In this episode, Ian Wendt and Dr. Na-Ri Oh interview Michael C. Barnes, Chairman of the Center for US Policy, about the US opioid crisis.

They discuss the evolution of US policy on opioids, the impact of the crisis on different communities, the role of legislation and harm reduction, the accountability of the pharmaceutical industry, barriers to accessing treatment, and the importance of advocacy in addressing stigma.

The conversation explores various themes related to the substance use disorder crisis, including the lack of parity in insurance plans, the role of prescribers, the need for treatment and support, the potential for decriminalization, the economic impact of substance use disorders, and the US-centric nature of the problem. The guests discuss the importance of addressing substance use disorder as a health condition and providing therapeutic responses and harm reduction services. They also highlight the need for policies that focus on prevention, access to treatment, and economic opportunities for individuals in recovery. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of the issue and the need for comprehensive solutions.

Resources:

• Michael Barnes on LinkedIn

Danny McBryan, an executive leader in the pharmaceutical industry, discusses the evolving role of medical affairs in healthcare.

He highlights the importance of medical affairs in conveying the science of pharmaceutical companies and translating complex data into a meaningful narrative for healthcare providers, payers, patients, and policymakers.

McBryan emphasizes the need for medical affairs to be seen as a strategic partner rather than a support function and advocates for closer collaboration between medical affairs, health economics, and outcomes research (HEOR) to demonstrate the value of drugs and address unmet needs.

He also discusses the impact of digital transformation on medical affairs, including wearables, therapeutic digital solutions, social media, data analysis, and real-world evidence. McBryan envisions a future where medical affairs plays a more strategic role, engages with patients, and contributes to drug discovery and development.

RESOURCES

• Danny MCBryan on LinkedIn

In this episode, Na-Ri and Ian interview Stacey Tinianov, an independent patient advocate and founder of Advocates for Collaborative Education.

They discuss the importance of patient advocacy, the role of digital health, and the future of patient engagement.

Stacey shares her personal journey into patient advocacy and highlights the gaps in knowledge and understanding she experienced as a breast cancer survivor. She emphasizes the need for human-centered design in healthcare, where patients are at the center of the design, development, and deployment of programs and technologies.

Stacey also discusses the impact of digital platforms on patient engagement and the importance of building relationships and engaging with patients beyond a transactional level. Patient advocacy is a multifaceted field that encompasses various areas, including clinical trial advocacy, research advocacy, and policy advocacy. The future of patient advocacy lies in the expansion of voices and the focus on improving quality of life and survivorship. Advocates play a crucial role in shaping clinical trials, ensuring patient-reported outcomes are considered, and driving policy changes. The ultimate goal is to achieve true partnerships between advocacy and industry, as well as the decentralization of clinical trials.

Patient advocates can effectively communicate by understanding their motivation and goals and tailoring their language to resonate with different stakeholders. The consequences of not getting patient advocacy right include a regression to the frustrating relationship patients had with pharmaceutical companies in the past. However, progress has been made, and patient advocacy has the potential to drive positive change in healthcare.

Resources:

• Stacey Tinianov on LinkedIn

Summary

Dr. Andrée Bates, a pioneering force in the realm of artificial intelligence within the pharmaceutical industry, shares insights on the evolving role of AI in pharma, the future of healthcare innovation, and her advocacy for women in leadership.

She discusses the early days of AI in pharma, the challenges faced, and the evolution of AI terminology. Dr. Bates also explores the application of AI in commercial insights and analytics, market access, drug discovery, and clinical trials.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the application of AI in the biopharma industry, including the use of synthetic data, digital twins, regulatory and medical affairs, market access, precision doctor targeting, and ethical implications.

Dr. Andree Bates shares insights on the impact of AI on drug discovery, clinical trials, and patient care, as well as the potential for AI to revolutionize the industry.

Resources

• Andree Bates on LinkedIn

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Na-Ri Oh and Ian Wendt discuss Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their impact on drug pricing and patient access to medications.

They are joined by Antonio Ciaccia, CEO of 46 Brooklyn Research and president of 3 Access Advisors, which provides insights into the role of PBMs in the drug supply chain.

The conversation highlights the consolidation of power among the top three PBMs, their anti-competitive behaviors, and the need for increased scrutiny and regulatory measures. The discussion also explores the distorted incentive structures that favor high-cost drugs over lower-cost alternatives, leading to higher drug costs and limited access for patients.

The conversation explores the impact of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on drug costs and access to medications. The report states that PBMs control about 70% of all specialty drug revenue, leading to the closure of independent retail pharmacies in rural areas. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the PBM industry.

It also discusses the potential solutions, including market-based approaches and policy changes, to address the inefficiencies and anti-competitive behaviors of PBMs.

Resources

• Antonio Ciaccia on LinkedIn

In this episode, Dr. Na-Ri Oh and Ian Wendt discuss the 340B drug pricing program with guest William Sarraille, a healthcare law expert.

They explore the origins of the program and its intended purpose. However, the program has grown exponentially and is now the second largest drug program in the country. Bill raises concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the program, as well as the impact on patients. He argues that the program should focus on delivering value to patients and ensuring that they benefit from the discounts.

The conversation delves into the complexities and challenges of the 340B program, highlighting issues such as the patient definition, transparency, contract pharmacies, and the allocation of funds. The discussion considers the need for a more comprehensive and transparent system that ensures the benefits of the program flow to the patients. They also explore the possibility of implementing a claims data process that provides faster payment and greater certainty for both manufacturers and 340B entities.

The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of leadership and collaboration in finding solutions to the program's problems.

Resources:

• William Sarraille on LinkedIn

Summary

Dr. Ron Shigeta, a pioneer in the biotech startup ecosystem, shares his insights and experiences in this episode. He discusses the success of IndieBio, a biotech accelerator that demonstrated the potential of modest investments in fueling biotech innovations.

Dr. Shigeta also highlights the importance of timing, luck, and having a clear vision in the biotech industry. He explains the differences between synthetic biology and pharma startups and the challenges and opportunities they present.

Additionally, he discusses the factors he considers when evaluating startup opportunities and the mindset of successful entrepreneurs. Finally, he shares his perspective on managing risk in biotech startups and the personal transition of becoming a startup CEO. In this conversation, Ron Shigeta discusses the landscape of venture capital funds and startup incubators, highlighting the importance of fund size and check-writing capabilities. He also explains his attraction to the food industry and the deep structural biology of food. The convergence of food and biotech is explored, with a focus on consumer applications and health-related applications. Ron shares different strategies for innovation and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He discusses promising areas for transformational impact, including the golden age of biology and the future of food and sustainability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ron Shigeta

01:31 Dr. Shigeta's transition from scientist to biotech startup figure

05:19 The impact of IndieBio's small investment model

08:43 The economics of biotech startups

09:57 Different pathways in biotech: synthetic biology vs. pharma

13:42 Factors in evaluating startup opportunities

14:09 The mindset of successful entrepreneurs

19:35 The importance of company vision and team dynamics

22:23 Managing risk in biotech startups

27:28 The personal transition of becoming a startup CEO

31:23 The risk tolerance of entrepreneurs

32:36 Venture Capital Funds and Startup Incubators

37:15 The Attraction of the Food Industry

42:30 Convergence of Food and Biotech

46:12 Innovation in Biotech and Pharma

49:37 Different Strategies for Innovation

51:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

53:47 Promising Areas for Transformational Impact

01:01:26 The Golden Age of Biology

01:04:51 The Impact of Whole Foods Conference

01:08:49 The Future of Food and Sustainability

Resources:

• Ron Shigeta on LinkedIn

In this enlightening episode of the RealPharma Podcast, hosts Ian Wendt and Dr. Nari Oh sit down with Dr. Steven King, a luminary in the field of ethnobotanical research and sustainable pharmaceutical development. Dr. King, currently serving as the Chief Sustainable Supply, Ethnobotanical Research, and IP Officer at Jaguar Health, shares his remarkable journey from a young adventurer in the Amazon rainforest to a pioneering figure in the integration of traditional botanical knowledge with modern medicine.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of ethnobotany, exploring how Dr. King's lifelong passion for plant-based healing has led to groundbreaking developments in the pharmaceutical industry. Discover the story behind the Croton lechleri tree, popularly known as the Dragon's Blood tree, and how its unique properties have been harnessed to create an FDA-approved medication derived from this Amazonian marvel.

Dr. King offers insights into his early experiences living with indigenous communities in South America, learning about their traditional uses of plants for medicine, and the ethical considerations involved in bringing these ancient practices into the global market. We discuss the importance of sustainability and respectful collaboration with local communities, emphasizing the crucial balance between conservation and commerce.

This episode also touches on the broader implications of Dr. King’s work, from his contributions to the Healing Forest Conservatory to the role of bioethics in the commercialization of traditional knowledge. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the exciting future of plant-based therapeutics and the potential for ethnobotanical research to address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

Tune in for a captivating discussion that spans decades of exploration, scientific discovery, and cultural exchange, highlighting how ancient wisdom can inform and transform modern healthcare.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ethnobotany

02:04 Biocultural Diversity and Pharmaceutical Development

13:20 The Croton lechleri Tree and its Medicinal Uses

15:59 Ethnobotanical Research vs. Traditional Drug Development

21:39 Intellectual Property and Benefit-Sharing

24:27 Ethical and Sustainable Practices in Working with Indigenous Communities

28:27 Respecting Indigenous Knowledge and Rights in Plant-Based Medicine Development

34:03 The Financial Benefits of Commercializing Plant-Based Drugs for Indigenous Communities

36:23 The Potential Therapeutic Applications of Psychedelic Research

Resources:

• Dr. Steven King - LinkedIn

In this episode of the Real Pharma Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of effective executive communication with Dr. Laura Sicola, a renowned expert in leadership communication and cognitive linguistics. Dr. Sicola has spent over two decades transforming top-level executives into confident, inspiring leaders. Her unique approach, grounded in cognitive linguistics, empowers professionals to communicate their passion and expertise effectively, ensuring they get the buy-in they need for the results they want.

Join us as we explore these topics and more, providing valuable insights for pharma professionals and anyone looking to enhance their executive communication skills. Dr. Sicola's expertise offers a roadmap to becoming a more effective and inspiring leader.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction to WIFM: What's In It For Me?

00:00:34 - Real Pharma Podcast Introduction

00:01:02 - Introducing Dr. Laura Sicola

00:02:37 - Welcome and TEDx Talk Discussion

00:03:51 - Defining Linguistics

00:04:41 - Importance of How You Say It

00:05:52 - The Myth of Content vs. Delivery

00:07:01 - The Linguistic Glass Ceiling

00:09:06 - Transitioning from Technical Expertise to Leadership

00:11:04 - Your Work Speaks for Itself, But Not for You

00:12:24 - Developing Leadership Skills

00:13:07 - The Challenge of Self-Awareness

00:15:33 - Recording Yourself for Self-Diagnosis

00:17:16 - Impact of COVID on Communication

00:18:48 - Basic Skills for Effective Communication

00:20:14 - Executive Presentations: What's In It For Them?

00:23:05 - Seeking Constructive Feedback

00:25:27 - Common Reasons for Seeking Coaching

00:27:05 - The Expert's Curse

00:29:37 - The Gift of Clear Feedback

00:30:39 - Proactively Seeking Feedback

00:32:14 - Questions to Ask for Constructive Feedback

00:35:01 - The Importance of Diverse Feedback

00:36:20 - Communicating Complex Data Effectively

00:37:04 - The Role of Slide Design in Communication

00:40:13 - The Value of Interpretation and Insights

00:41:17 - Two Versions of PowerPoint: Pre-Read and Presentation

00:43:08 - The $200 is $200 Rule

Resources

Find Dr. Laura Sicola on:

• LinkedIn

Summary

Ilisa Bernstein, a senior Vice President at the American Pharmacists Association, discusses the history and current landscape of drug importation policies with a focus on Florida's program.

Safety concerns, supply chain issues, and intellectual property rights are key considerations. The impact on the Canadian drug supply and the transparency of imported drugs for consumers are also discussed. Manufacturer concerns regarding rebates and discounts, as well as potential oversupply and export restrictions, are highlighted. The conversation explores the complexities and concerns surrounding drug importation programs. It discusses the mechanisms that manufacturers may use to control drug importation, such as restricting volume or increasing prices. The potential impact on the drug supply in Canada and the need for policies to protect it are also examined. The logistical challenges at the border and the vulnerabilities in the drug supply chain are highlighted. The importance of maintaining patient confidence in drug quality and the risks associated with personal drug importation are discussed. The conversation concludes by considering alternative solutions to lower drug prices and the inspiration drawn from historical figures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction of Ilisa Bernstein

01:19 Background on Drug Importation

08:21 Safety Concerns

10:04 Supply Chain and Drug Source

14:58 Transparency and IP Issues

20:57 Consumer Transparency and NDC Numbers

21:10 Intellectual Property Concerns

22:59 Challenges and Points of Contention

25:12 Manufacturer Concerns: Rebates and Discounts

28:06 Oversupply and Export Restrictions

29:09 Mechanisms to Control Drug Importation

30:39 Policies to Protect Drug Supply in Canada

31:12 Logistical Challenges at the Border

33:07 Vulnerabilities in the Drug Supply Chain

35:03 Maintaining Patient Confidence in Drug Quality

36:31 Risks Before the Border

38:01 Complexities and Concerns for Community Pharmacists

41:31 The Future of Drug Importation Programs

44:00 The Motivation Behind Drug Importation Programs

46:01 Exploring Other Solutions to Lower Drug Prices

48:19 The Illegality of Personal Drug Importation

49:05 Balancing Cost Savings and Patient Safety

50:02 Inspiration from Historical Figures

Resources:

• Ilisa Bernstein

• American Pharmacists Association

• The Partnership for Safe Medicines