Exploring the Complexities of Pharma Rebates with Ann Lewandowski

In this Summer Short episode of Relentless Health Value, host Stacey Richter converses again with Ann Lewandowski about the intricate dynamics of pharmaceutical rebates, or as Lewandowski prefers, post-sale concessions. 

The discussion delves into the nuances of these rebates, the impact they have on drug costs, and the hidden consequences for patients and plan sponsors. 

They highlight articles and insights by Austin Chelko and Peter Hayes, touching on how rebates can disadvantage the pursuit of lower-cost generics and biosimilars, and can obstruct pharmacogenetic testing that ensures drug efficacy and safety. 

The conversation also critiques the opacity of rebates, deemed trade secrets by pharma and PBM companies, and underscores the ethical and financial dilemmas posed by the current rebate-driven system.

=== LINKS === 🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:   https://cc-lnk.com/EP480

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07:24 What is a pharmaceutical rebate?

08:15 Why are pharma rebates so opaque?

09:52 Texas lawsuit on insulin pricing.

10:18 Why is focusing on a singular type of concession difficult with current pharma rebate structures?

10:50 EP397 with Paul Holmes.

13:55 EP353 with Pramod John, PhD.

14:29 How does pharma genomics testing affect pharma rebates?

14:52 EP465 with Chris Crawford.

15:52 EP426 with Nina Lathia, RPh, MSc, PhD.