Jara, founder and CTO of RxS, dives into how the sample distribution process in the pharmaceutical industry has evolved significantly over the years. A major change has been the reduction in the size of sales teams. In the past, organizations had large sales forces with 5,000-10,000 representatives, […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jon Kostas,executive director of the APP, discusses how the main goals and priorities of the APP are to serve as a trusted industry voice in the realm of psychedelics, aiming to provide clarity in an area that is often confusing due to the wide range of information and […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jon Kostas,executive director of the APP, discusses how the main goals and priorities of the APP are to serve as a trusted industry voice in the realm of psychedelics, aiming to provide clarity in an area that is often confusing due to the wide range of information and […]

The Impact of Digital Transformation in 2025 According to a new report from Deloitte, the life sciences industry will have a transformative year. The industry faces renewed scrutiny over pricing and access, but new technologies are providing new solutions. Pete Lyons, vice and US life sciences sector leader at Deloitte Pete Lyons discusses the report’s […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/LcDesign.com The FDA will be reviewing the regulatory application of a prefilled syringe presentation of GSK’s Shingrix, which is a recombinant zoster vaccine (RSV) for preventing shingles (herpes zoster). Shingles results from the the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.1 By the age of 50, VZV can […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Santoelia.com Novo Nordisk and Valo Health have entered into an expanded agreement that revolves around the discovery and development of new treatments for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD).1 The partnership will be powered by artificial intelligence, along with Valo’s human dataset and computation experience. This partnership dates back […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Mark Jara, founder and CTO of RxS, dives into how the sample distribution process in the pharmaceutical industry has evolved significantly over the years. A major change has been the reduction in the size of sales teams. In the past, organizations had large sales forces with 5,000-10,000 representatives, […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Ven.com Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a science and technology company, recently launched a beta version of M-Trust, a secure cyber-physical trust platform, which has been designed to address issues pertaining to product safety, traceability and counterfeiting, issues that pose as challenges to the life science industry.1 M-Trust reportedly allows companies to boost […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jon Kostas,executive director of the APP, discusses how the main goals and priorities of the APP are to serve as a trusted industry voice in the realm of psychedelics, aiming to provide clarity in an area that is often confusing due to the wide range of information and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/FreshIdea.com Routine cancer screenings are known to help with both early detection and prevention of cancers, especially more invasive ones. As a result, there is potential for lowering the risk of advanced-stage diagnoses, which could result in more negative clinical outcomes. However, there continue to be differences in evidence-based adherence to […]

Local Pharmacies and Decentralized Clinical Trials It’s become increasingly clear that a lack of diversity in clinical trials is a major issue for the pharmaceutical industry. While the problem has been identified, the industry is still struggling to find solutions. Shelli Pavone, president and co-founder of Inlightened, spoke with Pharmaceutical Executive about this issue and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Weyo.com In a transaction expected to close the first half of the year, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, will be purchasing WuXi Vaccines’ 167,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Dundalk, Co Louth in Ireland.1 The investment indicates MSD’s interest in long-term expansion in that country, and […]

FDA Issues Draft Guidance on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Supporting Regulatory Decisions This framework marks the agency’s first official recommendation on the use of AI in drug development. Strategic AI Budgeting for Pharmacies in 2025 Pharmacies can strategically invest in AI technologies to streamline operations and improve patient care while addressing cost challenges […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Photography09.com MVE Biological Solutions, who is not only a producer of high-quality cryogenic freezers and dewars, but a Cryoport company as well, has registered all three of its manufacturing facilities (located in Ball Ground, GA; New Prague, Minnesota; and Chengdu, China) with the FDA.1 All of the company’s pertinent MVE-manufactured cryogenic […]

Biotech in the Empire State: Building a World-Class Bioscience Ecosystem in New York Jennifer Hawks Bland, CEO of NewYorkBIO, shares her inspiring journey from a legal career to leading New York’s burgeoning bioscience ecosystem. Throughout her interview with Pharmaceutical Executive, Jennifer discusses the unique strengths of New York as a biotech hub, including its world-renowned […]

Copay, Reimbursement, and Access Congress—an Informa Connect conference held in Philadelphia this past November—provided an essential forum for healthcare professionals, policy experts, and industry leaders to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the evolving access and reimbursement landscape. With a diverse array of panel discussions and presentations, the three-day conference shed light on […]

In this Pharmaceutical Commerce roundtable discussion, Nicholas Saraceno, editor of Pharmaceutical Commerce and the peer exchange’s moderator, alongside a panel of experts, discussed the role of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. RFID is a technology that utilizes radio waves to automatically collect and transfer data, providing efficient tracking and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/RobertKneschke.com Today, there are various health-related social needs (HRSNs) that oftentimes go unmet—such as food insecurity, transportation challenges, housing instability, and utility obstacles—which can impact a person’s health. With healthcare being considered a shared responsibility that spans multiples sectors and contributes to enhancing both the health of the population and health […]

PC: You participated in a roundtable surrounding women in trade. What were the key takeaways from that discussion? Arthurs: It was interesting to me that the people in the room had similar experiences. What they liked the most about their trade roles was that they were challenging, they learn something new every day, and the […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/NicoElNino.com Being that data and technology is a broad term, it encompasses a variety of different components, such as artificial intelligence, real-world data, and other types of digital solutions. Below are the top 3 pieces of content that we produced this year. 3. Enhancing Patient Access and Support Through Technology: A […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/AntonGvozdikov.com The editors of Pharmaceutical Commerce were fortunate enough to travel to various shows during the 2024 calendar year, including LogiPharma Europe, LogiPharma USA, Patient Assistance & Access Programs, and Traceability Seminar just to name a few. Without further ado, below are the top 3 examples that received the most traction. […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/DTheron.com Patient support can take shape in many different forms—whether it be via patient assistance, adherence, or hub services. Pharma Commerce contributors have written extensively on the aforementioned topics, but we’ve done our best to consolidate the content into five articles below. 5. Empowering Patients in a Complex Healthcare System Navigating […]

December 2nd 2024 Podcast Predictive maintenance in pharmaceutical production can help reduce downtime and increase efficiency. Grundfos Machine Health (GMH) uses artificial intelligence (AI)-driven wireless sensors to monitor motor health in real-time, identifying potential issues. This approach not only reduces maintenance costs but also ensures compliance with industry standards.

Raphael Chin Fo Sieeuw, DHL’s VP of life sciences and healthcare, Americas, uncovers: How his plethora of experience successfully prepared him to perform the required duties in his current position The latest trends that are helping to reshape and impact the pharma supply chain What can be done to combat 300 million tons of plastic […]

The Impact of DEA Telehealth Extensions on Patient Access In this part of his Pharmaceutical Executive video interview, Peter Ax, CEO of UpScriptHealth, discusses the recent DEA extensions of telehealth for controlled substances and new treatment modalities or patient populations he anticipates will become more accessible through telehealth in 2025. Hospital, Prescription Drug Spending Fuel […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Visoot.com In what is beginning to become a tradition as we wind down the year, cold chain—albeit an all-encompassing term—represents a major bucket of coverage for Pharma Commerce. Topics can include the latest in container technology when it comes to transportation, temperature monitoring, supply chain visibility, shipment-tracking software, and much more. […]

How Are Telehealth and Pharma Partnering to Revolutionize Healthcare? In this part of his Pharmaceutical Executive video interview, Peter Ax, CEO of UpScriptHealth, explores the key factors driving the increasing number of partnerships between telehealth and pharmaceutical/medical device companies. Clearing the Air: The Influence of Vaping on Smoking Cessation Pharmacists can help address nicotine addiction […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Exnoi.com As many in the industry may be aware, the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) has seen its share of developments since its inception back in November of 2013. Keeping this in mind, education has been essential in being able to accurately keep pharma stakeholders abreast on the latest, so […]

Since the pandemic, supply chains have been in a constant state of disruption. Much of that is outside of the healthcare industry’s control, so how do we control what we can control while mitigating those risks? We must continue to challenge the whole concept of what supply chains look like, imagining what we could achieve […]

PC: What have been some of your goals in terms of what you wanted to accomplish here at Trade & Channel Strategies? Hamrick: I always look at Trade & Channel as a nice capstone to the year. It’s a great time to assess what’s been accomplished in the year and get ready for the coming […]

Leveraging Telehealth to Improve Access to Rare and Complex Disease Care In this part of his Pharmaceutical Executive video interview, Peter Ax, CEO of UpScriptHealth, discusses the role of telehealth he envisions when it comes to expanding access to care for patients with complex or rare diseases. Breaking Down Barriers to Care and Transforming Pharmacy […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/SnehitPhoto.com LSPedia, a provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) traceability solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, is opening a new office in Hyderabad, India, in January 2025.1 The latest decision aligns with the provider’s objective of bolstering its involvement in India’s pharma sector; it also assists other international markets and boosts customer service capabilities. […]

In this Pharmaceutical Commerce roundtable discussion, Nicholas Saraceno, editor of Pharmaceutical Commerce and the peer exchange’s moderator, alongside a panel of experts, discussed the role of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. RFID is a technology that utilizes radio waves to automatically collect and transfer data, providing efficient tracking and […]

PC: In what ways does return on invested capital (ROIC) differ in its significance for biopharmaceutical companies compared to other industries, considering the unique R&D cycles and patent lifespans? Trombetta: So, let’s look at two companies, and you can guess who those two companies are. Why? Well, it’s because of the GLP-1 inhibitors. Those two […]

The Lifespan of Mature Drugs in 2025: Q&A with Kirsten Jacobs PharmaLex’s chief strategy officer discusses strategies to improve monetization for these drugs. Women have a Greater Genetic Risk for PTSD Women are more than twice as likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder than men, and a new study demonstrates for the first time that […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Krakenimages.com In the United States, the cancer incidence rate among men is 497 cases per 100,000 members of the population; the highest incidence rate is among non-Hispanic Black males (544 cases per every 100,000 population).1 Lung cancer was considered the leading cause of cancer deaths among men, but the incidence rates for […]

In this exclusive PC Podcast interview, Vibhu Tewary, project director, IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science, discusses: Highlights of the company’s report surrounding the “Long-term Market Sustainability for Infused Biosimilars in the US: Foundational Analytics on Emerging Risks to Sustainability” The process that constructing and piecing together a report of this magnitude entails, along with […]

PC: What specific trends have you observed in enterprise value growth and enterprise value-to-sales ratios among top biopharmaceutical companies? Trombetta: In my article, I look at seven metrics. There could be as many as 5,200 metrics. Pick your own study that you want to look at as to who’s the best. But I look at […]

Image Credit: Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk will be investing $1.2 billion toward the construction of entirely new production facility in Odense, Denmark.1 The investment holds even more weight, being that this will reportedly be the first time this century that the company is breaking ground in Denmark with the design of a new production site. Construction […]

PC: Back in August, you penned an article on “Enhancing Patient Access and Support Through Technology: A Comprehensive Assessment.” What was the premise of the piece, and why exactly do you believe the integration of AI-enabled solutions has the potential to boost patient support and engagement across numerous patient care settings? Allen: The impetus for […]

PC: What roles do patient services teams play in driving adherence within the direct-to-patient model, and what tools have been most effective? O’Meara: A patient service team can help from the initial script coming in through ongoing adherence and persistency initiatives. We’re going to help them understand where they from a reimbursement perspective are and […]

Trade & Channel Strategies’ “Balancing the GTN Bubble with Market Access Priorities” session The third and final day of Trade & Channel Strategies in Philadelphia continued its slate of thought-provoking content with a morning session on “Balancing the GTN Bubble with Market Access Priorities.”1 Moderated by Jake McDowell, VP of market access, Partner Therapeutics, he […]

Trade & Channel Strategies’ “Securing the US Supply Chain and Managing Global Products” session Day 2 of Trade & Channel Strategies took a different approach in that it offered four distinct tracks for attendees to choose from: supply chain, distribution, and logistics; pharmacy models and reimbursement strategies; data, innovation and analytics; and health systems and […]

Compliance with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) is crucial to ensure a secure and efficient pharmaceutical supply chain. Industry experts share strategies for implementing serialized data tracking, overcoming compliance challenges, and fostering collaboration across the supply chain to maintain operational efficiency and patient safety.

AI Skepticism to Adoption in the Pharma Marketing Industry In this part of her Pharmaceutical Executive video interview, Angela Tenuta, President, Full Service Agencies, at EVERSANA INTOUCH, points out how AI is proving its practical value in pharma marketing. How Biologic Treatments Are Transforming Severe Asthma Management Earlier this year, researchers of Brigham and Women’s […]

Trade & Channel Strategies’ “Health System Specialty Pharmacy (HSSP) Perspective: Lessons Learned and Considerations with Humira” session Danielle Bryan, PharmD, CSP is the program director of trade relations with ofVanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy, a role that often involves her facilitating a lot of external stakeholder relationships, including with manufacturers and payers; she’s also involved with pre- […]

In the fourth part of this roundtable discussion, key opinion leaders discuss how successful RFID use cases in the food sector can translate well to pharma, including what needs to be implemented in order to see success.

PC: Tomorrow, you will present the Industry Audit—Analyzing Top Biopharmaceuticals Performance Metrics panel. Without giving too much away, can you briefly dive into what the audience can expect? Trombetta: This is my 23rd straight year. We started it in September 2002 I’ve been through five editors of Pharmaceutical Executive now, and we started out with […]

Trade & Channel Strategies’ “Actions Needed to Mitigate and Prevent Drug Shortages” session Another session along Trade & Channel Strategies’ supply chain, distribution, and logistics track focused on “Actions Needed to Mitigate and Prevent Drug Shortages.” The presentation by Amy Sonderman, senior director of US advocacy and stakeholder engagement, US Pharmacopeia (USP), aimed to understand […]

PC: This morning, you were part of the ‘Patient-Centric 3.0 — How Direct-to-Patient is the New Commercialization Model’ panel. Can you provide a brief synopsis of the panel? O’Meara: When we think about direct to patient, it’s all about the concept of helping patients understand the disease state, drive awareness, and then help them get […]

Continuing the first day of this year’s Trade & Channel Strategies Conference, a general session, “Patient-Centric 3.0 — How Direct-to-Patient is the New Commercialization Model” explored how drug manufactures are closing the gaps when it comes to patient access, affordability and adherence. As part of the session, Kevin O’Meara, VP, patient services, Eversana, and Jim […]

Trade & Channel Strategies’ “Navigate Pharmacy and Distribution Models for Market Access Mastery” session Trade & Channel Strategies carried on, with a case study on how to “Navigate Pharmacy and Distribution Models for Market Access Mastery.” John Harlow, chief commercial officer at Melinta Therapeutics, offered perspective on ways to transform commercial organizations and drive revenue […]

Trade & Channel Strategies’ “Drug Pricing and Reimbursement Data in the New Era of CMS Price Transparency Mandates” session Day 1 of Trade & Channel Strategies in Philadelphia welcomed several captivating sessions, including a panel centered around “Pharmacy Evolved—Aligning Commercialization to the Changing Pharmacy Channel.” Tom Doyle, SVP of sales and chief customer officer for […]

Pharmaceutical Commerce – December 2024 Issue (PDF) Traceability’s Latest Curve Conference Connect: Tackling the Issues that Matter in the Access Space Did Industry Fumble the DSCSA Deadline? Caught Beneath the Surface: The Hidden Potential of Patient Data From Challenges to Solutions: Breaking Barriers to Revolutionize Patient Services Navigating the Landscape of Global AI Governance Why […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Boxyray.com When it comes to the pharmaceutical industry, the high price of new drugs continues to be top of mind. In the United States alone, between 2021 and 2022, overall drug spending increased by 9.4%, totaling $635.5 billion in 2022. Europe is also experiencing challenges in this regard, rising by 5.2% […]

Like a football game where the ball is fumbled at the goal line, the US pharmaceutical supply chain must wait yet again for a complete traceability solution to take effect. When the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) was passed in 2013, it set a 10-year process of industry preparation for tracking pharmaceuticals at the […]

The future of medicine is being shaped by cell and gene therapies (CGTs), which involve complex manufacturing steps. Because they are mostly personalized medicines today, production is limited to one patient dose at a time, and slowed by cumbersome and largely manual processes. In addition to these inefficiencies, the field is still just learning which […]

In this Pharmaceutical Commerce roundtable discussion, Nicholas Saraceno, editor of Pharmaceutical Commerce and the peer exchange’s moderator, alongside a panel of experts, discussed the role of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. RFID is a technology that utilizes radio waves to automatically collect and transfer data, providing efficient tracking and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/TensorSpark.com Amgen and Eli Lilly and Company recently released plans of plant expansion projects, with serious investments consisting of $1 and $3 billion respectively.1.2 In Amgen’s case, the $1 billion will be used toward designing a second drug substance manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, NC. As it stands, the latest development puts […]

Patients today too often find themselves navigating a myriad of challenges that can make accessing quality healthcare a daunting task. Various common obstacles range from financial barriers to long wait times, to geographical and technological limitations and much more. As someone deeply invested in improving patient health outcomes, I’ve had numerous conversations with patients, healthcare […]

Since my involvement with an expert group on artificial intelligence (AI) began in 2018, helping to craft the guidelines that laid the groundwork for the EU’s AI Act proposal, I’ve been engaged in fiery debates about AI’s future. I’ve consistently supported one specific stance: competition is the lifeblood of progress, and the dance of innovation […]

In exchange for his support of Donald Trump’s candidacy for president, Robert F. Kennedy threw his own name into the mix, and has officially been nominated by the president-elect as the as next Secretary of Health and Human Services. His stated objective is to focus on food safety, referencing the proliferation of processed foods and […]

Many of the over 53 million people enrolled in Medicare Part D plans struggle to afford their out-of-pocket (OOP) prescription costs each year, sometimes leading them to delay or go without their needed medications. That’s why the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)—a new voluntary payment option going into effect Jan. 1, 2025—is such an important […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Joe Lipari, direct of product management for Systech, dives into how the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), signed into law by President Obama in 2013, has actually been in development for nearly two decades, with earlier state-level efforts like California’s e-Pedigree push. Initially, the full implementation deadline […]

November 21st 2024 Article As the pharmaceutical industry embraces the power of AI, having data that’s large, diverse, and well-structured is critical for driving innovation and improving outcomes. Ensuring your data is AI-ready and can be used with more advanced solutions enables your teams to make informed strategic decisions, predict trends, enhance customer engagements and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Matthieu.com Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. has launched Toripalimab in India, an immuno-oncology drug and PD-1 inhibitor that’s also considered a new biological entity (NBE).1 It’s approved by various regulatory authorities, including the FDA, European Medicines Agency (EMA), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and other agencies for the treatment of […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Dr_Microbe.com In a deal expected to close in Q1 2025, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharma company, has signed an exclusive global license and collaboration agreement with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a subsidiary of Novartis AG, for its PTC518 Huntington’s disease program, which also includes related molecules.1 Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder […]

Predictive maintenance in pharmaceutical production can help reduce downtime and increase efficiency. Grundfos Machine Health (GMH) uses artificial intelligence (AI)-driven wireless sensors to monitor motor health in real-time, identifying potential issues. This approach not only reduces maintenance costs but also ensures compliance with industry standards. Read to learn about: The role of predictive maintenance and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Shuo.com As reported by Reuters, the United States has decided to curtail the impact of China’s semiconductor sector by restricting exports to a total of 140 companies in the industry, including Naura Technology Group, a manufacturer of chip equipment.1 The list also included Shenzhen Pensun Technology, SiEn Qingdao, and Swaysure Technology […]

The Leap Forward: Practical Gains for Pharma AI Use Exploring those areas and functions where the application of generative artificial intelligence—through use cases borne out in practice—are demonstrating tangible value and driving life sciences innovation to new heights. Key Trends in the Evolution of PBMs and Their Future Impact on Drug Pricing and Pharmacy Operations […]

Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Compounded Medications Scott Brunner, CEO, and Tenille Davis, Chief Advocacy Officer, of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding discuss how compounded medications differ from commercially available drugs in terms of their manufacturing process, quality standards, and more. Health Plan Design Challenges and the Impact of HSAs on Healthcare Use Paul Fronstin, […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Yingyaipumi.com Adragos Pharma, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) based in Germany, has purchased Baccinex, a Swiss-based provider of aseptic fill-finish manufacturing.1 The deal—whose terms remain undisclosed—is expected to boost the CDMOs’ sterile manufacturing offerings, while also representing growth on a global scale. Baccinex’s experience in the sterile fill-finish space […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Chase Feiger, MD, co-founder of Ostro emphasizes the value of AI technology in addressing challenges in digital commercialization within the life sciences industry. The main gap being addressed is the lack of personalized, intuitive, and engaging user experiences for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients, especially on digital platforms […]

Solving Clinical Technology Challenges with Integration In this video interview, Jeff Sidell, PhD, chief technology officer, Advarra, highlights how integration can simplify processes. Study: Patients With Hypothyroidism Who Lost Weight on Semaglutide Saw Decreases in TSH Levels These findings are significant in understanding interactions between glucagon-like peptide-1 medications and thyroid dysfunction because prior research has […]

In this episode of The PC Podcast, Nicholas Saraceno, Pharma Commerce’s editor, explains: The history behind the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) The significance of Nov. 27 The latest DSCSA exemptions and what that means for trading partners How this piece of legislation and AI are able to intertwine The latest episode of The Pharmaceutical […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Anchalee The Biden-Harris Administration announced a proposed rule aimed at expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications (AOMs), including Ozempic and Wegovy, from Novo Nordisk, and Mounjaro and Zepbound, from Eli Lilly. According to the administration, this initiative aligns with the Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Gaurav Gupta, managing director and head of R&D at Kotter, discusses the regulatory pressures and rising R&D costs impacting the pharmaceutical industry as it looks toward 2025. Gupta highlighted that many regulatory challenges, such as drug pricing pressures from the Inflation Reduction Act, will persist in the coming […]

In the pharmaceutical industry, high-quality technical documentation is essential for optimizing performance. It forms the foundation for ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining product quality, and safeguarding patient safety. From drug development to regulatory approval, to production to delivery, precise and well-organized documentation is vital at every stage. Poor technical documentation can lead to regulatory delays, non-compliance, […]

In this Pharmaceutical Commerce roundtable discussion, Nicholas Saraceno, editor of Pharmaceutical Commerce and the peer exchange’s moderator, alongside a panel of experts, discussed the role of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. RFID is a technology that utilizes radio waves to automatically collect and transfer data, providing efficient tracking and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Adisorn.com GBI Biomanufacturing (GBI), a contract development and manufacturing organization, (CDMO), is growing its drug product services by adding automated sterile fill-finish services. Currently, the CDMO is able to assist clients beginning at the clinical trial stage all the way through to commercialization, for both drug substance and drug product. From a customer service […]

November 21st 2024 Article As the pharmaceutical industry embraces the power of AI, having data that’s large, diverse, and well-structured is critical for driving innovation and improving outcomes. Ensuring your data is AI-ready and can be used with more advanced solutions enables your teams to make informed strategic decisions, predict trends, enhance customer engagements and […]

November 21st 2024 Article As the pharmaceutical industry embraces the power of AI, having data that’s large, diverse, and well-structured is critical for driving innovation and improving outcomes. Ensuring your data is AI-ready and can be used with more advanced solutions enables your teams to make informed strategic decisions, predict trends, enhance customer engagements and […]

Image Credit: Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for biologics, viral vaccines, and viral vectors, recently celebrated the completion of an expansion project for its cell therapy manufacturing facility in Thousand Oaks, CA.1 The celebration was actually twofold, as it also recognized the site issuance of a Certificate […]

Powering Pipelines Forward: Approach Science DifferentlyWhy tapping the value generated for the next set of therapies is critical. Public Health Matters: Pharmacists as Frontline Health Providers: Collaborating for Better Patient OutcomesIn this episode of Public Health Matters, Christina Madison discusses pharmacist-physician collaborations with Amina Abubakar and Stephen Lewis. Healthcare Policies to Watch in the New […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Gaurav Gupta, managing director and head of R&D at Kotter, discusses the regulatory pressures and rising R&D costs impacting the pharmaceutical industry as it looks toward 2025. Gupta highlighted that many regulatory challenges, such as drug pricing pressures from the Inflation Reduction Act, will persist in the coming […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/ArakiIllustrations.com The FDA has approved Kedrion Biopharma Inc.’s manufacturing facility in Bolognana, Italy, for the production of Ryplazim (plasminogen, human-tvmh).1 This plasma-derived human plasminogen is currently indicated for the treatment of patients with plasminogen deficiency type 1 (PLGD-1), also known as hypoplasminogenemia. PLGD-1 is a rare chronic disease that mainly appears in […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Gaurav Gupta, managing director and head of R&D at Kotter, discusses the regulatory pressures and rising R&D costs impacting the pharmaceutical industry as it looks toward 2025. Gupta highlighted that many regulatory challenges, such as drug pricing pressures from the Inflation Reduction Act, will persist in the coming years. […]

Drilling in on Disease Hallmarks: New Tricks to Solve Age-Old ProblemsAnn Beliën, PhD, founder and CEO of Rejuvenate Biomed, discusses how AI is being used to find new ways to treat age-related conditions. Medicare Open Enrollment Attracts Enrollees and Scammers AlikeMedicare fraud costs Americans about $60 billion each year and healthcare plans are stepping in […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Gaurav Gupta, managing director and head of R&D at Kotter, discusses the regulatory pressures and rising R&D costs impacting the pharmaceutical industry as it looks toward 2025. Gupta highlighted that many regulatory challenges, such as drug pricing pressures from the Inflation Reduction Act, will persist in the coming years. […]

Enhancing Empowerment in Patient-Focused ResearchHow the inclusion of measures centered on net treatment benefit can drive an effective multifaceted approach. NIH Tests New PrEP Delivery MethodResearchers are currently enrolling participants to test the effectiveness of a rectal douche containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir in a study that is expected to finish in January 2026. Trump […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/TheCreativeSupplies.com Pharmaceutics International, Inc. (Pii), a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), is investing $3.6 million toward growing its prefilled syringe (PFS) services, specifically pertaining to advanced labeling, automated visual inspection, and fill-finish tech.1 The investment confirms the CDMO’s interest in providing end-to-end, streamlined solutions for drug manufacturing services. Pii’s decision […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/RobertKneschke.com Data has shown that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) impacts historically marginalized groups disproportionately, including older adults from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, especially those who are Black and Hispanic.1 These individuals have twice the risk of developing AD compared with White older adults—however, they are not only less likely to be given […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Tippapatt.com There is no denying the fact that the amount of time and cost burdens being put on patients, healthcare professionals, and systems has resulted in an effort to enhance the concepts of accessibility and value. One prime example is the advancement of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic—despite its promise, there […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/BlueHawaii-AI.com In an effort to strengthen ground handling safety and efficiency, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airport Services Association (ASA) are further boosting their partnership.1 Their objectives revolve around promoting safety data sharing, standardization, and finding new ways to improve resilience. “Global standards make aviation safer, and ASA […]

Biotech Investor Sentiment Climbing Steadily, with Growing Enthusiasm Heading into 2025 The sector’s XBI is up 15% year-to-date; rate cuts, election outcome, and M&A are viewed as tailwinds. Vaccination Community Outreach Initiatives Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, discusses examples of successful community outreach initiatives aimed at overcoming barriers to adult RSV vaccination. From AI to Hardware […]

5 Strategies for Bridging the Sponsor-Site Tech Divide Results from survey of 100 site personnel suggest a disconnect is present between these stakeholders. Advancing Pharmacy Practice: Innovative Approaches to Chronic Disease Management and Financial Sustainability in Health Care As health care evolves, innovative strategies continue to emerge to address chronic conditions, enhance medication access, and […]

Powering Pipelines Forward: Approach Science Differently Why tapping the value generated for the next set of therapies is critical. Debates Continue About Pharmacists’ Provider Status Despite their proven abilities, organizations such as the American Medical Association still oppose so-called “scope creep.” So Human It’s Scary: My Day Alone Talking to Bots That Sound Like Us […]

The Leap Forward: Practical Gains for Pharma AI Use Exploring those areas and functions where the application of generative artificial intelligence—through use cases borne out in practice—are demonstrating tangible value and driving life sciences innovation to new heights. Small-Molecules Are More Cost Effective Than Biologics, Tufts Researchers Find Their results argue for a change to […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/DJMaxx24.com Ontada, a McKesson business that provides oncology real-world data (RWD), clinical education, and point of care technologies for the oncology space, is collaborating with Datavant, a health data platform, to include Ontada’s data in their health ecosystem.1 The goal of the partnership is to assist life science companies with swiftly accessing Ontada’s real-world […]

In this Pharmaceutical Commerce roundtable discussion, Nicholas Saraceno, editor of Pharmaceutical Commerce and the peer exchange’s moderator, alongside a panel of experts, discussed the role of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. RFID is a technology that utilizes radio waves to automatically collect and transfer data, providing efficient tracking and […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/J.BallaPhotography.com Strive Compounding Pharmacy recently revealed that it has acquired a nearly 50,000 square-foot site in St. Louis, MO.1 The facility—the pharmacy says—represents a step in the right direction, as it not only represents growth, but an interest in growing its telemedicine services. Specifically, with the pharmaceutical compounding, warehouse, and custom […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Vuk.com Records have shown that being exposed to viral infections during pregnancy—including the flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome—is linked to “adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes” in children, which could include lower educational achievement and IQ scores, along with a rise in risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.1 Keeping this in mind, when […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/Atar.com When society thinks back to the year 2020, many may associate it with the year in which the world forever changed, as March marked the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also well known that a plethora of industries experienced disruptions as a result, including in the area of […]

Liege, Belgium. Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/LeonidAndronov.com Cryoport, a temperature-controlled supply chain solution provider for the life sciences industry, has opened its newest IntegriCell facility in Villers-le-Bouillet, Liege, Belgium.1 IntegriCell is the company’s branded standardized bioprocessing, cryopreservation, and distribution solution for the cell therapy market. The solution is designed to enhance cell therapy manufacturing efficiency […]

On Oct. 9, 2024—49 days before the end of the one-year stabilization period under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)—the FDA issued an exemption1 for eligible trading partners that will continue to delay enforcement regarding compliance with the law’s final enhanced drug distribution security requirements. The exemption duration varies by partner type: Manufacturers and […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jonathan Colehower, managing director, global operations & supply chain practice at UST, discussed how the East and Gulf Coast port strikes highlighted the contrasting dynamics between branded and generic pharmaceuticals. Branded drugs, which offer higher profit margins, are produced at limited manufacturing sites, creating potential vulnerabilities. In contrast, generics […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jonathan Colehower, managing director, global operations & supply chain practice at UST, discussed how the East and Gulf Coast port strikes highlighted the contrasting dynamics between branded and generic pharmaceuticals. Branded drugs, which offer higher profit margins, are produced at limited manufacturing sites, creating potential vulnerabilities. In contrast, generics […]

Advertising/Marketing Trends to Expect in Q1 of 2025 Ted Sweetser, VP, Ad Partnerships and Strategy, PurpleLab, identifies advertising/marketing trends he expects in Q1 of 2025. Understanding the Burnout Crisis Among Student Pharmacists The demanding nature of pharmacy programs often leaves little time for self-care, social activities, or hobbies, leading to an imbalance that can foster […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/MKPhoto A new study published in JAMA Original Investigation found that drug-related reports of supply chain issues in Canada were less likely to result in significant drug shortages compared to the United States. According to the authors of the study, the results suggest that Canada may have a more resilient drug […]

Balancing Personalized Targeting with Protecting Consumer Privacy Ted Sweetser, VP, Ad Partnerships and Strategy, PurpleLab discusses the need to balance personalized targeting with the ethical imperative to protect consumer privacy. What Do SMA Caregivers Want? In a response to a survey, caregivers of people with spinal muscular atrophy identified the risk of severe adverse events […]

Dealmaking and Partnerships: The Future of Financing Innovation At the Financial Times’ Global Pharma and Biotech Summit 2024, a breakout panel discussed how dealmaking remains vital for biopharma companies facing pipeline and revenue pressures. Homeless Does Not Have To Mean Health Plan-Less Two of Los Angeles’ largest health insurers will invest $90 million over the […]

Specialty Value-Based Care is Improving Health Outcomes While Reducing Heath Care Costs Delivering value-based care is expected to become even more prevalent, driven by factors such as patient comfort with digital tools and advancements in contractual arrangements. Addressing Racial Disparities in Opioid Prescriptions: The Role of Pharmacists in Achieving Equity Pharmacists, who play a crucial […]

There is a growing, widespread desire for sustainable products across industries, and the pharmaceutical sector is no exception. Patients, healthcare providers, and regulators are putting increasing pressure on pharmaceutical manufacturers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. In fact, a 2024 consumer survey by PwC1 found that 85% of respondents are seeing the impact of climate change on their […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Jonathan Colehower, managing director, global operations & supply chain practice at UST, discussed how the East and Gulf Coast port strikes highlighted the contrasting dynamics between branded and generic pharmaceuticals. Branded drugs, which offer higher profit margins, are produced at limited manufacturing sites, creating potential vulnerabilities. In contrast, generics […]

Credit: freshidea | stock.adobe.com A study published by JAMA Network Open on disparities in cancer incidence and mortality projects that by 2050, incidence rates and deaths will nearly triple in low-Human Development Index (HDI) countries compared to moderate increases in high-HDI countries. These findings highlight the need to strengthen global cancer prevention initiatives, emphasize early […]

I remember the gut punch 15 years ago when we opened the letter from Florida’s top payer. The words were stark: a 50% reduction in reimbursement rates were announced for the following year. Our small, independent home infusion pharmacy had a heavy patient census of these covered lives, and his news not only threatened our […]

Credit: Panithan | stock.adobe.com Beneath the surface of the digital transformation revolution lies a growing concern: digital transformation fatigue. This phenomenon, particularly in highly regulated industries, threatens to undermine the very initiatives designed to propel businesses forward. As companies grapple with a constantly expanding array of digital tools, stringent regulatory requirements, and a constant pressure […]

In the final part of her video interview with Pharma Commerce Editor Nicholas Saraceno, Delphine Perridy, chief commercial officer, Envirotainer, forecasts the future of the pharma cold chain regarding technological advancements and changes in market dynamics.

Promising Alternative Targeting Methods in a Post-Cookie World Ted Sweetser, VP, Ad Partnerships and Strategy, PurpleLab explores the most promising alternative targeting methods that advertisers can adopt in a post-cookie world, and how they compare to traditional approaches. Future Modalities for Infertility Lucy van de Wiel, PhD, discusses how emerging technologies such as in vitro […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Delphine Perridy, chief commercial officer, Envirotainer, noted that the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing significant evolution driven by unmet patient needs, rapid scientific advancements, and the emergence of new technologies. Innovations such as gene therapies, precision medicines, and advancements in obesity treatment with GLP-1s exemplify this shift. Additionally, the […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/zimmytws Starting in 2025, changes to the Medicare Part D benefit under the Inflation Reduction Act are expected to take effect, including a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, increases in the share of drug costs above the cap paid for by Part D plans and drug manufacturers, and a reduction in Medicare’s share […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Delphine Perridy, chief commercial officer, Envirotainer, noted that the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing significant evolution driven by unmet patient needs, rapid scientific advancements, and the emergence of new technologies. Innovations such as gene therapies, precision medicines, and advancements in obesity treatment with GLP-1s exemplify this shift. Additionally, the […]

The State of Compounding: Q&A with Olympia Pharmaceutical’s Mark Mikhael Mark Mikhael, CEO of Olympia Therapeutics, spoke with Pharmaceutical Executive about the compounding industry, which has a renewed spotlight on it due to recent high profile drug shortages. How Employers Are Trying To Tame Healthcare Costs Changing the site of care to less expensive locations. […]

Addressing Supply Chain Challenges & Improving Patient Access Scott Brunner, CEO, and Tenille Davis, Chief Advocacy Officer, of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding explore solutions for the current supply chain challenges and improve patient access to medications. Unlocking Better Health: Why Health Literacy Needs a Digital Revolution Health literacy is a lifeline. It represents the […]

Effectively Targeting Patients Without Cookies Ted Sweetser, VP, Ad Partnerships and Strategy, PurpleLab explored how healthcare advertisers have been able to effectively target patients without relying heavily on traditional tracking methods. Personalized Diabetes Care Approach Targets Tight Glucose Control from Diagnosis David Maahs, M.D., M.A., Ph.D., from Stanford University, recently co-authored a paper that examined […]

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/driftwood According to the 2025 HealthView Services Medicare Part D National Cost Data Report, there will be a rise in premiums across prescription drug plans nationwide, with an average increase of 11% by three national providers. In the five states with the largest retiree populations—California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania—the […]

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Delphine Perridy, chief commercial officer, Envirotainer, noted that the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing significant evolution driven by unmet patient needs, rapid scientific advancements, and the emergence of new technologies. Innovations such as gene therapies, precision medicines, and advancements in obesity treatment with GLP-1s exemplify this shift. Additionally, the […]