The pandemic has shifted the politics and public opinion on health care. Where cost was a primary concern before COVID, now access to affordable innovations is top of consumers and policy makers minds. So, as a return to normalcy appears on the horizon, the intersection of cost pressures and innovation in pharmacy is becoming a primary topic of concern in health policy. This panel will offer insight into innovative strategies in reducing costs which could include formulary adjustments, strategies to increase the use of biosimilars, or other creative policy solutions.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, 2021

Time: 1:00 – 2:00pm ET

Panelists:

• • Robert Popovian, PharmD: Senior Fellow, Health Policy, Progressive Policy Institute
  • Sarah Ikenberry: Senior Communication Advisor, Therapeutic Biologics and Biosimilars, FDA
  • Kashyap Patel, MD: President, Oncology Care Alliance

Robert Popovian is the Founder of the strategic consulting firm Conquest Advisors. He also serves as Chief Science Policy Officer at the Global Health Living Foundation & Senior Healthy Policy Fellow at the Progressive Policy Institute. He previously served as Vice President of US Government Relations at Pfizer and is a recognized authority on health economics, policy, government relations, medical affairs, and strategic planning.

Sarah Ikenberry is a Senior Communication Advisor for the Office of Therapeutic Biologics and Biosimilars (OTBB) in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Evaluation and Research (CDER) where she provides communication and advice to senior leaders. She also manages stakeholder education and outreach activities for OTBB. Sarah has a Master of Arts in Communication from Johns Hopkins University.

Kashyap Patel is the President for the Community Oncology Alliance and is the chairman for the newly formed Biosimilars committee for the COA. He recently joined the International Oncology Network as the medical director and has expertise in Value Based Care, CEO of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates, and is a full time practicing Medical Oncologist, board certified in Hematology, Oncology, and Internal Medicine.