MAP - Market Access Podcast

By Dr. Stefan WalzerBusiness Science Medicine Health & Fitness

MAP - Market Access Podcast episodes

December 15, 2025 Can VR and AR Finally Break Through the Barriers in Medical Innovation, Günther Illert?
In this episode of the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with strategy consultant and XR advocate Günther Illert to explore how virtual, augmented, and extended reality are reshaping healthcare—from patient training and pain therapy to surgical planning and medtech education.
Learn how cross-sector collaboration and early adoption—especially outside traditional reimbursement systems—can unlock the full potential of immersive technology in medicine. A must-listen for innovators, health tech professionals, and digital health strategists.
Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts —and if you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to rate it and the podcast!
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS — and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #MedTech #VirtualReality #TrainingInHealthcare #HealthTech #XR #AugmentedReality #MAPPodcast #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
36 min
December 01, 2025 Why Should Pharma and MedTech Innovators Look at New Zealand, Julius Ohrnberger?
Tune in to this new episode of MAP to explore New Zealand’s unique healthcare and reimbursement landscape with Dr. Stefan Walzer and health economist Dr. Julius Ohnberger. Learn how PHARMAC combines HTA and payer roles, why equity and Māori health outcomes are central to market access and what global pharma can gain from launching in Aotearoa.
Key insights include why New Zealand’s HTA model stands out as a global unicorn, how to navigate cultural and equity requirements in submissions, the importance of local evidence and stakeholder engagement, the impact of budget constraints and the shift toward real‑world data and outcome‑based reimbursement, and why the country may be the ideal testbed for innovations in AI, screening, and chronic care. Essential for professionals in pricing, market access, and global health policy.
Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts —and if you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to rate it and the podcast!"
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS — and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #Pharma #Reimbursement #NewZealand #DigitalHealth #HTA #Pharmac #HealthcareInnovation #EquityInHealthcare #MAPPodcast #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
39 min
November 15, 2025 Are We Ready for a Cultural Shift Toward AI in Pharma, Elizabeth Shanahan?
In this brand new episode of MAP - the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with Elizabeth Shanahan, AI Strategy Lead at Sanofi, for a refreshingly honest conversation on the real-world implementation of artificial intelligence in pricing, evidence generation, and HTA processes.
From streamlining evidence generation to enhancing pricing strategies and dossier creation, they explore how AI tools are driving efficiency and strategic thinking. Learn how cultural change, human-in-the-loop systems, and transparency with payers are key to success in the digital health era. Whether you're exploring AI for the first time or scaling adoption across teams, this episode offers strategic insight, hard-won lessons, and a clear-eyed look at the future of pharma.
Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts — and if you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to rate it and the podcast!
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS — and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #ArtificialIntelligence #PharmaInnovation #HTA #DigitalHealth #AIinPharma #MAPPodcast #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
38 min
November 01, 2025 What Can Europe and the U.S. Learn from Each Other on Market Access, Anne Loos?
Tune in to this new episode of MAP, the Market Access Podcast, where Dr. Stefan Walzer is joined by Anne Loos from Wickenstones, to explore the evolving landscape of U.S. market access and reimbursement.
The U.S. reimbursement landscape is changing — driven by AI, global influences with the European JCA and political programs such as the Inflation Reduction Act. As fragmentation and rising complexity are pushing pharma to rethink strategy and timelines - this is a must-listen for professionals in pricing, HEOR, and market access.
Stay connected by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform or listening directly on our website: MAP Podcasts —and if you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to rate it and the podcast!
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS — and the global #1 podcast in the field of health economics. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy, visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #ArtificialIntelligence #Reimbursement #PharmaAI #HealthcareStrategy #HTA #USHealthcare #MAPPodcast #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
28 min
October 15, 2025 Will AI and Living Reviews Define the Next Era of Health Policy, Anna Forsythe?
Join this episode of MAP – The Market Access Podcast as Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with Anna Forsythe, founder of OncoScope-AI, to explore how Living Systematic Literature Reviews (Living SLRs) are redefining evidence generation in oncology and beyond - highlighting the power of real-time updates, advanced automation, and the essential role of human insight.
Traditional SLRs are static snapshots, while Living SLRs are real-time, dynamic, and AI-powered—delivering continuously updated insights crucial for life-or-death decisions and payer evaluations. Join this discussion as they explore the myth of AI chatbots as true decision support tools, the need for actionable data over summaries, and the future of evidence synthesis, clinical decision-making, and smarter market access.
Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #AIinHealthcare #SLR #Oncology #HTA #MAPPodcast #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
30 min
October 01, 2025 Are We Undervaluing the Economic Power of Health, Dr. Malina Müller?
In the latest MAP Podcast, our host Dr. Stefan Walzer is joined by Dr. Malina Müller from the WifOR Institute to rethink how we value health. From real-world ROI data to policy shifts and long-term strategies, they explore why investing in health pays off—not just in lives saved, but in economic growth, workforce productivity, and resilient societies.
Listen now to discover how viewing healthcare as an investment—not just a cost—can transform market access and what it means for pricing, innovation, and the future of care. If you work in pharma, policy, or health economics—this one’s for you!
Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #ValueBasedHealthcare #HealthInvestment #Pharma #HTA #MAPPodcast #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
39 min
September 15, 2025 How Should Pharma Respond to the New Reality of Market Access in Germany, Prof. Dr. Thomas Hammerschmidt?
In this episode of MAP - the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with expert Prof. Dr. Thomas Hammerschmidt, to dive deep into Germany’s evolving AMNOG framework and what it really means for pharmaceutical pricing.
This insightful conversation explores key changes in Germany’s pharma landscape, including the shift from negotiation-based pricing to benefit-linked guardrails, the 5% clinical trial rule, and their impact on innovation and reimbursement strategy. A must-listen for pharma professionals, health economists, and market access leaders!
Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #PharmaPricing #AMNOG #Reimbursement #Germany #HTA #PharmaStrategy #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
35 min
September 01, 2025 Do Swiss Reimbursement Reforms Open Doors—or Raise New Barriers, Petra Erni?
Tune in to this episode of MAP – The Market Access Podcast, to hear from Dr. Stefan Walzer as he speaks with Swiss reimbursement expert Petra Erni, who brings a rare perspective from both the industry and payer sides.
Together they explore the evolving Swiss drug reimbursement landscape, discussing the rise of cost consequence models, the growing role of health economic evidence, early access pathways, and strategic pricing challenges in Switzerland. Essential listening for pharma, market access, and health policy professionals—especially those eyeing the Swiss market.
Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #PharmaPricing #Switzerland #HealthEconomics #Reimbursement #HTA #DrugPricing #HealthcareStrategy #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
30 min
August 15, 2025 The Startup Guide to Navigating Healthcare Reimbursement, Featuring Ron de Graaff (Repost)
This is a repost of a popular episode of MAP - Market Access Podcast, from December 1st 2023.
We are thrilled to announce our latest podcast episode, featuring a riveting conversation between our CEO Dr. Stefan Walzer and the esteemed healthcare reimbursement expert, Ron de Graaff.
Ron, with his deep-rooted experience starting from 1978, shares his invaluable insights on the evolution of healthcare reimbursement, a journey from simpler times to today's intricate landscape involving multiple stakeholders like health insurance companies.
🔍 Key Highlights:
- Ron's path from founding his company in 1985, which has since assisted over 900 entities, including governments, in understanding medical technology markets.
- Challenges faced by startups in healthcare, often led by technical experts who struggle with the language and complexities of reimbursement processes.
- The criticality of startups understanding both the payer perspectives and the changing requirements of reimbursement systems across Europe.
- Ron's advice to startups: comprehensively understand the reimbursement system of your target market and assess if your product is likely to be reimbursable.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the healthcare industry, particularly startups navigating the daunting world of reimbursement. Expect to gain a thorough understanding of how to strategically plan for reimbursement, the importance of being updated with current regulations, and how to choose the right market for your product.
Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #HealthcareReimbursement #StartupChallenges #MedicalTechnology #Podcast #HealthcareInnovation #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
34 min
August 01, 2025 Europe vs. US: Who Leads the Future of Market Access, Dr. Doug Niven?
In this thought-provoking episode of MAP, the Market Access Podcast, Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with strategic Market Access consultant Dr. Doug Niven to explore one of the most pressing questions in pharma today - can Europe maintain its leadership in Market Access, or is it falling behind?
From joint HTA (JCA), pricing reforms, and AI-driven tools to global value frameworks and real-world data, this episode unpacks key trends shaping pharma, biotech, and healthcare access in 2025 and beyond. If you're in health economics, pricing & reimbursement, or regulatory strategy, this is a must-listen.
Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts
MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/
#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #PharmaStrategy #PricingAndReimbursement #HTA #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
44 min

About MAP - Market Access Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Market Access (or alternatively reimbursement) in health care is THE key competence in order to be commercially successful with a new drug, medical device or digital health application. However, given the fact that market access is a complex field involving various disciplines and is an ever-changing field, it is difficult to be up to speed with the different evolvements across the world.

MAP is THE bi-weekly Market Access Podcast provided by MArS Market Access & Pricing Strategy, which is your health care consultancy in the German-speaking markets and allows you to keep up to date with market access , reimbursement and pricing issues in the D-A-CH countries and around the world. With MAP you will get a summary of core market access systems and processes as well as latest changes in regulations including statements and opinions of core decision makers and stakeholders from various countries.

The CEO and founder of MArS is also the driver behind MAP: Dr. Stefan Walzer works in the field of payer strategy, pricing, health economics and reimbursement since 2004 and is the founder and CEO of MArS Market Access & Pricing Strategy GmbH based in Germany. MArS makes it as easy as possible for you to get your Pharmaceutical, MedTech or digital health product to the market and of course get the price it deserves.

Stefan previously worked as a payer consultant for various global pharmaceutical and medical device / diagnostic companies, successfully launching their products across the world. He was the Global Payer Strategy Leader for various products and compounds at F. Hoffmann – La Roche AG, where he successfully developed early payer strategies as well as launching and maintaining the reimbursement process for top brands and early compounds. Stefan is capable in translating the clinical and economic evidence into successful reimbursement submissions and pricing negotiations especially in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Additionally he teaches market access, pricing and negotiations at the State University of Baden-Wuerttemberg and the University of Applied Sciences Weingarten-Ravensburg (both Germany).

Besides other roles and responsibilities. Stefan was the head of the committee “Inpatient care” of the German Health Economic Association (DGGÖ). Furthermore he is also a member of the Austrian Health Economic Association (ATHEA) and the Swiss Health Economic Association (SGGÖ). Additionally, he is a member of the Access Advisory Committee of the Global Pneumonia Prevention Coalition.

Stefan received a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Tuebingen (Germany), a PhD in Health Economics from the University of Zurich (Switzerland) and a post-graduate diploma in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK). He is co-author of more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than 300 scientific abstracts.