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 podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re covering Gilead’s latest expansion in R&D, a milestone decision from the World Health Organization on GLP-1s, and new research on flu vaccines and heart health in older adults.

 on a new technical development hub designed to accelerate biopharma innovation. The facility will focus on advancing drug candidates through the technical stages of development, with an emphasis on biologics and complex modalities. The project signals Gilead’s commitment to strengthening its pipeline infrastructure and driving long-term growth in a competitive research landscape.

In a landmark move, the World Health Organization has added GLP-1 receptor agonists to its 

for diabetes. The decision underscores the critical role these therapies play in managing type 2 diabetes worldwide. While affordability and access remain challenges, the inclusion is expected to support broader adoption, encourage generic competition, and potentially shape global health policy around GLP-1 availability.

 has found that high-dose influenza vaccines are linked to a lower risk of myocarditis and pericarditis in older adults, compared with standard-dose formulations. Researchers say the findings reinforce the benefits of high-dose vaccines, which are already recommended for seniors due to their stronger immune response. This adds another layer of evidence supporting their use in reducing both flu-related illness and secondary cardiovascular risks.

From R&D expansion to global policy shifts and improved vaccine outcomes, these stories highlight how pharma innovation and public health priorities continue to align.

. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit 

Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers Gilead’s groundbreaking on a new technical development hub to accelerate biopharma innovation, the World Health Organization’s decision to add GLP-1s to its Essential Medicines List for diabetes, and new data showing high-dose influenza vaccines reduce heart risks in older adults.

Pharma Pulse: Gilead Expands R&D Hub, WHO Adds GLP-1s to Essential Medicines List, and High-Dose Flu Vaccine Shows Heart Benefits

 podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re covering the latest legal battle over pharmaceutical tariffs, Sanofi’s market setback following Phase III results, and new research on how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped pneumococcal mortality.

 the US Supreme Court to intervene and preserve pharmaceutical tariffs that an appeals court recently struck down. The tariffs were part of broader trade policies aimed at reshoring drug manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports. If upheld, they could have far-reaching implications for supply chains, drug pricing, and the global competitiveness of US pharma. The case is being closely watched as industry leaders weigh potential disruption against incentives for domestic production.

In other news, Sanofi’s stock fell 10% after its experimental immunology drug Amlitelimab failed to meet primary endpoints in a 

l. The therapy had been viewed as a potential blockbuster in treating inflammatory conditions, but the disappointing results cast uncertainty on its future. Analysts say the setback raises questions about Sanofi’s late-stage pipeline strength, though the company maintains it will continue evaluating Amlitelimab in other indications.

 highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered pneumococcal mortality patterns. Researchers found that during the height of the pandemic, deaths tied to pneumococcal disease declined, likely due to widespread masking, social distancing, and reduced transmission of respiratory infections. However, mortality rates have since begun to rebound, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in pneumococcal vaccination and surveillance.

From legal battles over tariffs to trial disappointments and shifting mortality trends, these stories show how policy, science, and public health continue to reshape the pharmaceutical landscape.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers President Trump’s appeal to the Supreme Court to preserve pharma tariffs, Sanofi’s 10% stock drop after Amlitelimab failed in Phase III, and new research showing how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped pneumococcal mortality trends.

Pharma Pulse: Trump Appeals Tariff Ruling, Sanofi Shares Slide on Trial Miss, and COVID-19 Alters Pneumococcal Mortality

 podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re looking at a new FDA approval in rare disease, fresh evidence on the impact of Rx-to-OTC drug switches, and regulatory changes for biosimilars.

 Sanofi’s Wayrilz for the treatment of persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia in adults. This rare autoimmune condition can lead to dangerously low platelet counts and increased bleeding risk. Wayrilz provides a new option for patients who have had limited therapies available, strengthening Sanofi’s position in hematology while addressing a significant unmet medical need.

 shows that the switch of triptans from prescription to over-the-counter availability has had a positive public health impact. The move has improved access to treatment for migraine sufferers, reduced the burden on healthcare providers, and supported earlier intervention for patients experiencing attacks. Experts say this example could pave the way for additional Rx-to-OTC switches in other therapeutic areas, especially where safe self-management is possible.

Lastly, in a major regulatory shift, the FDA will waive the 

 for standalone clinical efficacy studies in most applications for monoclonal antibody biosimilars. The agency says that advances in analytics and pharmacokinetic data can adequately demonstrate similarity to reference products. This change is expected to streamline approvals, lower development costs, and accelerate patient access to more affordable biologics.

From expanding treatment options in rare disease to improved access through OTC switches and faster biosimilar pathways, these updates show how regulation and innovation continue to reshape pharma.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers the FDA’s approval of Sanofi’s Wayrilz for chronic immune thrombocytopenia, evidence that prescription-to-OTC switches of triptans improve migraine care access, and new FDA guidance waiving clinical efficacy studies for most monoclonal antibody biosimilars.

Pharma Pulse: FDA Approves Sanofi’s Wayrilz, OTC Triptans Show Public Health Gains, and Biosimilar Rules Streamlined

 podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re covering a high-profile leadership dispute at the CDC, the persistence of drug shortages, and the FDA’s approval of the first generic GLP-1 for weight loss.

 attempts by the White House to remove her as director of the CDC. The move follows political friction over pandemic-era policy and the agency’s future direction. Monarez emphasized that her focus remains on public health and maintaining CDC independence. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between scientific agencies and political leadership during a time of shifting health priorities.

 underscores how long-lasting drug shortages continue to strain US healthcare. Shortages of critical medicines, from injectables to cancer therapies, are being driven by fragile supply chains, limited manufacturing redundancy, and persistent market pressures. Hospitals and pharmacies are increasingly forced to ration supplies or rely on costly alternatives. Experts warn that without systemic reforms, these shortages could worsen, impacting both patient care and costs.

 the first generic version of liraglutide for weight management. The approval is expected to broaden access to GLP-1 therapies at a time of unprecedented demand. While newer GLP-1s dominate headlines, a generic option could offer a more affordable entry point for patients and payers, potentially easing some of the pressure created by rising demand for these drugs.

From CDC leadership battles to systemic supply chain issues and new affordable treatment options, these stories illustrate the complex interplay of politics, economics, and science shaping healthcare today.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers Susan Monarez’s rejection of White House efforts to remove her as CDC director, new analysis on how long-lasting drug shortages expose systemic supply chain weaknesses, and the FDA’s approval of the first generic liraglutide for weight management.

Pharma Pulse: CDC Director Pushback, Persistent Drug Shortages, and FDA Clears First Generic GLP-1 for Weight Loss

 podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re looking at a major regulatory milestone for Novo Nordisk, a promising new antiviral combination for influenza, and the growing role of community pharmacies in expanding healthcare access.

Novo Nordisk’s stock surged following the FDA’s 

 of Wegovy for reducing the risk of progression in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with liver fibrosis. Already a blockbuster in weight management, Wegovy’s new indication broadens its clinical and commercial potential. Analysts say the approval positions the drug as a leading therapy not just for obesity but also for metabolic and liver disease, further strengthening Novo’s foothold in the GLP-1 space.

In other news, researchers have reported 

 from a novel drug combination that appears effective against drug-resistant influenza strains. With seasonal flu remaining a major global health challenge—and resistant strains reducing the effectiveness of existing antivirals—this approach could represent an important advance in preparedness. While still early, the findings suggest potential for a broader, more durable line of defense against severe influenza outbreaks.

Lastly, community pharmacies are increasingly 

 as frontline healthcare access points, particularly in underserved areas. Beyond dispensing prescriptions, many are now offering vaccinations, point-of-care testing, and chronic disease support. This expanded role not only eases pressure on overextended health systems but also helps improve patient adherence and engagement by delivering care in familiar, convenient settings.

From new regulatory wins and therapeutic innovation to community-based solutions, these stories highlight the multiple ways pharma and healthcare are evolving to meet patient needs.

You can catch Pharma Pulse directly on 

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers Novo Nordisk’s FDA win for Wegovy in MASH-related liver fibrosis, new research on a promising drug combination against resistant influenza strains, and how community pharmacies are strengthening healthcare access in underserved areas.

Pharma Pulse: Wegovy Wins Accelerated Approval, New Flu Combo Emerges, and Community Pharmacies Expand Access

 podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today, we’re covering three developments shaping the pharmaceutical landscape—from regulatory innovation to high-stakes IP settlements and potential policy shifts out of Washington.

, aimed at improving drug manufacturing resilience in the US The initiative allows manufacturers to undergo an early, proactive quality systems review—before production even begins.

This approach is designed to reduce inspection delays, strengthen supply chain reliability, and ensure timely patient access to essential medicines. It’s a shift from reactive inspections to preventive oversight, which could be critical for minimizing shortages and maintaining consistent drug quality.

In the business arena, GSK has secured a 

 in an mRNA patent dispute involving CureVac, Pfizer, and BioNTech. The agreement nets GSK $370 million upfront and lowers the royalties it will pay on future mRNA vaccines developed with CureVac.

The resolution clears the path for both companies to advance their pipelines without the drag of ongoing litigation. Analysts see it as a positive for GSK’s mRNA ambitions, potentially improving profitability on upcoming vaccine launches, and as a sign that mRNA IP disputes may increasingly be resolved through negotiated settlements. Meanwhile, CureVac is also expected to receive $370 million at acquisition closing and $50 million from GSK for monetizing a portion of US product royalties that are due under its existing license agreement that was announced in July 2024.

Looking to policy, President Donald Trump is set to meet with pharmaceutical industry executives to discuss strategies for 

 and R&D investment. While details of the proposals have not yet been released, the meeting reflects a renewed focus on bolstering US pharma competitiveness, from supply chain security to innovation incentives.

Industry watchers will be paying close attention to whether the discussions lead to concrete policy measures—such as tax incentives, regulatory streamlining, or public-private partnerships—that could influence investment flows and production capacity in the years ahead.

From the FDA’s proactive quality program to a high-profile mRNA settlement and potential policy shifts aimed at strengthening US pharma, these developments underscore how regulation, business strategy, and government engagement are converging to shape the industry’s future.

This episode of Pharma Pulse explores the FDA’s new proactive quality review initiative for drug manufacturing, GSK’s $370 million mRNA patent settlement with CureVac, and upcoming discussions between industry leaders and policymakers on strengthening US pharmaceutical innovation and supply chains.

Pharma Pulse: FDA Launches Pre-Check Program, GSK Secures mRNA Settlement, and Pharma Leaders Eye US Investment Boost

 podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I'm your host, and in today’s episode, we have three major stories—from strategic restructuring to clinical breakthroughs, and a high-stakes legal decision—each with big implications for the industry.

First up, Bayer is making headlines as its aggressive restructuring continues into 2025. The company has already 

as part of a cost-cutting strategy targeting $2.3 billion in annual savings by 2026. Interestingly, despite these workforce reductions, Bayer posted modest revenue growth in Q2—driven by strong performance of key drugs like Nubeqa and Kerendia.

On the legal front, Bayer is also allocating billions to manage risk from lingering glyphosate and PCB litigation—a reminder that operational streamlining must go hand-in-hand with prudent legal strategy.

In the weight management space, Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 therapy, orforglipron, is making headlines. The 

 found that patients on the highest dose lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared to less than 1% for placebo. The treatment also improved markers like cholesterol and blood pressure, with a safety profile similar to injectable GLP-1s.

If approved, orforglipron could offer a convenient, once-daily oral option—broadening access to GLP-1 therapy and potentially improving long-term adherence. Lilly is aiming to file for regulatory approval by year’s end, positioning the drug as both a complement to and a competitor against injectable leaders in the field.

A major legal decision could accelerate that competition. A US federal court 

 Novo Nordisk’s patent claims against Eli Lilly over GLP-1 technology, clearing a legal hurdle for Lilly to advance its obesity and diabetes programs without the threat of an injunction.

For Novo, the ruling is a setback in a market projected to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years. Analysts say this decision could compress competitive timelines, influence pricing strategies, and shape where companies place their R&D bets next. In a therapeutic category moving at record speed, removing legal uncertainty can be just as impactful as a clinical milestone.

From Bayer’s sweeping transformation to the momentum building behind oral GLP-1 therapies—and now a court ruling that could intensify competition—these stories highlight the strategic, scientific, and legal forces redefining pharma’s competitive landscape.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers Bayer’s $2.3 billion cost-cutting overhaul, promising Phase III results for Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 therapy orforglipron, and a pivotal court decision clearing the way for intensified competition in the high-growth obesity and diabetes treatment market.

Pharma Pulse: Bayer Restructures, Lilly’s Oral GLP-1 Advances, and Court Ruling Shakes Up Obesity Drug Market

How recent executive orders—both under the Biden and Trump administrations—have reshaped the drug pricing landscape, and the legal challenges or uncertainties they present for pharmaceutical companies

What life sciences companies should be doing now to proactively prepare for further executive action on drug pricing and market access

The key differences in how executive policies versus legislative actions affect the pharma industry’s pricing and commercialization strategies

The legal and strategic risks executive policy shifts pose to investors and biopharma leaders who may be planning product launches or portfolio expansion over the next few years

Alice Valder Curran outlines the steps manufacturers should take to better prepare for upcoming executive actions on drug pricing and market access.

How Recent Executive Orders Impact the Drug Pricing Landscape

 interview, Claire Riches, vice president of clinical solutions at Citeline, dives into:

Specific inefficiencies in the current drug approval system that are the biggest obstacles to faster approvals

How the FDA can integrate data sources such as real-world data (RWD) to streamline approvals, while maintaining rigorous safety standards

Advancements in data collection and validation that make RWD a viable tool for drug approvals

The role payers and insurers should play in this shift toward a more data-driven, flexible approval framework, and how this could impact patient access to innovative treatments

The likelihood of bipartisan support for reforms that modernize drug approvals with shifting political priorities under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Claire Riches highlights inefficiencies in the current drug approval process, while outlining the role of payers and insurers in shifting toward data-driven approval framework. 

Fast-Tracking the Future

 interview, Renier Brentjens, MD, PhD, deputy director and chair of medicine at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses:

How he has seen the field evolve since its inception, and what excites him most about its future

How the Roswell Park expansion helps improve patient access to CAR T-cell therapy

The key safety concerns associated with CAR T-cell therapy, along with how Roswell Park aims to mitigate potential risks

How Roswell Park is working to make CAR T-cell therapy more widely available

The steps needed to be taken at the regulatory and healthcare policy levels in order to support the broader adoption of CAR T-cell therapy

Renier Brentjens, MD, PhD outlines the evolution of the space, while offering ways to boost patient access to these treatments. 

Embarking on the CAR-T Journey

The South Korean CDMO has signed its second multi-billion-dollar contract in less than a year, even as shifting US trade policies and looming tariffs create challenges for global drugmakers.

Samsung Biologics Secures $1.3B US Manufacturing Deal Amidst Tariff Uncertainty

Key points from our recent webinar on the President’s MFN order.

What the President’s Drug Pricing Push Means for Pharma, Payers, and Patients

The new 180,000-square-foot facility in Foster City anchors the company’s long-term $32 billion investment in domestic manufacturing and R&D.

Gilead Breaks Ground on Technical Development Hub to Drive US Biopharma Innovation

Following a federal appeals court decision that struck down much of his tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, President Trump is asking the Supreme Court to fast-track review. 

Trump Pushes Supreme Court to Save Tariffs After Appeals Court Ruling Limits Presidential Power

The company is committing over half a billion dollars to build a state-of-the-art research hub in Thousand Oaks, CA, designed to accelerate next-generation therapeutics through advanced automation and collaboration. 

Amgen to Invest $600M in New Science and Innovation Center at California HQ

Overcoming Barriers to Full e-Prescribing Adoption

The Prescription Information Modernization Act of 2025 (PIMA) is being hailed as a significant development for the pharmaceutical industry because it represents rare bipartisan agreement on an issue that directly impacts both healthcare providers and patients. In a video interview with 

, Diogo Rau, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer for Eli Lilly and Company, emphasizes that when legislation garners cross-party support, it often signals a transformative change.

One of the core issues PIMA addresses is the outdated, cumbersome nature of prescription information. Unlike other consumer products that spark excitement and social sharing, medicines are often accompanied by an overwhelming amount of paper-based documentation, which dampens the patient experience. Physicians and patients alike must navigate lengthy, jargon-heavy inserts that are difficult to read and understand.

Currently, a typical prescription package insert equates to roughly 45 pages if formatted as a standard book. These inserts are printed in extremely small font sizes and filled with technical language, making them inaccessible to many, especially patients with limited English proficiency. This creates barriers to understanding medication instructions, side effects, and other critical information, undermining both safety and adherence.

PIMA aims to modernize this system by initially focusing on the documentation that healthcare providers receive. While it doesn’t yet solve all issues tied to patient-facing labeling, it represents the first step toward broader improvements. By digitizing and simplifying prescription information, the Act seeks to reduce inefficiencies, enhance accessibility, and ultimately create a better healthcare experience.

For manufacturers, this modernization could mean streamlined compliance and reduced printing costs, while providers benefit from clearer, more usable data that aids in decision-making. Patients stand to gain the most through improved comprehension of their medications, which may lead to greater confidence, adherence, and outcomes. Rau underscores that while PIMA is only a starting point, it lays the groundwork for transforming how prescription information is communicated in the future.

He also comments on the impact reducing paper inserts will have on pharma operations and environmental goals; the challenges that remain for full-scale adoption of electronic prescribing information; and much more.

With 92% of prescriptions already e-prescribed, what challenges remain for full-scale adoption of electronic prescribing information, and how can pharma companies help overcome them?

It's great that 92% of prescriptions are already e-prescribed. I do remember what it was like getting paper prescriptions and you'd read the chicken scratch that's on the documents; it would be very easy for somebody to fake. I don't think anybody wants to go back to a world where we do more paper prescriptions, and I think as we move into electronic labeling, nobody's going to want to go back to the kinds of paper that comes with medicines today.

I saw another survey of physicians that 96% prefer to have digital prescribing information over paper. And in fact, I kind of wonder about the other 4%--if they maybe misread the question, and maybe, just like a package insert, they had a hard time following that question, because I think just about 100% of people really will benefit from some form of digital prescribing information.

We just need to get started somewhere. The good news is other countries have already started doing this. The European Medicines Agency is already down this path towards electronic labeling. Japan passed legislation in 2019 that would require manufacturers—starting in 2021—that they have to provide QR codes and other sorts of digital labeling. We're seeing similar initiatives in Brazil and other places, so this is not a US thing. This is a worldwide thing, and all we really have to do is just get started and get out of our own way, which is exactly what's happening with this Act.

In the final part of his Pharma Commerce video interview, Diogo Rau, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer for Eli Lilly and Company, focuses on physician demand, global momentum, and how US legislation can help the industry finally move beyond paper.

Why Reducing Paper Inserts Is About Access as Much as Sustainability

From a cost and sustainability perspective, what impact will reducing paper inserts have on pharma operations and environmental goals?

Reducing paper will definitely impact the environment. It's about 90 billion sheets of paper that get printed for medicine inserts, and again, this Act doesn't fix that yet, but that's the path that we're going towards, so an enormous environmental impact there, and I think that's the societal benefit that we all start thinking about first, the environmental impact.

But I actually want to turn your attention towards a different societal impact that I think needs to be part of this conversation as well, which is the ability to access the information that's in there. If your near vision has deteriorated, or your vision is not good to begin with, you're going to have a hard time reading that four-point text. If you don't speak a lot of medical jargon, if you're somewhere on the neurodiverse spectrum, it may be very hard to follow all the instructions that are in there. If you have any sort of motor difficulties, it's literally hard to unfold paper that comes with medicines. And of course, if English is not your native language—in the United States anyway—you're going to have a hard time following those instructions as well.

I think as much as we talk about the environment, I would love to also see us talk about the benefits to society in terms of just making medicines easier to understand what they do and what side effects and what contraindications you may have. The environmental impact, though, like I mentioned, is not small. It's probably not going to make a material gain or material difference for pharma companies. I don't think anybody's going to really post extra earnings just because they stop printing labels, so our interest is not really in just trying to reduce our costs. We would like to do this because it's better for the environment, but it's also better for society because it makes just makes things more accessible to everybody that's out there.

In the second part of his Pharma Commerce video interview, Diogo Rau, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer for Eli Lilly and Company, highlights that cutting down on the 90 billion sheets of paper used for medicine inserts each year isn’t just an environmental win—it’s also a critical step toward making drug information more accessible for patients with vision challenges, language barriers, or cognitive and physical disabilities.

Modernizing Prescription Information 

Why is the Prescription Information Modernization Act of 2025 (PIMA) a game-changer for the pharma industry, and what benefits do you see for manufacturers and healthcare providers?

It's not every day that we get excited about legislation, but we always should get excited about legislation when both parties actually agree on something and want to do something. That’s already something that just tells you right away that this going to be a game-changer.

Now, I think we all know what the experience of medicines are like. There are very few things that are so valuable as medicines that when you get them—people don't post unboxing videos on TikTok. When's the last time you've been excited about the medicine that you're getting and you want to show you want to show it off?

Medicines are behind in many ways, and one of those ways is the amount of paper that comes with them. This Act is not fixing the whole problem, but it is starting with the documentation that physicians receive, and that in itself is a huge volume of documentation. The overall package inserts that we get as a patient, that's ultimately where we where we want to get to, and, and I don't know if you realize, but with the volume of information that's just in one package insert, do you have any guess on just how many pages—if you were to do it like as normal book—is in a typical package insert?

I want to say at least 20 to 30. It seems very massive.

It’s actually 45—it's insane. Now, of course, it's 45 pages of text that's shrunk down to four-point font that you can't possibly read, and is written with jargon that perhaps you can't understand. If you don't speak English well, then you're kind of out of luck, at least in the United States.

There's a lot of room to improve on everything that we have around prescription labeling, and this Act—the Prescription Information Modernization Act of 2025—is just the first step towards a much better patient experience.

In the first part of his Pharma Commerce video interview, Diogo Rau, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer for Eli Lilly and Company, explains how the Prescription Information Modernization Act of 2025 aims to replace package inserts with digital-first documentation, providing patients with better access to understandable medication guidance in the process.

Balancing Tariffs and Patient Access in Pharma Policy

, Dave Malenfant, a healthcare supply chain expert, discusses the potential impact of a proposed 250% tariff on pharmaceutical imports, emphasizing that the effect depends heavily on where in the supply chain the tariff is applied. If imposed on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), the impact would be minimal, as APIs contribute relatively little to the total cost of a finished drug and adjustments could be made through negotiation. However, if applied to finished pharmaceuticals or key components—such as bottle plugs, closures, molded parts, and glass—the cost implications could be significant, since these materials represent a substantial portion of overall manufacturing costs.

Malenfant notes that the US conducts much of its pharmaceutical research and development domestically but often outsources manufacturing to lower-cost countries, only to re-import the products for sale. He questions this practice, arguing that products sold in the US should be manufactured domestically to strengthen the supply chain and reduce dependency on foreign production. He cites examples of non-US companies, such as the world’s largest generic drugmaker, establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States as a step in the right direction.

The interview also addresses duty drawback. a current process allowing companies to recover duties paid on imported pharmaceuticals, which the proposed tariff regulation would reportedly eliminate. Without duty drawback, the financial burden on manufacturers and distributors would increase.

While higher component costs could drive up product expenses, Malenfant believes that companies are unlikely to pass these increases directly to patients. Instead, they may absorb the costs by reducing margins, particularly since US pharma companies already operate with some of the highest profit margins globally. However, the ripple effect would reach insurance companies, prompting complex negotiations between insurers, distributors, and manufacturers to prevent direct cost increases to patients and maintain access to medications.

He also comments on how the tariff could cascade through the pharma supply chain; the downstream operational challenges that might arise for pharma companies;mitigation strategies industry leaders should already be exploring; and much more.

In the final part of his Pharma Commerce video interview, Dave Malenfant, a healthcare supply chain expert, emphasizes that patient access must remain the top priority, even amid steep tariffs, citing cases like orphan drugs and oncology treatments where government flexibility is essential.

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