Pharma Pulse: The Access Gap

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and let’s get into today’s headlines.

• We start with a wake-up call for providers. A new national survey conducted by The Harris Poll for Surescripts reveals that over half of US patients now face significant hurdles when filling prescriptions. High costs are forcing one in four patients to abandon their medications entirely, while administrative delays like prior authorization continue to stall care for nearly 30% of the population.
• In other news, AstraZeneca has inked a massive $4.7 billion collaboration with China’s CSPC Pharmaceuticals. The deal secures global rights to eight metabolic programs, including a clinical-ready once-monthly injectable. AZ is banking on CSPC’s LiquidGel platform and AI-driven discovery to differentiate its pipeline.
• Meanwhile, Eli Lilly announced a $3.5 billion investment for a new manufacturing site in Fogelsville, PA. This facility will be a critical hub for next-generation weight loss injectables like retatrutide, and will utilize advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning to optimize operations.

That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com.

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

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