Navigating Value and Policy in U.S. Cancer Care and Pharma Pricing

From the Human Genome Project to 48 Hours: The Rapid Evolution of Tumor Biology

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 [https://www.illumina.com/] * National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) [https://www.nccn.org/] * Caris Life Sciences [https://www.carislifesciences.com/] * Connect with Dr. James Hamrick: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hamrick-md/] *  Connect with Dr. John Fox: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-fox-md/] Contact Value-Based Voices - Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn   [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avbcc/?viewAsMember=true] - View our podcast lineup [https://avbcc.org/podcast/]  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!

Navigating Value and Policy in U.S. Cancer Care and Pharma Pricing

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 [https://reidstrategic.com/cost-curve/] * Brian Reid's Website [https://reidstrategic.com/] * Connect with Brian Reid: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbreid/] *  Connect with Jayson Slotnik: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-slotnik-3932305/] Contact Value-Based Voices - Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn   [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avbcc/?viewAsMember=true] - View our podcast lineup [https://avbcc.org/podcast/]  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!

Most Favored Nation and What's Next

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) [https://communityoncology.org/] •             PCMA — Pharmaceutical Care Management Association  [https://www.pcmanet.org/]   Connect with the Guests: •             Jayson Slotnik  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-slotnik-3932305] •             Nick Ferreyros  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcf] •             Tim Dube  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timdube] Contact Value-Based Voices - Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn   [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avbcc/?viewAsMember=true] - View our podcast lineup [https://avbcc.org/podcast/]  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!

AI Revolution: Breaking Pharmacy Chains with Harry Travis, BS Pharm, MBA, and Ira Klein, MD, MBA, FACP

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   [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avbcc/?viewAsMember=true] - View our podcast lineup [https://avbcc.org/podcast/]  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!

Consolidation Versus Independence in Cancer Care

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpriddy/], PhD, President, Avalere Health, and Jeff Patton, MD [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-patton-md-ab6ba05/], 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 - Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn   [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avbcc/?viewAsMember=true] - View our podcast lineup [https://avbcc.org/podcast/]  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!