AVBCC Value-Based Voices

Value-Based Voices welcomes Maria Ghazal, JD, MA, President & CEO, Healthcare Leadership Council, for a dynamic conversation spanning Medicare Advantage, prior authorization reform, artificial intelligence, Most Favored Nation drug pricing, and the growing competitive pressure from China in biopharmaceutical innovation.

During this conversation, hosted by Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies, and AVBCC Board Member, Maria shares insights from HLC’s diverse membership of 60+ C-suite leaders and explains how consensus-driven policy can shape the future of value-based care.

Together, Jayson and Maria explore:

• The evolving landscape of Medicare Advantage

• HLC’s newly released AI policy recommendations

• The implications of Most Favored Nation drug pricing and why affordability and innovation must not be treated as competing goals

• The rapid rise of China in biopharmaceutical development and AI-enabled healthcare—and what the U.S. must do to maintain leadership

• How HLC builds consensus across one of the most diverse memberships in healthcare

This episode offers a candid, cross-sector look at the policies, pressures, and opportunities that will define the next decade of value-based care.

Listen and subscribe for more conversations shaping the future of oncology and value-based healthcare.

#ValueBasedCare #MedicareAdvantage #HealthcarePolicy #AIinHealthcare #AI #Innovation #AVBCC #HLC #China #biopharma

Resources:

Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC): https://avbcc.org/

Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC): https://www.hlc.org/

Medicare Advantage cost analysis & MedPAC rebuttal: https://www.hlc.org/news/hlc-leader-reacts-to-latest-medpac-report-to-congress-on-medicare-payment-policy/

AI Federal Framework Preliminary Report: https://www.hlc.org/news/healthcare-sector-calls-for-unified-federal-framework-to-unlock-ais-full-potential-for-patients/

Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3514

CMS prior authorization reforms: https://www.cms.gov/initiatives/burden-reduction/overview/interoperability/policies-regulations/cms-interoperability-standards-prior-authorization-drugs-proposed-rule-cms-0062-p

Connect with our Guests:

Maria Ghazal, JD, MA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-ghazal/

Jayson Slotnik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-slotnik-3932305/

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

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Are oncology treatments losing their "special status" with payers?

In this episode of Value-Based Voices, host Brian Reid, MS, Principal of Reid Strategic and author of the Cost Curve newsletter, sits down with James Chambers, PhD, MSc, MPharm, Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and Director of the Specialty Drug Evidence and Coverage (SPEC) Database, to examine how payer coverage decisions are shaping access to cancer therapies in the United States.

Drawing on nearly a decade of research, Dr. Chambers discusses the growing use of utilization management tools, including step therapy and clinical eligibility requirements, and explains why oncology, long considered one of the least restricted therapeutic areas, is seeing a noticeable increase in coverage limitations. The conversation explores payer variation, the impact of biosimilars and therapeutic competition, and the unique challenges associated with cell and gene therapies.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complex balance between innovation, affordability, evidence, and patient access that continues to define the modern oncology landscape.

#Oncology #DrugCoverage #CancerDrugs #cancer #PatientAccess #HealthcarePolicy

Resources & Links
• Specialty Drug Evidence and Coverage (SPEC) Database: https://cevr.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/databases/spec-database
• Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC): http://avbcc.org

Connect with our Guests:
Brian Reed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbreid/
James Chambers, PhD, MSc, MPharm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-chambers-8845752/

Contact Value-Based Voices

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- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

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Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping healthcare, but what does that look like in the day-to-day practice of oncology? In this episode of AVBCC's Value-Based Voices, host Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies, and AVBCC Board Member, sits down with Samyukta Mullangi, MD, MBA, Medical Oncologist at Tennessee Oncology and Vice President of Clinical Strategy at OpenEvidence, to discuss how AI-powered clinical decision support tools are helping clinicians navigate an increasingly complex evidence landscape.

View a demo of Open Evidence: https://youtu.be/iBOlnjuHQxE

Dr. Mullangi explains how OpenEvidence's retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture delivers evidence-based answers grounded in trusted sources such as NCCN Guidelines, ASCO Guidelines, JAMA, and The New England Journal of Medicine. The conversation explores how AI can improve clinical efficiency, support better decision-making, reduce disparities in care, and ultimately give physicians more time to spend with patients.

The episode also tackles important questions about:
- medical education
- regulatory oversight
- payer adoption
- physician liability
- the future of AI-assisted healthcare

Whether you're a clinician, policymaker, payer, researcher, or healthcare innovator, this discussion offers valuable insights into the next generation of cancer care.

#Oncology #CancerCare #HealthcareAI #ArtificialIntelligence #ai #ValueBasedCare #ClinicalInnovation #DigitalHealth #OpenEvidence #AVBCC

Resources:
- OpenEvidence: https://www.openevidence.com
- Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC): https://www.valuebasedcancer.com
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): https://www.nccn.org
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): https://www.asco.org
- JAMA Network: https://jamanetwork.com
- The New England Journal of Medicine: https://www.nejm.org

Connect with our Guests:
Samyukta Mullangi, MD, MBA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mullangi/
Jayson Slotnik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-slotnik-3932305/

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

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What happens when patients with cancer spend weeks navigating insurance requirements before receiving physician-prescribed care?

In our latest episode of Value-Based Voices, Brian Reid, Principal of Reid Strategic and author of the Cost Curve newsletter, and Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies, and AVBCC Board Member, sit down with CancerCare's Alexandra Zaleta, PhD, VP of Research & Insights, and Kim Czubaruk, JD, VP of Policy, to discuss findings from CancerCare's groundbreaking Red Tape Report. Based on responses from more than 1,200 people affected by cancer, the report sheds light on the very real impact of prior authorization, coverage interruptions, step therapy, and other utilization management practices on patients and families.

Our conversation explores:

• The clinical, financial, and emotional impact of treatment delays
• Why patients with employer-sponsored coverage reported some of the greatest administrative burdens
• The growing challenge of "time toxicity" for both patients and caregivers
• Coverage disruptions during active treatment
• Opportunities for employers, providers, policymakers, and advocates to work together on solutions

One theme emerged clearly throughout the discussion: when access barriers delay care, the costs extend far beyond claims data. Patients, caregivers, providers, and employers all feel the impact.

Resources:

CancerCare: https://www.cancercare.org/

The Red Tape Report: https://www.cancercare.org/redtape

Connect with our Guests:

Alexandra Zaletta, PhD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-zaleta/

Kim Zubarak, JD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-czubaruk-50532261/

Brian Reid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbreid/

Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-slotnik-3932305/

#ValueBasedCare #Oncology #CancerCare #HealthcarePolicy #PatientAccess #PriorAuthorization #CancerAdvocacy #HealthBenefits #ValueBasedVoices #CancerCareDelivery

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

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In this episode of Value-Based Voices, host Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies, and AVBCC Board Member, sits down with Joel White, Partner and Head of Health Practice at Monument Advocacy, and a principal architect of Medicare Part D, to discuss one of the most consequential challenges facing cancer care today: the end of the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration.

Bringing unmatched historical insight, policy fluency, and practical clarity to the conversation, Joel breaks down how we got here, how this decision will affect access to cancer therapies, and the real, actionable solutions that could stabilize the market and protect patients.

Tune in to gain an understanding for this moment and the path forward!

Resources & Links:

Medicare Part D overview: https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d

Medicare Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help

Connect with Our Guests:

Connect with Joel White: / joel-white-6b8a953/

Connect with Jayson Slotnik: / jayson-slotnik-3932305

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

Thanks for listening!

In this follow up conversation, Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies and AVBCC Board Members, and Steve Usdin, Senior Editor, Washington, BioCentury Publications, take a clear eyed look at the future of the FDA and the forces shaping biopharmaceutical innovation. Building on their earlier discussion of FDA history and political dynamics, Steve offers candid insights into how U.S. policy, global competition - particularly with China - and shifting regulatory priorities are influencing the life sciences ecosystem.

He explores:
- the implications of NIH funding erosion
- restrictions on international collaboration
- immigration challenges
- the growing tension around drug pricing and intellectual property
- practical realities companies and investors must navigate in coming months

The episode also examines what the FDA can do to strengthen clinical trial efficiency, restore transparency, and rebuild confidence across industry and patient communities.

Thoughtful, timely, and grounded in deep policy expertise, this conversation offers listeners a nuanced understanding of where the FDA is headed, and what that means for the future of oncology innovation.

If you missed Part 1 of this conversation, catch it here.

Resources & Links:
BioCentury Publications
Operation Trial Blazer

Connect with Our Guests:
Connect withSteve Usdin
Connect with Jayson Slotnik

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

Thanks for listening!

In this first of a 2-part series featuring Steve Usdin, Senior Editor, Washington, BioCentury Publications, host Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies and AVBCC Board Member, leads a spirited conversation around developments at the FDA, the political influence shaping its decisions, and the outlook for the future.

Key topics covered include:

• The state of morale among FDA career staff and the challenges in attracting new talent
• Eroding confidence levels within the investor community and implications for funding
• Political and ideological influence on FDA activities
• The debate over the upcoming FDA commissioner appointment and potential candidates
• The significance of recent initiatives like Operation Trial Blazer in restoring confidence
• Opportunities for optimism with FDA’s recent engagement with rare disease advocates and international collaboration efforts

Resources & Links:

• BioCentury Publications
• Operation Trial Blazer

Connect with Our Guests:

• Connect with Steve Usdin
• Connect with Jayson Slotnik

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Value-Based Voices, we delve into the mission and inner workings of the NCCN, a cornerstone organization shaping cancer treatment standards in the U.S. and beyond. We're joined by Bill McGivney, PhD, Principal, McGivney Global Advisors, and Former CEO, NCCN; and host Nicolas Ferreyros, Managing Director, Policy, Advocacy, and Communications, Community Oncology Alliance.

Hear expert insights on how guidelines, payer decisions, and evolving technologies influence patient access and outcomes as well as some of Bill's own thoughts on the NCCN and his time at its helm.

Resources & Links:

• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
• NCCN Guidelines
• Community Oncology Alliance

Connect with Our Guests:

• Connect with Bill McGivney
• Connect with Nicolas Ferreyros

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

Thanks for listening!

We're taking a deep dive into the upcoming Global Cancer Research and Innovation Symposium (GCRIS) in this latest episode of Value-Based Voices.

Join GCRIS Scientific Co-chairs Stan Skrzypczak, MS, MBA, Managing Partner, 5 Prime Life Science Consulting, and Nick Sarlis, MD, PhD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer, Cleara Biotech, as they talk with GCRIS Co-chair Matt Vossler, Managing Director, DSG Global, about the groundbreaking science, innovative drug development, and collaborative ecosystems that are reshaping oncology.

Hear about:
- the rise of "biotech 2.0"
- the complexity of bringing new therapies to market
- strategies to accelerate drug development cycles and regulatory pathways
- what the future holds for researchers and the investors eager to capitalize on emerging science
- why GCRIS and its collaborative, unscripted conversations are needed now more than ever

Whether you’re in research, investment, or policy, this episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve in cancer innovation.

Request your invitation to attend the GCRIS taking place October 5-6, 2026 in New York City: https://avbcc.org/gcris/

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Resources & Links
• Swim Across America: https://www.swimacrossamerica.org

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

Thanks for listening!

Most cancer drugs today are more effective and accessible than ever—yet patients often face crushing costs because our healthcare system still values profit over patient benefit. What if the key to transforming cancer care affordability lies in rethinking insurance design, reforming PBMs, and empowering employers with transparent data?

In this eye-opening episode of Value-Based Voices, host Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner, Health Policy Strategies, Inc., and Member of the AVBCC Board of Directors, sits down with healthcare thought leader John O'Brien, PharmD, MPH, President and CEO of the National Pharmaceutical Council, and healthcare policy strategist Brian Reid, MS, Senior Fellow at Tufts-CEVR and author of the Cost Curve newsletter. They explore how recent policy shifts, advances in medicine, and innovative data tools could finally create a healthcare environment where high-value cancer treatments reach those who need them most—without unnecessary barriers or skyrocketing costs.

Discover the revolutionary potential of value-based insurance design and how new approaches to drug pricing, formulary placement, and patient cost sharing could reshape the future of cancer care. You'll learn about the critical barriers—such as rebates, rebates-driven formulary decisions, and cost-sharing hurdles—and how a data-rich, employer-led movement could finally tip the balance toward affordability and access. We break down the crucial role of employers, PBMs, and policy reforms in enabling this shift, as well as the clinical, economic, and patient-centered benefits of prioritizing value. With insights from recent research, upcoming innovations in cancer medicine delivery, and a forward-looking view of industry trends, you'll understand why this is the moment to watch for change—and be part of it.

Perfect for healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocates, and anyone impacted by cancer treatment costs—this episode offers a compelling look at the potential to dramatically improve how we deliver and pay for life-saving medicines. If you're ready for a future where affordability meets innovation, this conversation is essential listening.

Resources & Links:

- National Pharmaceutical Council

- Health Affairs

- Cost Curve Newsletter

- Brian Reid's Website

Connect:

- Dr. John O'Brien

- Brian Reid

- Jayson Slotnik

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

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Most treatments and diagnostics once took years and hundreds of millions of dollars. Today, it costs less than $100,000 to sequence a genome and open the door to tailored cancer therapies that could save lives. But understanding tumor biology is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in interpreting complex genetic data quickly, accurately, and at scale.

In this episode of AVBCC’s Value-Based Voices, James Hamrick, MD, MPH, Chair, Precision Oncology Alliance at Caris Life Sciences, teams up with John Fox, MD, MHA, Senior Medical Director for the Americas, Illumina, to explore how AI-driven bioinformatics is making genomic insights accessible and actionable. They reveal concrete strategies to overcome systemic hurdles such as inconsistent testing, reimbursement issues, and integrating insights into busy clinical workflows, that currently hinder widespread, equitable adoption of precision medicine.

Discover:

• How rapid DNA and RNA sequencing is transforming tumor profiling
• The critical role of bioinformatics and AI in interpreting complex genomes for real-world use
• Why comprehensive multi-omic panels and gene signatures are changing treatments and clinical trials
• The systemic, policy, and reimbursement barriers slowing progress, and what can be done to break them down
• How timely, precise testing can reduce costs, improve survival, and personalize treatment

This isn’t just about technology, it's about unlocking a new era of value-based, patient-centered cancer care that can save lives and resources.

Resources & Links:

• Illumina
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
• Caris Life Sciences
• Connect with Dr. James Hamrick:
• LinkedIn
• Connect with Dr. John Fox:
• LinkedIn

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

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International reference pricing could drastically reshape drug costs in the U.S. and threaten domestic innovation. In this latest episode of AVBCC’s Value-Based Voices, join Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner, Health Policy Strategies, Inc., and Member of the AVBCC Board of Directors, and healthcare policy strategist Brian Reid, MS, Founder of Reid Strategic, as they unpack the complex debate over the proposed international MFN models like Globe, Guard, and Generous — and whether they will do more harm than good for U.S. patients and providers.

We break down key insights that every healthcare leader and policymaker must understand including:

· The likelihood of lawsuits derailing MFN policies

· Political winds shifting in favor of international price controls

· How China’s emerging role could reshape global drug markets

Reid offers a clear framework on the potential legal, economic, and geopolitical impacts of this battle, plus practical predictions about the next steps for PBMs and 340B.

This episode is essential listening for executives, clinicians, and advocates eager to grasp how these international pricing debates could dictate the cost and availability of cancer drugs and other critical medicines in our lifetime

Tune in now to navigate the murky waters of international reference pricing and stay ahead of the policy curve that could dramatically alter cancer care in America.

Resources & Links:

• Cost Curve Newsletter
• Brian Reid's Website
• Connect with Brian Reid:
• LinkedIn
• Connect with Jayson Slotnik:
• LinkedIn

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

Thanks for listening!

Most companies, and even policymakers, are betting big on importing international drug prices — but what does that really mean for cancer care in America?

In this episode of Value-Based Voices, Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner, Health Policy Strategies, Inc., dives into the evolving landscape of drug pricing reforms, unlocking why policies like the Most Favored Nation (MFN) and the Global Benchmark could reshape how medicines reach patients, providers, and payers. You’ll discover how these models aim to lower drug costs by benchmarking against prices from other countries, and why that sparks fierce debate about innovation, access, and the future of American healthcare. Nick Ferreyros, Managing Director, Policy, Advocacy, and Communications, Community Oncology Alliance (COA), and Tim Dube, MPH, Senior Vice President, Policy & Regulatory Affairs, PCMA, unpack the complexities of the Guard and Globe models, revealing how they impact community oncology practices, Medicare, and even the pharmaceutical industry. They break down the technicalities of rebate mechanisms, international price comparisons, and the legal road ahead — all with a sharp focus on what it means for patients facing cancer.

This episode explores critical questions: Will these policies truly deliver lower costs without compromising quality? Are they just the beginning of a long legal and political fight? And how might they reshape the innovation landscape in cancer treatment? With perspectives from advocates and industry insiders, you'll see why this isn’t just about policy — it’s about the future of patient care, physician practice, and our healthcare system at large. If you’re navigating the high-stakes world of cancer care reform, this conversation is essential.

Resources & Links:

• Community Oncology Alliance (COA)

• PCMA — Pharmaceutical Care Management Association

Connect with the Guests:

• Jayson Slotnik

• Nick Ferreyros

• Tim Dube

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

Thanks for listening!

There are countless opportunities hidden in the data-driven tasks pharmacists do every day, and AI is ready to unlock them. But what happens when automation dramatically increases productivity in pharmacy, and how do regulations, workforce, and patient care evolve in tandem?

In this latest episode of AVBCC's Value-Based Voices, join Ira Klein , MD, MBA, FACP, VP Medical Affairs, Payer Relations, Tempus Labs, and AI innovator Harry Travis, BS Pharm, MBA, President, The Travis Group, LLC, as they explore how AI could revolutionize pharmacy practice by speeding up prior authorizations, freeing pharmacists from administrative burdens, and expanding their roles in patient care. You’ll discover how AI can automate endless data questions, streamline workflows, and help pharmacists work at the top of their license—shifting from manual tasks to meaningful, patient-centered interactions.

We'll break down:

- Why pharmacy is a perfect testbed for AI’s potential to enhance precision and efficiency

- The regulatory landscape across states and the role of federal organizations in creating a unified framework

- How AI can enable pharmacists to deliver advanced clinical services like prescribing and primary care

- The implications for the pharmacy workforce, workforce reallocation, and upskilling necessary for these shifts

- The ripple effects across payers, PBMs, and healthcare systems seeking faster, smarter decision-making

This isn’t just about technology, it's about reimagining healthcare delivery and empowering professionals to provide better patient outcomes. Health professionals and healthcare leaders: if you’re ready to harness AI to transform pharmacy practice, avoid workforce disruption, and improve access, this episode is essential listening.

Resources

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy - https://nabp.pharmacy/

AI in Healthcare - McKinsey Report - https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/ai-in-healthcare

Pharmacy Practice Regulations by State - https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/licensees/boards.shtml

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hjtravis/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ira-klein-83a0a0a/

Contact Value-Based Voices

- Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn

- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

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Is consolidation in cancer care truly the best path forward, or does independence offer greater benefits?

In this episode of Value-Based Voices Sarah Alwardt, PhD, President, Avalere Health, and Jeff Patton, MD, CEO, OneOncology, discuss the nuances of consolidation versus independence in cancer care, the impact of policy and capital access, and the future of value-based oncology. Gain insights into sustainable models, data utilization, and patient-centered strategies.

Contact Value-Based Voices

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- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

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Commercial health plans may have been missing from J.P. Morgan 2026, but government had a big presence! Value-Based Voices host Burt Zweigenhaft, PhD, and nationally recognized health policy expert Liz Fowler, PhD, JD, share their observations from this year’s meeting and key insights around most-favored nation prescription drug pricing, 340B, PBMs, Medicare site neutrality, AI, and of course value-based care.

Contact Value-Based Voices

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- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

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Where was the drama at JP Morgan this year? Host Burt Zweigenhaft, PhD, and seasoned healthcare executive Jeff Berkowitz, JD, debate why the 2026 meeting seemed to be missing its normal electricity. They also share their thoughts around challenges with direct-to-patient models, most-favored-nation and its impact on product launch and pricing both in the US and Europe, and how AI may or may not be the key to finally achieving value-based outcomes.

Contact Value-Based Voices

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- View our podcast lineup

- Contact us at info@avbcc.org

Thanks for listening!