Pharmaceutical Commerce - September/October 2012

Understand when total cost of care is the only winning argument - and when you can ignore it, says Oliver Wyman

Implications for pharma are in continuing pricing pressure, and preferences for distribution channels

Action adds to the increasing number of global healthcare-distribution pathways

The geriatric-dominated LTC market is growing, but has unique constraints

Deployment of Model N cloud-based IT services boosts internal capabilities at J&J

Achieving a 'clinical workflow' compatible with doctors' and hospital administrators' online preferences is the goal; will pharma promotional messaging find a place?

Elaborate testing is necessary to ensure the stability and functionality of today's drug-delivery systems

Premier, one of the leading group purchasing organizations (GPOs), is a vital linkage point between nearly 90,000 healthcare sites in the US, and the drug, device and hospital-supply vendors that serve them. Pharmaceutical Commerce sat down with Mike Alkire, chief operating officer of the company, to hear about what's driving GPO evolution today, and how it interacts with pharma manufacturers. Here's what he had to say:

Although controversial, patient-focused discounts can play a valuable role in managed-markets programs

The USP standard, currently in draft form, is an effort to provide recommendations for end-to-end supply chain integrity

Industry is not waiting for action in Washington

As payers seek higher-quality data from real-world treatment settings, the importance of reliable measures becomes critical

Design choices can make a difference in a crowded market

Orphan drug development and marketing have important distinct requirements for R&D, regulatory and marketing

Serialization systems are going into operation around the world, but cross-industry collaboration awaits new legislation