In this episode, we interview Stephen Ubl, President and CEO of PhRMA, to discuss what is happening across the industry at a time of significant change. We talk about biopharma’s continued commitment to innovation, what member companies are doing to help patients access medicines more directly, and how new tools from the organization are supporting patient affordability. We also cover the impact of policies like the IRA and MFN, along with the growing focus on PBM reform and other structural challenges in the system. It is a wide-ranging conversation about where the industry is headed and what it will take to ensure the country continues to lead the world in bringing new treatments to patients in need.

• Steve Ubl, CEO of PhRMA
• PhRMA
• PhRMA Leadership Transition
• PhRMA 3 Announcements
• Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT)
• America’s Medicines
• Jim Collins, Building Companies to Last
• FTC Settlement with Express Scripts
• IQVIA Data: Prior Authorization and Associated Delays and Denials of Branded Medication Dispensation
• Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing
• 340B Drug Pricing Program
• New York Times: How a Hospital Chain Used a Poor Neighborhood to Turn Huge Profits
• Hatch-Waxman Act

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In this episode, we sit down with Alexander Hardy, President and CEO of BioMarin, to talk about his path to leading one of the world's premier rare disease companies. Alexander reflects on his experience across small molecules, biologics, oncology, and rare diseases, and how his work in access and patient services has shaped his thinking about leadership. We discuss the policy environment coming out of Washington — including the IRA and other pricing reforms — and how those factors influence long-term innovation and investment decisions. We also explore the real-world challenges facing rare disease patients, employer concerns about high-cost therapies, and what needs to change over the next five years to improve access and affordability.

• Alexander Hardy
• PathoGenesis
• Eli Lilly | GSK | Novartis
• Genentech — Access Solutions
• BioMarin — Rare Connections
• AUTHrd Act of 2026 (part of the EPIC Act, HR 1492/S832) — pending before Congress
• Health Technology Assessments in Rare Diseases

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In this episode of Prescription for Better Access, we’re joined by William (Bill) Sarraille, a legal expert on drug access and reimbursement. He discusses two developments shaping the pharmacy benefit landscape: the FTC’s enforcement action involving Express Scripts and PBM reforms in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. Bill explains what these policy changes could mean for benefit design, drug coverage, employer-sponsored plans, and transparency in the PBM market. We also explore potential impacts on formularies, utilization management, contracting practices, and patient out-of-pocket costs, along with possible unintended consequences for employers, manufacturers, and patients seeking timely and affordable access to medicines.

• William (Bill) Sarraille, University of Maryland School of Law
• LinkedIn
• Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)
• FTC Settlement
• 2024 Administrative Complaint
• Cigna Healthcare
• Fair Market Value in Healthcare
• Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026
• Part D Plan
• PBMs No Longer Profit From Rebates But Plans Benefit – Pink Sheet
• TPA (Third Party Administrators)
• DOL Proposal
• Copay Accumulators and Maximizers
• Amicus Brief, HIV and Hepatitis Institute

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Email us at comments@prescriptionforbetteraccess.com.
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