Reshema Kemps-Polanco

Departing Words: Merck’s Ken Frazier Cautions Against Profit Maximization Pharma CEOs must balance optimizing access and profitability, former Merck CEO and soon-to-be ex executive chairman of the company said. Frazier says health care industry must come to table and admit the “system ain’t working,” talks about the need to protect democracy, in a sweeping interview at the STAT Summit. ....from the Citeline archives, via Sarah Karlin-Smith ********** In a court filing reported yesterday by Bloomberg Law reporter Celine Castronuovo, Amgen argues it will suffer “concrete harm” unless a federal judge quickly enjoins Colorado’s drug pricing board from moving forward with a payment cap for Enbrel. Like nearly all content in healthcare today, Amgen's storyline starts and sticks with the Standard Model, the cut-and-paste messaging that now sits at the extreme end of monotonous repetition. To wit: "Innovative medicines have enhanced and extended the lives of countless Coloradans. Recognizing the enormous investment of time and money needed to discover and develop these novel treatments, Congress rewarded those who bring new medicines to market with a period of patent exclusivity and pricing discretion. As numerous scholars have observed, the economic incentives provided by the federal patent system are crucial to Congress’s objective of promoting pharmaceutical research and development. One such medicine, Amgen’s pioneering drug ENBREL® provides life-changing relief to thousands of Coloradans who suffer from arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Enbrel redefined the clinical course of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis...." etc., etc., etc., etc. All of which may be technically true, as "the scholars have observed", but if the objective for Amgen is an argument that persuades, the #StandardModel stopped working long ago. It also doesn't help when the 20 members of the Colorado drug pricing board and its advisory council come home from work and watch the local news, where the commercial breaks will be flooded with drug promotion, part of the media buy that comes from the industry spending $30 billion/year on DTC advertising. These things are connected. In a conversation with Bill Boulding, Dean of Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business around the same time as his interview with STAT, Frazier said one of the role's of business was in collaborating with government to reinvent the country. “The role of the private sector in the United States in helping to reinvent this country, over, and over, and over again, is important,” he said. “I think business has the talent, it has the resources, it has the capabilities of helping to change our country.” It's time to sweep the old concepts out of the saddle. The faster the drug market learns how to connect things differently, to 'see, say, sell and sustain' strategy at a system level, the faster it can start creating a different future for itself. #QuentinTarantino

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"IQVIA estimates that the dearth of a Humira (adalimumab) biosimilars last year cost patients and employers cumulatively $6 billion." #Biosimilars #Adalimumab like #Hulio from #BioconBiologics can provide #affordable #access to #patients and save billions for the Government. #Biosimilars are the way forward for affordable biologics therapy. Read the article: US Specific "The biosimilar Hulio was offered last year at a WAC of $498 for a month's supply, versus $3,461 for Humira, according to a Samsung Bioepis biosimilar report. Still, the vast majority of prescriptions filled in 2023 were for the Humira originator product, prompting market research group IQVIA to conclude that “maintaining patients on Humira comes at a cost of up to about $6 billion per year for patients and employers, compared to a full transition to adalimumab biosimilars.” Biocon Biologics Matt Erick Joshua Salsi https://lnkd.in/gN74FShF

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“This is how it has always been done” or “This is how everyone does it” are no longer sufficient. We have to be creative and take risks to disrupt the status quo and forge new paths. #healthcare #clinicaltrials #raredisease

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Reflecting on The Hill’s Cancer Summit, I am reminded of the urgent need to accelerate cancer research and promote equity in care. This morning we convened a coalition of influential voices from Washington D.C. to engage in thought-provoking discussions on the ORPHAN Cures Act, advancing cancer research and addressing disparities in screening and care. The discussions left me with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency in our fight against cancer.   Here are some of my key take-a-ways:   ⚡UNITED ACTION: The bipartisan support from Wiley Nickel and John Joyce for the ORPHAN Cures Act underscores the importance of legislative backing in fostering innovation for rare cancers, but we need Congress to act now. ⚡ERADICATING INEQUITIES: Insights from Dr. Crystal Denlinger, Pam Traxel, and Maimah Karmo reinforced the need to dismantle barriers in cancer care and ensure that every advancement is within reach for every individual, regardless of their background.  ⚡AMBITIOUS GOALS: Dr. Danielle Carnival, update on the Cancer Moonshot initiative reaffirms the federal government’s dedication to ending cancer as we know it, which is crucial for driving progress.  ⚡SAFEGUARD PROGRESS: During my conversation with Kathleen Koch, we discussed the importance of addressing the current policy headwinds, especially as it pertains to rare cancers, to protect innovation in developing new, more targeted cancer therapies.  ⚡INSPIRING JOURNEY: John Crowley’s moving narrative about his quest to find a cure for his children’s rare disease exemplifies the power of hope and determination. His story is a powerful reminder of why we must act swiftly and decisively.    I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important dialogue and look forward to continuing our work towards progress and a future where cancer is no longer a threat to our health and well-being. Let’s work together to advance rare treatments!    #CancerSummit #InnovationInOncology #HealthcareEquity #AstraZeneca   https://lnkd.in/edRNc3VT Wiley Nickel, Danielle Carnival, PhD, Pam Traxel, Crystal Denlinger, Maimah Karmo, John F. Crowley, Bob Cusack, Kathleen Koch

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🏳️‍🌈🌍 Embracing Diversity = Fueling Innovation 🚀  Diversity is a powerful force to propel scientific innovation and growth. Embracing diversity in the scientific community means honoring the richness of unique perspectives, experiences, and talents. When we embrace diversity, we open ourselves up to new ideas, approaches, and solutions. Diverse perspectives challenge the status quo, spark creativity, and drive us to think differently. In the end, this diversity of thought is the catalyst for innovation.    In celebration of #PrideMonth, I had the honor of raising the Pride flag at our @Novo Nordisk site in Måløv, Denmark this morning. Like many of my colleagues, I am committed to fostering an environment where diversity isn't just about representation; it's about building a culture where every voice is heard.     Together, let's build a more inclusive and innovative world.     Read more about diversity and inclusion at Novo Nordisk: (novonordisk.com)    #diversity #inclusion #innovation 

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Another great episode! Tips to address challenges and reframe, acknowledge & influence skeptical audiences.

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Having had the opportunity to support 4 of the 5 original BTK inhibitors that are FDA approved, it is exciting to see the evolving landscape, as highlighted in the recent article, reflect a significant shift in our approach to not just cancer but also autoimmune diseases. Sanofi’s rilzabrutinib shows considerable promise in treating conditions like immune thrombocytopenia and chronic spontaneous urticaria, underscoring the versatility of these therapies. It’s promising to see such innovations potentially expand to treat a range of autoimmune conditions. However, the discussion around the side effects and clinical holds serves as a critical reminder of the complexity of drug development. Ensuring patient safety must remain a top priority as we pursue these advanced therapeutic options. This balance between innovation and safety is what will truly drive our industry forward, offering new hopes and solutions to those in need.

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As I prepare to join you all tomorrow at the National Pharmaceutical Congress Institute webinar on Pharmacare featuring experts Mihai (Mike) Csaki, Zal Press, Pamela Fralick, and Eileen McMahon, I wanted to share my thoughts. I picked up 3 key pieces of information to put context, perspectives and opinions on this highly-debated reform. 1. Making contraception and diabetes medications free for Canadians The office of Prime Minister issued a communiqué on May 24. Extracts: ·      The medications many Canadians need are often too expensive, leading to fewer visits to pharmacies, less treatment, and more frequent health scares. ·      The cost of contraceptives, and medications for those who are diabetic, is one of the largest barriers to access. ·      We're making sure Canadians get the medication that they need, when they need it. Source: https://rb.gy/q9hdml 2. Improving Coverage and Access to Innovative Medicines for Canadians: Standing Committee of Health study of Bill C-64 On May 22, Innovative Medicines Canada - Médicaments novateurs Canada issued a position statement including context, four recommendations and proposed next steps for a collaborative approach. Extracts: Reco #1: The Government of Canada should build on Canada’s extensive existing coverage rather than replacing it with limited public formularies. The limited available funding should be used to address the unique gaps or limitations in coverage in consultation with each jurisdiction. Reco #2: The Government of Canada should leverage existing efforts to reduce costs currently being undertaken by the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) through joint pricing negotiations. Standalone federal initiatives would have limited additional benefit. Source: https://rb.gy/ihldbw 3. Addressing the impact of Bill-64: Healthcare experts weigh in on the pros and cons of the new legislation This week, the National Pharmaceutical Congress Institute issued a white paper including survey results and opinions from industry experts. Extracts: ·      “With the advent of AI and technology, we are living in dynamic times when it comes to healthcare...We have to be supportive of any initiative that wants our best interests, even if it’s not perfect and we struggle to please everybody. There’s no perfect system for everyone. The goal is to aim for the best and try to improve”. ·      The majority (over 50%) of surveyed participants also believed the greatest challenge in implementing Bill C-64 could be the lack of provincial cooperation. Source: https://lnkd.in/gVdiyGUS I look forward to participating in the event and hearing from the panel as we continue to see the shaping of Canadian healthcare changes. My name is Arnaud Lavenue and I'm a senior partner at Toc Toc Communications. I'm passionate about bringing pharmaceutical brands to life to their full potential so that they can help the patients who need them most. Thank you for liking, commenting, or following.

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After getting off to a slow start last year, US biosimilar rivals to Humira are beginning to gain more traction. Sandoz is increasing its share on a weekly basis, Alvotech and Teva Pharmaceuticals have struck a deal for their newly-approved interchangeable 100mg/ml biosimilar, and the latest market data shows biosimilars capturing twice as much of the market in Q1 as in Q4 2023. Citeline Commercial's Generics Bulletin looks at the latest trends. This article appears in front of our usual paywall. https://lnkd.in/eH_KNxh6

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AbbVie reported $12.3 billion in revenues for Q1 2024, which represents less than 1% year-on-year growth. Here is my visual breakdown of their earnings: 💊 AbbVie’s immunology portfolio was its biggest revenue driver, which includes top-seller Humira. However, Humira's worldwide sales fell by 36% as it faces biosimilar competition. This decline was partially offset by the strong growth of its newer drugs, Skyrizi and Rinvoq. 🚀 Counteracting the reduced revenues of its immunology segment, the firm is diversifying its portfolio. This saw its oncology and neuroscience sectors with encouraging growth of 9% and 16%, respectively. 🤝 AbbVie has also completed its acquisition of ImmunoGen, a move that will help strengthen its position in the oncology market.

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Driven by a unified purpose to impact the lives of people living with advanced cancers, Novartis is working to create a future where every eligible patient can receive radioligand therapies (RLTs) not just today—but into the future.   Learn more about this commitment to RLT: https://lnkd.in/g8JcTs7A   #ASCO24 #NovartisTogether

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In this month's Drug Delivery Leader "Frankly Fran" opinion column, Fran DeGrazio shares insights on pharma and biopharma's need for regulatory harmonization due to the substantial diversity in regulations when viewed from a global perspective. For more more on this click: https://lnkd.in/emxrHaya #drugdelivery #regulatory #harmonization

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Looking for some inspiration on this Monday? We’ve got some for you in this upcoming Webinar featuring our very own Geoff Johnson, MD, PhD. I have the privilege of interviewing Geoff for our first episode of several highlighting the importance of radiopharmaceuticals and the ongoing need for research, development, and utilization of these agents in clinical practice. #radiopharmaceuticals #prostatecancer #NucleusRadioPharma #Mayo #innovation

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CREATION.co's medicine launch tracker provides a monthly glimpse into the views of HCPs on new treatments, from our analysis of the social media conversations of millions of physicians, pharmacists and nurses. And it's still free of charge - just follow CREATION.co to get this and our other updates in your feed.

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This week from #ParexelBiotech, Dr. Gwyn Bebb and former regulator Steve Winitsky, M.D. explore how bringing CAR-T therapy to community-based sites can enhance accessibility, equity, and patient outcomes. Learn how community-based treatment centers are breaking barriers and discover the checklist for evaluating readiness. Read how industry experts are working towards inclusive and comprehensive cancer care for all. Access the full article below and subscribe to receive weekly #NovelInsights direct to your inbox! #CellTherapy #GeneTherapy #Oncology #ClinicalResearch

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Context matters, and every interaction biopharma has—from research to commercialization—is an opportunity to listen deeply to our customers’ context. When we do, we are better positioned to advance their needs in ways that meet our objectives, and most important, improve patient outcomes. On this episode, we’re taking a closer look at how the industry can improve its relationship with clinical trial sites. To help us better understand their context, I talked with Caroline Smith, MBA, senior director of client services at Charter Research, and Lauren Wall, senior director of the cancer clinical trial support office at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. They offer some great insights on their context and specific ways companies can build stronger relationships with clinical sites. And importantly, they zero in on why it’s critical to keep patients at the forefront. I learned a lot from this conversation and I hope you will, too. Listen to the #podcast here or subscribe on Spotify, Apple or Amazon. https://lnkd.in/e9u6uQPC #patientcentricity #biopharma #clinicaltrials #zspodcast

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