If you're wondering which therapies may influence care delivery, budgets, and decision making in 2026, the pipeline offers an early preview and it points to a year defined by innovation. We're seeing new first in class treatments, thoughtful next generation agents, and a biosimilar market where fewer launches are offset by important competitive shifts driven by recent approvals. John Schoen and Heather Pace from the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence join Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information and your Verified RX program host to highlight pipeline agents worth watching and discuss what they may mean for care delivery and spend management in the year ahead.   Guest speakers:  John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS   Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information    Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence    Heather Pace, PharmD Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information    Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence      Host:   Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS   Associate Vice President  Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Show Notes: 01:01 — Episode Scope The focus is non-CGT therapies; CGT pipeline will be covered in Part 2. 01:50 — Therapeutic Areas With the Most Approvals Oncology leads the pipeline. Others include infectious disease, neurology, rare disease, endocrine, hepatology, dermatology, and rheumatology. 02:37 — Biosimilars in 2026: Momentum or Headwinds? Discussion of potential “biosimilar void”—only 10% of expiring biologic patents have biosimilars in development. Emerging role of PBM private-label biosimilars. 03:51 — FDA Draft Guidance on Interchangeability FDA exploring interchangeable designation for all biosimilars. Potential shift away from clinical efficacy studies in favor of analytical comparisons. Guidance still in draft and open for public comment. 05:34 — John’s Top Picks for First-in-Class Agents 06:11 — Orviglance First manganese-based, oral MRI contrast agent. Advantages for patients with kidney impairment. Used for liver imaging. 06:20 — Why Non-Gadolinium Matters Lower risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. 06:46 — Tabelecleucel First allogeneic EBV-specific T-cell therapy. For EBV-positive PTLD post-transplant. Could become new standard of care. 07:42 — Tanruprubart First therapy specifically for severe Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Shows improved outcomes over IVIG and plasma exchange. 08:20 — Comparing to Standard of Care Review of improved real-world data outcomes. 09:03 — Therapies That May Shift Care Delivery 09:32 — Icotrokinra: First oral IL-23 antagonist for plaque psoriasis. 10:00 — Insulin Icodec First once-weekly basal insulin for type 2 diabetes. Resubmitted after safety concerns in type 1 diabetes. 10:59 — Honorable Mentions Camizestrant SERD for ER+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer. Ensitrelvir (COVID-19) Oral option for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Also being evaluated for treatment. Doravirine + Islatravir (HIV) Introduces new NRTTI class. Cefepime + Zidebactam Active against metallo-β-lactamase–producing organisms. 14:05 — Key Biosimilar Launches Omalizumab (Xolair) First biosimilars in asthma/allergy space. Aflibercept (Eylea) High competition expected pending litigation. Pertuzumab (Perjeta) First biosimilar anticipated in oncology. 15:31 — Biosimilars Approved in 2025, Impacting 2026 Ustekinumab (Stelara): first full year of competition Denosumab (Prolia/Xgeva): 10–15 biosimilars expected Eculizumab (Soliris): notable for rare disease market entry 17:17 — John’s Closing Thoughts Strong mix of first-in-class advances and next-gen convenience therapies. 17:36 — Heather’s Closing Thoughts 2026 will focus on speed and scale after the 2025 biosimilar wave. Pharmacists pivotal in ensuring smooth patient transitions.   VerifiedRx Listener Feedback Survey: We would love to hear from you - Please click here   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committees historically operated at the individual hospital level but have evolved into enterprise-wide governance programs due to health system expansion, unprecedented clinical and financial complexity of care, and the emergence of high impact and novel therapeutics. To address this, the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence convened an expert panel that concluded health system enterprise P&T committees are uniquely positioned to balance clinical value with financial stewardship and minimize practice variation. They issued best practice considerations representing a dynamic framework designed to evolve alongside emerging therapies, evolving technologies, and the ongoing transformation of health systems. Joining us today are two members of the expert panel. We have Connor Hanrahan, AVP, enterprise pharmacy services, medication outcomes and stewardship with Intermountain Health and Prabashni Reddy, who at the time of the panel was the executive director of medication use and policy at Mass General Brigham.   Guest speakers:  Prabashni Reddy, RPh, PharmD, MMedSc(former) Executive Director of Medication Use and Policy Mass General Brigham Connor Hanrahan, PharmD, MHA, MS, BCPS, CPHQAVP, Medication Policy, Outcomes, and Stewardship Intermountain Health, Enterprise Pharmacy Services Host: Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH   Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes  Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)   Show Notes:  [01:02-03:38] The value Prabashni and Conor saw in joining the expert panel [03:39-05:33] What Prabashni and Conor learned from interactions during the expert panel  [05:34-10:55] Intriguing actionable enterprise P&T program insights panelists brought to the table that listeners can use [10:56-14:01] Use of criteria and principles to create successful and broadly applicable best practices [14:56-16:00] How our listeners can put this panel's best practices into action   VerifiedRx Listener Feedback Survey: We would love to hear from you - Please click here   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

Artificial intelligence, or, AI is on everyone's minds, and we're all still figuring out how to trust it, teach it, and use it responsibly. Today we take a deep dive into how AI is affecting the education of current and future pharmacy students. With us is Jennifer Trujillo, associate Dean for education and professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the Scaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, and Logan Tinson, the clinical pharmacy manager and residency program director at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Montana.   Guest speakers:  Jennifer Trujillo, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADMAssociate Dean for Education Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy Scaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Logan Tinsen, PharmD, FMPAClinical Pharmacy Manager and Residency Program DirectorBenefits Hospitals   Host:   Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH   Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes  Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)   Show Notes:  [01:02-03:45] Challenges with AI in pharmacy education [03:46-05:59] The AI adoption spectrum: Pitfalls of extremes between full and limited adoption [06:00-11:18] Approaches to pharmacy education in the early stages of AI [11:19-14:55] Guardrails and safeguards [14:56-16:29] Key takeaways about AI right now for pharmacy educators   VerifiedRx Listener Feedback Survey: We would love to hear from you - Please click here   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

From CAR-T therapies to viral vectors, cell and gene treatments are redefining the boundaries of pharmacy practice—but with innovation comes complexity. Host Carolyn Liptak welcomes Dr. Mark Wiencek, Principal Microbiologist with the Technical Services Group at Contec, and Dr. Amanda Frick, Senior Clinical Manager of Market Intelligence at Vizient, to break down the challenges of compounding these advanced therapies.   Listen in as they discuss real-world risk assessments, biosafety considerations, and how hospital pharmacies can safely manage these groundbreaking yet high-risk treatments.   Guest speakers:  Mark Wiencek, PhDPrincipal Microbiologist, Technical Services Group Contec Amanda Frick, PharmD, BCPSSenior Clinical Manager, Market IntelligenceVizient   Host:  Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh  Pharmacy Executive Director  Vizient   Show Notes:  [01:02-01:51] Mark shares his background and experience in microbiology [01:52-04:04] Overview of the types of cell and gene therapies (CGT) currently used in clinical practice [04:05-05:14] Which CGT therapies are most applicable to pharmacy compounding and why [05:15-10:29] Things not on the NIOSH list and the risks [10:30-12:03] Evaluating whether viral vectors can penetrate intact skin and the true occupational exposure risks [12:04-13:18] If hazards are not defined by the NIOSH list, how should these CGT hazards be classified [13:19-15:03] Determining the safest environment for compounding CGT therapies [15:04-20:14] Best practices for decontamination, disinfection, and viral vector handling [20:15-20:59] Do you need a dedicated biosafety cabinet for CGT therapies [21:00-22:55] Recommended resources for further learning   Links | Resources:   Blind and colleagues (Nationwide): Click here Wang and colleagues (Stanford): Click here CONTEC HEALTHCARE WEBINAR Using Bugs as Drugs: Compounding Viral Vectors in Cell & Gene Therapy for Hospital Pharmacies, Mark Wiencek, May 13, 2025: Click here Blind, J.E., Ghosh, S., Niese, T.D., Gardner, J.C., Stack-Simone, S., Dean, A. and Washam, M., 2024. A comprehensive literature scoping review of infection prevention and control methods for viral-mediated gene therapies. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology, 4(1), p.e15. Click here Deramoudt, L., Pinturaud, M., Bouquet, P., Goffard, A., Simon, N. and Odou, P., 2024. Method for the detection and quantification of viral contamination during the preparation of gene therapy drugs in a hospital pharmacy. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 81(12), pp.615-621. Click here Korte, J., Mienert, J., Hennigs, J.K. and Körbelin, J., 2021. Inactivation of adeno-associated viral vectors by oxidant-based disinfectants. Human Gene Therapy, 32(13-14), pp.771-781. Click here (abstract only; full article available for purchase) Martino, J.G., McConnell, K., Greathouse, L., Rosario, B.D. and Jaskowiak, J.M., 2024. Cellular therapy site-preparedness: Inpatient pharmacy implementation at a large academic medical center. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, 30(8), pp.1442-1449. Click here Penzien, C., 2023. Safe handling of BioSafety drugs and live virus vaccines. Pharm Purch Prod, 20(4), p.12. Click here Petrich, J., Marchese, D., Jenkins, C., Storey, M. and Blind, J., 2020. Gene replacement therapy: a primer for the health-system pharmacist. Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 33(6), pp.846-855. Click here Wang, A., Ngo, Z., Yu, S.J. and MacDonald, E.A., 2025. Implementing standard practices in the safe handling of gene therapy and biohazardous drugs in a health-system setting. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, p.zxaf026. Click here   VerifiedRx Listener Feedback Survey: We would love to hear from you - Please click here   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

New data from the summer Vizient Spend Management Outlook show that in the inpatient space, high-cost drugs, especially CAR-T treatments like Yescarta and Breyanzi are major drivers of drug spend. To help offset these costs, certain therapies may qualify for additional reimbursement through the New Technology Add-On payment (NTAP), a program that supports innovations that substantially improve care for Medicare beneficiaries. Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence joins host Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information at Vizient to cover the purpose of this add-on payment, the criteria necessary for drugs to qualify and strategies to capture its full value.   Guest Speaker: Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence Host: Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCP  Associate Vice President Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence  Verified Rx Host    Show Notes:  [01:02-03:38] Overview of NTAP and why CMS created the program [03:39-05:02] How DRG recalibration depends on broad adoption [05:03-07:17] Criteria for medications to quality for NTAP status [07:18-08:24] Who determines whether a therapy represents substantial clinical improvement [08:25-10:05] The value NTAP provides to hospitals [10:06-11:51] How to locate products that are eligible for NTAP [11:52-16:22] Best practices to ensure that NTAP payment is captured when the drug is used [16:23-17:22] Resources for additional information   Links | Resources:  Payment Updates: Preparing for 2026 - On Demand New Medical Services and New Technologies  FY 2026 IPPS Final Rule Home Page  MAC Implementation File 8 (ZIP) – FY 2026 New Technology Add-on Payment  CMS Web Pricer    Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

As the Drug Supply Chain Security Act dispenser exemption period winds down, the Vizient Standards implementation team announced an important change to the Vizient Global Location Number (GLN) Management program. The data standards team will inactivate unmanaged GLNs, which will impact pharmacies and other providers who are not currently managing their Vizient assigned GLNs. Two experts leading that conversation, Carl Henshaw, Senior Director, Data Operations, Enterprise Information and Data Management, and Dawn Burtram, Lead Analyst, Standards Implementation at Vizient join host Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence at Vizient to discuss implications.   Guest speakers:  Dawn Bertram, MBA Lead Analyst Standards Implementation Vizient    Carl Henshaw Senior Director, Data Operations, Enterprise Information and Data Management Vizient   Host:  Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm    Show Notes:  [01:08-01:59]  Dawn and Carl’s background [02:00-02:41] What exactly is a GLN and what does it mean to be self-managed [02:42-07:26]  Who creates and maintains GLNs in this data hub and the three different GLN products [07:27-08:51] How to determine who actually enumerated the GLNs [08:52-10:20] Educating and preparing providers for the DSCSA  compliance deadline [10:21-12:37] The recent decision to inactivate unmanaged GNS and why it's essential to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of GLN data [12:38-15:05] What it means to participate in our program and who's eligible to participate [15:06-17:51] Why the deadline of November 15th matters   Links | Resources: Vizient GLN Learning Center GLN Management Process Education Session (E-Learning) VGMP Application GS1 What is a GLN and How Do I Get One?  Drug Supply Chain Security Act   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

The Joint Commission’s updated accreditation manual is designed to simplify requirements, enhance clarity, and better support healthcare organizations in survey preparation. In this episode of VerifiedRx, host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Robert Campbell of the Joint Commission and Diana Scott of Vizient to unpack the most significant changes. From the shift to National Performance Goals and medication safety priorities to the latest challenges in compounding, labeling, and hazardous drug handling, the conversation highlights practical insights to help pharmacy leaders stay compliant and survey-ready.   Guest speakers: Robert Campbell, PharmD, BCSCP Sr. Director, Standards Interpretation, Accreditation Decision Management,Medication Safety Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations Joint Commission   Diana Scott, MHA, RN, CPHQ Principal, Regulatory and Accreditation Services Vizient   Host:  Carolyn Liptak, , BS Pharm, MBA   Vizient   Show Notes:  [01:16-01:51] Diana and Robert Backgrounds [01:52-02:43] Changes made to the hospital and critical access hospital manuals [02:44-03:09] Changes to the chapters themselves [03:10-04:08] National Performance Goals and elaborate on those that are relevant to medication safety and pharmacy services [04:09-05:15] The top medication management challenges [05:16-06:29] Pain management not being aligned and titration orders [06:30-06:56] Insufficient communication between pharmacists, prescribers and nurses when it comes to medication orders [06:57-08:02] Themes around labeling requirements for stored medications [08:03-08:46] Anything different in removing expired meds from patient care areas and in the pharmacy this area than previous years [08:47-10:58] Issues related to storing meds specifically per the package insert [10:59-11:55] Common issues seen inside the pharmacy regarding sterile compounding, noncompliance include hand hygiene, garbing, PPE, and cleaning and disinfecting [11:56-13:12] More specifics in those area the physical environment and facility cleanliness along with cleaning and disinfection practices [13:13-14:55] Explaination of how joint Commission defines and evaluates immediate use compounding [14:56-16:09] The minimum required elements for immediate use compounding competency [16:10-17:12] Compounding competencies besides immediate use [17:13-17:54] Expectations for environmental services training [17:55- 20:14] Concerns around hazardous drugs [20:15- 21:14] Additional information   Links | Resources: Joint Commission: THE NEW STANDARD: Accreditation 360   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

Drug diversion threatens patient and staff safety—and preventing it requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. In this episode, Dr. Ruth Igwegbe and Shealee Mitchell of JPS Health Network join host Carolyn Liptak to share how their organization transformed a fragmented diversion process into a high-functioning, collaborative program. From building trust with frontline teams to using AI software and proactive data monitoring, Ruth and Shealee highlight how culture, consistency, and communication are essential to effective diversion prevention. Tune in for actionable strategies that elevate both patient safety and professional accountability.   Guest speakers:  Dr. Ruth Igwegbe PharmD, MBA, Pharmacy medication safety officer JPS Health Network   Shealee Mitchell, BS, RN, MJur Pharmacy medication safety officer JPS Health Network   Host:  Carolyn Liptak, BS Pharm, MBA   Vizient   Show Notes:  [01:02-02:32] Ruth and Shealee Backgrounds [02:33-04:46] Background on diversion detection and prevention program at JPS [04:47-06:55] Shealee's clinical background and how it shaped how she works with teams across the organization [06:56-09:20] How the JPS diversion response team evolved [09:21-13:55] Advice to our listeners to strengthen their own diversion prevention programs [13:56-16:03] Where our listeners should go to get more information about drug diversion prevention and detection programs   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

The Vizient Summer 2025 Spend Management Outlook (SMO) provides an integrated perspective on trends, factors and future expenses providers will face across the various dimensions of healthcare. In this episode, Dr. Carina Dolan and Dr. Jeni Hayes join host Carolyn Liptak to discuss pharmacy insights from the SMO including declining drug price inflation and how autoimmune conditions have surpassed oncology in total pharmacy costs. They also touch on pediatric spend drivers, biosimilar competition, and the impact of novel therapies. Tune in to VerifiedRx for practical insights to help pharmacy leaders plan for what’s ahead.   Guest speakers:  Carina Dolan, Pharm. D., MS Pharm, BCOP  Associate Vice President, Clinical Oncology, Pharmacoeconomics and Market Insights  Vizient  Jeni Hayes, PharmD, MS Pharm, BCPS Senior Clinical Manager, Market Intelligence Vizient   Host:  Carolyn Liptak, , BS Pharm, MBA Verified Rx Host    Show Notes:  [01:13-02:41]  Key pharmacy trends emerging from the Summer SMO [02:42-04:00] Current pharmacy trends [04:01-05:55]  Pharmacy spend for autoimmune conditions has exceeded that of oncology [05:56-07:36] Key takeaways [07:37-08:47] Significant trends in this latest therapeutic insights update [08:48-10:04] Challenges in gene and cell therapy space [10:05-11:33] The Therapeutic Insights webpage for pediatrics [11:34-13:41] Other reflections from the SMO [13:42-14:49]  How to locate the SMO   Links | Resources:  Vizient Spend Management Outlook Vizient Therapeutic class insights   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed  

Drug shortages continue to be a significant issue in the healthcare system, affecting various aspects of patient care and imposing substantial costs on hospitals and health systems. According to Vizient's 2024 drug shortages survey, U.S. hospitals are spending approximately 20 million hours annually managing these shortages, resulting in nearly $900 million in associated labor costs. The survey highlights that 74% of facilities reported exceeding their pharmacy budgets due to drug shortages, with pediatric facilities facing particularly significant financial and labor strain.   Kyle Hoelting, director of pharmacy supply assurance and stewardship and Nikola Markoski, director of pharmacy sourcing strategic solutions and analytics join host Katie Korte, vice president Vizient Reserve to delve into the results of Vizient’s 2024 drug shortage survey.   Guest speakers:  Kyle Hoelting, Pharm.D, BCPS Director, Pharmacy Supply Assurance & Stewardship Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Nikola Markoski, Pharm.D, MBA Director, Pharmacy Sourcing Strategic Solutions & Analytics Vizient   Host:  Katie Kortie, Pharm.D, MHA, BCPS, BCCCP Vice President, Strategy & Program Lead, Vizient Reserve Vizient   Show Notes: [00:47-01:14] Kyle and Niko Backgrounds [01:15-05:04] What's different about this year's survey and what made 2023 a critical year in the drug shortage landscape [05:05-08:27] How data was collected, what did the mix of information tells us and the biggest insights or patterns that surfaced in the survey [08:28-12:25] What Vizient’s built or enabled that’s made a difference in this space [12:26-15:55] How best to prepare for and respond to shortages from an inventory perspective   Links | Resources:  Beyond the Shortage: The Hidden Cost of Drug Supply Chain Disruptions Drug shortage stewardship: A novel solution for an old problem Vizient Key performance indicators for the management of drug shortages Vizient Essential Medications List   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

We all know that clinician burnout negatively impacts the quality of patient care. That's why pharmacy residency accrediting bodies now emphasize resident well-being and professional sustainability as core components of residency training earlier in clinician careers. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Accreditation Standards for PGY1 and PGY2 Pharmacy Residencies include a formal requirement for programs to address resilience, well-being, and burnout prevention, reflecting the increasing recognition of burnout in healthcare. Joining us to talk that out are Tony Huke, Senior Pharmacy Executive Director with Vizient Pharmacy Advisory Solutions and Kendra Gage, Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist and the PGY 1 and 2 Program Director at UCHealth, University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.   Guest speakers:  Tony Huke, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP Senior Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Pharmacy Advisory Solutions   Kendra Gage, PharmD, BCPS Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director UCHealth   Host:  Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH  Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)   Show Notes:  [01:11-03:25] What’s new at the national level in terms of pharmacy resident resiliency and well-being [03:26-03:56] The intentionality of well-being in pharmacy residency programs [03:57-05:12] Examples from Kendra’s program [05:13-06:40]  Program expectations to address resilience [06:41-08:33]  Assessment and potential metrics of resiliency programs [08:34-11:06]  The role of pharmacy leadership and residency program directors in resiliency [11:07-12:34] Impact of resiliency programs so far   Links | Resources: Accreditation Standards for PGY1 and PGY2 Pharmacy Residencies   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

Information on COVID vaccines is moving fast. On May 27th, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID vaccines will no longer be universally recommended for healthy children or healthy pregnant women. That's a big shift, and understandably, it's raised a lot of questions. We're going to cut through the noise and take a look at where things really stand, who's getting vaccinated, how current guidance is evolving, and what this means for both children and adults as we look ahead to the next respiratory season.  Joining us to help sort it all out is Dr. John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information at Vizient.   Guest speakers:  John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS  Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information   Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence    Host:  Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS  Associate Vice President Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence    Show Notes:  [01:38-05:32] What changed in the recent CDC update for healthy children [05:33-09:32] Discussion of COVID-19 outcomes and vaccination in children [09:33-11:47] Specific risk factors for pediatric patients [11:48-12:47] Is the US an outlier for not universally recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and making no recommendation in healthy pregnant women? [12:48-14:03] The FDA’s proposed regulatory framework for COVID-19 vaccine approval [14:04-15:18] FDA’s approach to implementing revised requirements for randomized controlled trials [15:19-16:57] Key discussion points from the May meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee [17:00-18:27] Topics requiring further clarification about COVID-19 vaccine   Links | Resources: Vizient resources: Minute Market Insight: Potential ACIP COVID-19 recommendation changes April 2025: https://www.vizientinc.com/download?342668 Minute Market Insight: May 2025 COVID-19 vaccine recommendation and policy updates: https://www.vizientinc.com/download?352336 Additional resources: FDA perspective piece published in NEJM: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsb2506929 ACIP meeting information: https://www.cdc.gov/acip/meetings/index.html CDC childhood immunization schedule: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/child-adolescent-age.html CDC adult immunization schedule by medical condition: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-medical-condition.html CDC RESP-NET: https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/ WHO COVID-19 dashboard: https://data.who.int/dashboards/covid19/deaths MMWR - COVID-19–Associated Hospitalizations and Maternal Vaccination Among Infants Aged <6 Months: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7338a1.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com MMWR – MIS-C, US 2023: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7310a2.htm   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

Pharmacy reverse distributors play a key role in making pharmaceutical returns more efficient, helping with processing, financial settlements and delivering helpful data. They're in a unique spot to support efforts to prevent diversion, speed up inventory returns, and even contribute to sustainability goals. Kyle Hoelting, director of pharmacy supply assurance and stewardship at Vizient, along with Paige Ivey, senior national accounts director, and Houston Blankinship, senior director of customer experience for healthcare product operations at Inmar Intelligence join host Carolyn Liptak, pharmacy executive director in Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and host for today's conversation.   Guest speakers:  Kyle Hoelting, Pharm.D, BCPS Director, Pharmacy Supply Assurance & StewardshipVizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Paige IveySenior National Accounts DirectorInmar Intelligence   Houston BlankenshipSenior Director of Customer Experience for Healthcare Product OperationsInmar Intelligence   Host: Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient   Show Notes:  [01:05-03:33] Background for Kyle, Paige, Houston[03:34-05:10] How the pharmaceutical supply chain works and how everything is interconnected[05:10-09:32] How reverse distribution specifically supports pharmacy operations[09:33-11:16] How data that comes from reverse distribution can offer some great insights for pharmacy leaders[11:58-13:57] How data that comes from reverse distribution can give insight to drug shortages[13:58-16:42] Inmar's role with insight into drug shortages[16:43-21:05] Go-to resources for those wanting to explore more on stewardship and protective purchases   Links | Resources: Drug shortage stewardship: A novel solution for an old problem Vizient Essential Medications List Vizient Key performance indicators for the management of drug shortages   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

Recently, there has been a lot of interest generated by a new FDA approval. Suzetrigine (Journavx) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of pain. Although there is a lot of excitement about having a new tool in the toolbox, there are certain limitations that are important to consider. In this episode of Verified Rx, Dave Peterson, pharmacist and drug information specialist for the University of Utah Health joins us to discuss this exciting new non opioid medication.   Guest speaker:  Dave Peterson, PharmD, BCPS Drug Information Specialist University of Utah Drug Information Service   Host:  Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)   Show Notes:  [00:54-02:24] Information about Suzetrigine [02:25-04:06] What distinguishes suzetrigine from other non-opioid analgesics [04:07-05:09] What suzetrigine is indicated for [05:10-06:14] How suzetrigine is being studied [06:15-08:40] Surgical models and the endpoints that we commonly see in these studies [08:41-10:25] Making sense of discordant study results [10:26-12:02] Moving beyond the evidence to real world utilization of suzetrigine [12:03-14:03] How cost factors into real-world utilization [14:04-16:21] What Dave is keeping his eye on in terms of clinical concerns [16:22-17:28] What Dave is excited about with the advent of suzetrigine   Links | Resources: No pain, much gain?   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

Traditional drug spending in the U.S. has surpassed specialty drug spending, and the primary force behind this trend is GLP-1 receptor agonists. These incretin-based therapies are transforming both the clinical and economic landscapes, from diabetes to obesity. In this episode of the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence’s VerifiedRx podcast, host Tori Richie, Senior Consulting Director of Intelligence at Sg2 is joined by Vizient colleagues Stacy Lauderdale, AVP of Evidence-Based Medicine, Heather Pace, Senior Clinical Manager of Ambulatory Care, and Emily Fitt, Intelligence Consultant at Sg2. They delve into a comprehensive discussion on GLP-1s, covering topics from telehealth services and patient management strategies to the unique attributes that set these therapies apart. Grab your coffee and get comfortable. This isn’t just a conversation; it’s a front-row seat to how GLP-1s are reshaping the future of obesity management.   Guest speakers:  Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS Associate Vice President Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence VerifiedRx Host   Heather Pace, Pharm.D Sr. Clinical Manager of Ambulatory Care, Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Emily Fitt, MHA, MPH Consultant Sg2   Host:  Tori Richie Senior Consulting Director, Intelligence Sg2 Sg2 Perspectives Host   Show Notes:  [02:24-04:50] How GLP-1 medications differ from traditional treatments and shift from use in diabetes to obesity management [04:51-05:54] The most common side effects of GLP-1 therapies and how clinicians can effectively manage patients [05:55-08:49] Treatment teams for obesity management and the role of the pharmacist in the management of GLP-1 medications [08:50-10:51] Challenges providers face integrating GLP-1 medications into practice [10:16-13:20] Quality or outcome concerns with individuals who receive GLP-1 medications from telehealth providers [13:21-15:01] Trends shaping this landscape [15:02-21:14] Best practices that providers should deploy   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

Widespread vaccination efforts declared measles eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, recent outbreaks have reignited public health concerns. The country is experiencing a growing number of measles cases with clusters reported in several states. A highly contagious virus, measles, poses serious risks, especially to unvaccinated individuals and vulnerable patient populations. Dr. John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, discusses the current outbreak, measles vaccine strategies, and answers questions about prevention and public health impact with Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and your VerifiedRx program host.   Guest speakers:  John Schoen, Pharm.D, BCPS Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Host:  Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS Associate Vice President Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Show Notes:  [01:12-03:30] Are we in an unprecedented situation in the United States? [03:31-05:49] A brief overview about measles [05:50-08:03] Overview of the MMR vaccine [08:04-10:15] MMR vaccination rate in the United States [10:16-12:27] Is there a link between autism and MMR vaccine [12:28-14:47] Does the MMR vaccine cause measles? [14:48-18:04] 1 vs. 2 doses of the MMR vaccine in adults [18:05-21:25] Measles postexposure prophylaxis [21:26-23:40] Vitamin A and measles   Links | Resources:  Vizient Resources Evidence Bites: 2025 Measles Outbreak Resources Measles cases and outbreaks: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html 2013 MMWR measles recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6204a1.htm#Tab3 CDC measles vaccine recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html#cdc_generic_section_5-post-exposure-prophylaxis-for-measles HAN alert 2025 outbreak: https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00522.html American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations: https://publications.aap.org/redbook/book/755/chapter/14079321/Measles?autologincheck=redirected Information about the MMR vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/hcp/about.htm   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are frequently used off label for the management of factor Xa inhibitor-associated major bleeding. In 2018, accelerated approval was granted for andexanet alfa, a specific factor Xa inhibitor reversal agent, for reversal of apixaban and rivaroxaban in the setting of life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding. Following accelerated approval, some clinical practice guidelines were updated to include recommendations for andexanet alfa preferentially over PCCs for reversal of life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding due to rivaroxaban or apixaban. Other guidelines stated no preference of andexanet alfa over PCC. In 2020, Vizient convened an expert panel to critically appraise the literature and provide consensus-based, expert opinions on the utilization of pharmacological reversal agents for factor Xa-related major bleeding. Since then, the body of literature evaluating these agents has expanded to include a randomized controlled trial, ANNEXa-I, the results of which were submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration to convert the approval of andexanet alfa from accelerated to full approval. Dr. Lisa Baumann-Kreuziger, Associate Professor of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin and medical director of the Antithrombotic Therapy Management Program at Froedtert Health discusses the current status of management of factor Xa inhibitor-associated major bleeding with Dr. Kerry Schwarz, Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes with the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, and your program host.   Guest speakers: Liza Baumann-Kreuziger, MD, MSInvestigator, Blood Research Institute, Versiti Associate Professor of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of WisconsinMedical Director, Antithrombotic Therapy Management Program at Froedtert Health   Host: Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D, MPHSenior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Show Notes: [02:25-04:26] The current state of hemostatic management in the setting of factor Xa inhibitor-related major bleeding [04:27- 05:35] Limitations of available evidence making clinical practice and formulary decision making so challenging [05:35 – 10:52] Publication of the first randomized controlled trial, ANNEXa-I, comparing andexanet alfa to usual care [10:52-14:49] Meeting of the FDA advisory committee and subsequent complete response letter [14:50-16:45] How we can approach clinical management of patients and formulary decision-making in the current state   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

Drug shortages continue to pose significant challenges for hospitals and health systems. While they gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy departments have managed them for decades. During high-profile shortages, institutions must rapidly establish command centers, engage stakeholders, and implement plans for frontline staff. Once resolved, shortages often recede from immediate focus until the next crisis emerges. However, pharmacy departments consistently manage shortages on a daily basis, often without recognition. Dr. Kyle Hoelting, Sr. Clinical Manager of Drug Information and Drug Shortages at Vizient, Dr. Heather Warhurst, Director of Drug Use Policy, Quality Initiative and Regulatory at IU Health, and Dr. Chris Nagy, Medication Sourcing and Supply Pharmacist at Intermountain Health join us to discuss a Vizient workgroup project designed to measure the impact of drug shortages and highlight the crucial role of pharmacists in their management.   Guest speakers:  Heather Warhurst, Pharm.D, MHA Director of Drug Use Policy, Quality Initiative and Regulatory IU Health   Chris Nagy, Pharm.D, BCPS Medication Sourcing and Supply Pharmacist Intermountain Health   Kyle Holting, Pharm.D, BCPS Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Host: Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS Associate Vice President Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Show Notes:  [01:18-02:29] Heather and Chris introductions [02:30-04:00] Vizient drug shortage key performance indicators (KPI) workgroup series [04:01-10:04] Labor and Inventory drug shortage KPIs [07:50-16:56] Patient Safety and Stress to Front Line Staff drug shortage KPIs [16:57-18:32] Call to Action   Links | Resources:  Key performance indicators for the management of drug shortages   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

The widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in children has dramatically lowered the incidence of pneumococcal disease through direct and indirect effects. Despite this progress, pneumococcal pneumonia still leads to more than 200,000 adult hospitalizations annually in the United States. Older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions, and certain racial groups continue to experience higher rates of pneumococcal disease. Dr. John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, joins Program Host Stacy Lauderdale to discuss the newest adult pneumococcal vaccine, PCV21, and recent updates to age-based pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.   Guest speakers:  John Schoen, Pharm.D, BCPS Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Host:  Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS Associate Vice President Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   Show Notes:  [01:25-02:53] Background on PCV21 [02:54-07:56] Difference between PCV20 and PCV21 [07:57-16:15] Discussing the new ACIP recommendation to move the universal age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 years of age down to 50 years of age and older [08:31-16:15] Why a healthy 50-year-old who has no risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease should get a pneumococcal vaccination [16:16-17:57] Summary of other changes in the most recent MMWR [17:58-19:34] What organizations consider when selecting specific pneumococcal vaccines [19:35-21:18] What’s in the pipeline for  pneumococcal vaccines   Links | Resources:  Publicly available resources Previous VerifiedRx podcasts on pneumococcal vaccines: What’s pneu with pneumococcal vaccines? – March 29, 2022 What’s pneu part 2: pneumococcal vaccines update – February 13, 2024 January 2024 MMWR - ACIP recommendations for the use of PCV in adults ≥ 50 years of age Vizient client exclusive resources 2025 pneumococcal vaccines side-by-side comparison   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

Prescription opioids continue to be the most frequently misused prescription drugs in the United States, having caused nearly 300,000 deaths over the past two decades. Signed into law in 2022, the No Pain Act expands Medicare reimbursement for specific non-opioid pain management options. Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, and Dr. Phil Mentler, Senior Consulting Director at Vizient join Program Host Stacy Lauderdale to discuss the implications of the No Pain Act, which took effect on January 1, 2025.   Guest speakers:  Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient   Phillipe Mentler, Pharm.D, BCPS Senior Consulting Director Vizient   Host:  Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS Associate Vice President Vizient    Show Notes:  [01:49-03:48] Background on the No Pain Act [03:49-05:03] What is new as of January 1, 2025 [05:04-05:37] The difference between a hospital outpatient department versus an ambulatory surgical center [05:38-06:30] Other drugs and or devices that are on the list other than Exparel [06:31-07:42] What specifically prevents multi modal drugs and therapy from being added to the list [07:43-08:24] Specific language that needs to be included in the FDA labeling for non-opioids to be considered for reimbursement under the Act [08:25-10:50] Reimbursement basics of the NO PAIN Act [14:32-15:44] Reimbursement [15:45-17:04] The importance of opioids in pain management   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed