In This Issue:

MPA CEO Perspective

Legislative and Regulatory

• FTC: PBMs Have Outsized Influence on Drug Prices Due to Market Consolidation
• HHS Secretary Criticizes PBMs in Visit to Flint
• U.S. Government to Pay Moderna $176 Million to Develop Pandemic Flu Vaccine
• Lilly's Kisunla Approved by FDA for Treatment of Early Symptomatic Alzheimer's

Professional Practice

• Understanding Drug Pricing from Divergent Perspectives: State of Washington Prescription Drug Pricing Analysis
• MPA Participates in MI-TESA Trailer Exercise

MPA News

• Roath Speaks to 9&10 News on Remote Pharmacies
• Book Your Room Now for ACE 2025!
• Register for 2024 MSHP Annual Meeting
• Register for the UP Division Fall Conference; Room Booking Now Available!
• Register Today for "Helping Pharmacies Provide Secure Medication Delivery" Webinar
• Introducing MPA's New Career Center

CE Events

• Trauma-Informed Workforce Certificate Training Program
• Register for 4th Annual OASIS
• Upcoming Live MPA CE Offerings

Upcoming Meetings and Events

A big thank you to MPA Executive Board members and staff who attended a strategic planning meeting prior to the Executive Board’s regular meeting at MPA headquarters earlier this week. Our 2022-2024 Strategic Plan is fast coming to its conclusion, so we’ve decided to stretch the plan an additional year to save funds this year and budget for a more extensive strategic planning retreat in the summer of 2025.

The goal of this week’s session was to tweak the current plan so it would be applicable for another year. We didn’t change the mission, vision or goals, but spent three hours discussing objectives and strategies in support of the plan. We were mindful to focus our changes on creating more value for members driven by the results of our recent Membership Priority Survey. Watch for a report on the results in the upcoming Michigan Pharmacist.

I want to thank Strategic Planning ad hoc committee members President-elect Ryan Greenley, who served as chair; President Sarah Hill; Treasurer Marc Guzzardo; Executive Board members John Clark and Michelle Kelly; and MPA Chief Strategy Officer Bryan Freeman and Chief Pharmacy Officer Farah Jalloul for their work on preparing recommendations for the full Executive Board to consider. I also want to thank facilitator and past Speaker of the House of Delegates Katie Axford for keeping us on track.

You can view the revised 2025 Strategic Plan here. Staff will now develop an operational plan for implementing the Strategic Plan in 2025.

If you have any thoughts or input on the revised plan, please send them to me at Mark@MichiganPharmacists.org.

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PrimeRx is a Michigan Pharmacists Association Emerald Annual Sponsor.

FTC: PBMs Have Outsized Influence

on Drug Prices Due to Market Consolidation

The consolidation of pharmacies and health insurance companies through years of deal making has led to a handful of pharmacy benefit managers exercising outsized influence over prescription drug prices, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Tuesday.

Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, act as middlemen between drug companies and consumers. They negotiate volume discounts and fees with drug manufacturers, create lists of medications that are covered by insurance and reimburse pharmacies for prescriptions.

The FTC argues the three biggest PBMs – Optum, CVS Caremark and Express Scripts, which manage 79% of U.S. prescription drug claims – have greatly enriched themselves at the expense of smaller pharmacies and consumers, according to an interim staff report calling for possible greater regulation.

"These powerful middlemen may be profiting by inflating drug costs and squeezing Main Street pharmacies," the FTC said in its findings, two years into an investigation of top PBMs and their impact on prescription drug prices in the United States.

HHS Secretary Criticizes PBMs in Visit to Flint

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was highly critical of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in a visit to Flint on Wednesday.

“We want to get rid of the middlemen that are making it really difficult for some of the independent pharmacies right now,” Becerra said. “These PBMs, pharmacy benefit managers, that are out there, that are essentially controlling the market — I say that somewhat figuratively, controlling the market and how their drugs are dispensed and are priced. We think that those middlemen who are sucking money out of the system that never actually goes to provide health care or provide medicine, really is a disservice to everybody, including the taxpayer.”

Becerra was in Flint touting the effects the Inflation Reduction Act has had on lowering prescription drug costs. He said the Biden administration was committed to policies and funding that continue to support independent pharmacies. The secretary’s comments come on the heels of a scathing Federal Trade Commission interim staff report on PBMs that was released Tuesday.

In the report, the FTC said increasing vertical integration and concentration has enabled the six largest PBMs to manage nearly 95 percent of all prescriptions filled in the United States, allowing PBMs to profit at the expense of patients and independent pharmacists. The interim report also found that PBMs hold substantial influence over independent pharmacies by imposing “unfair, arbitrary and harmful contractual terms that can impact independent pharmacies’ ability to stay in business and serve their communities.”

Becerra was joined by MPA Director of Government Affairs Eric Roath and John Gross and Bryan Homberg of Flint Family Pharmacy. Roath said the FTC report highlights a few important areas lawmakers should focus on to lower prescription drug costs and urged them to continue investigating the core causes that are making it more difficult for people to receive essential medications.

“Our pharmacies strive for every opportunity to serve our patients in an accessible and sustainable manner,” Roath said. “Ultimately, this means better access to essential health care services, including medications for all citizens, but especially for our most vulnerable patient populations. Lower costs and sustainable pharmacy access is a key component to ensuring equitable health outcomes for all Michiganders and Americans.”

Read more on the secretary’s visit to Flint here (paid subscription required).

U.S. Government to Pay Moderna $176 Million

to Develop Pandemic Flu Vaccine

The U.S. government will pay the vaccine maker Moderna $176 million to accelerate development of a pandemic influenza vaccine that could be used to treat bird flu in people, as concern grows about cases in dairy cows across the country, federal officials announced July 2.

Moderna already has a bird flu vaccine in very early-stage testing that uses the same mRNA technology that allowed rapid development and rollout of vaccines to protect against COVID-19. The new funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services include continued development of the vaccine, including a late-stage trial next year if those early study results are positive.

But the project can be quicky redirected to target another form of influenza if a different threat than the H5N1 form of bird flu emerges, HHS officials stressed.

The award was made through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, a program that focuses on medical treatments for potential pandemics.

Lilly's Kisunla Approved by FDA

for Treatment of Early Symptomatic Alzheimer's

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Eli Lilly's Kisunla (donanemab-azbt, 350 mg/20 mL once-monthly injection for IV infusion) for treatment of adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD). This includes people with mild cognitive impairment as well as people with the mild dementia stage of Alzheimer's, with confirmed amyloid pathology.

Once-monthly Kisunla is the first and only amyloid plaque-targeting therapy with evidence to support stopping therapy when amyloid plaques are removed, which can result in lower treatment costs and fewer infusions.

Penicillin Allergy De-Labeling Survey

The Penicillin Allergy De-Labeling Survey aims to explore the practices and knowledge of Michigan outpatient pharmacists regarding the de-labeling of penicillin allergies. The information being sought includes area of practice; year of graduation; zip code of practice site; familiarity with relevant terms/tools; procedures at participant's current practice sites; barriers to current practice; social determinants of health of patients that may act as determinants of pharmacist intervention; a short case study; and continuing education preferences of participants.

Understanding Drug Pricing from Divergent Perspectives:

State of Washington Prescription Drug Pricing Analysis

In the United States, patients grapple with a sense of bewilderment over the opaque nature of drug pricing, fueling a pervasive feeling of helplessness amidst soaring health care costs. There's a prevailing perception that every link in the drug supply chain prioritizes profit margins over patient well-being, amplifying the strain on individuals who must make agonizing choices between vital medications and basic necessities. The stark reality of this dilemma reverberates across social media platforms, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound affordability challenges plaguing the health care system. This reality fuels an escalating demand for comprehensive reforms to revolutionize how medicines are procured in the nation.

Despite a decade of federal and state initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of escalating drug prices, public frustration persists unabated. What adds to the confounding nature of the issue is the paradox wherein some individuals express satisfaction with their health coverage while concurrently advocating for payment reforms. The intricate labyrinth through which medications are bought and sold is shrouded in secrecy, fostering a climate ripe for sowing seeds of distrust.

Three Axis Advisors conducted a study of the pharmacy benefits and reimbursement trends within the state of Washington. In its newly-released analysis of more than nine million prescription drug claims from both small retail pharmacies and commercial employers in the state of Washington from 2020 to 2023, Three Axis found that pharmacies and plan sponsors have relatively divergent perspectives on the rate of change of prescription drug prices.

MPA Participates in MI-TESA Trailer Exercise

MPA Chief Pharmacy Officer Farah Jalloul was joined by MPA members and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Medical Surge Planners for a simulated Michigan Transportable Emergency Surge Assistance (MI-TESA) Pharmacy trailer exercise.

MI-TESA is a medical unit state resource consisting of a 100-bed mobile field hospital. The pharmacy trailer is aimed to function as a fully licensed pharmacy that will provide pharmaceuticals to the medical unit.

If you are interested in participating in future exercises, please reach out to Farah at Farah@MichiganPharmacists.org. 

Roath Speaks to 9&10 News on Remote Pharmacies

MPA Director of Government Affairs Eric Roath recently appeared on 9&10 News to discuss remote pharmacies and how they can help fill gaps in care. Click the button below to watch Roath's full interview.

Book Your Room Now for ACE 2025!

MPA's Annual Convention & Exhibition (ACE) will take over the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa just outside of Traverse City from April 11-13, 2025! Information on registration, exhibitors and sponsorships will become available later this year, but it's not too early to block off your calendars as pharmacy's biggest continuing education event in Michigan takes its show on the road.

We encourage our members to make the 2025 ACE their "stay-cation" – golf, water activities and wineries are just a few things you can do in beautiful Traverse City. Get started now and book your room by clicking the button below! Attendees can also call 231-534-6001 and speak with a reservations agent to book their accommodations. They will receive the discounted rate if they mention the Michigan Pharmacists Association.

MSHP Annual Meeting Oct. 25 in Grand Rapids

Join the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) for its 2024 Annual Meeting Oct. 25 at the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel! With registration opening at 7:30 a.m. and a wellness CE promptly at 8:30 a.m., MSHP Annual is the place to be for our health system industry members. In addition to the wellness focus, complete with a conference wellness room, CE will address this year’s theme, “Less Not Loss” with a focus on optimization within pharmacy practice.

In addition, expect required CE like pain and law, as well as important endeavors such as pharmacogenomics, artificial intelligence within electronic scoring systems and the utilization of pharmacy extenders – all planned and facilitated by industry leaders. MPA has set aside additional networking time for attendees and looks forward to creating an atmosphere of learning, engagement and wellness.

Click the buttons below to get started.

Register Now for the UP Division Fall Conference

Oct. 5-6 in Marquette; Room Booking Now Available!

MPA and its Upper Peninsula Division return to beautiful Marquette Oct. 5-6 for the UP Division Fall Conference. Registration is open now and available by clicking the button below. A detailed agenda will be coming, but topics will include ethics and jurisprudence, cardiovascular health, addiction and the brain, and natural approaches to inflammation.

Room booking is available now! Staybridge Suites has reserved a block of 10 king suite rooms for the Fall Conference. The Superior Stay is not blocking off rooms, but is offering the discount code CNMU for patrons to submit on a first-come, first-served basis. Click the buttons below to start reserving your room.

Register Today for "Helping Pharmacies Provide Secure Medication Delivery for Their Customers"

Webinar Hosted by MPA Business Partner MedZoomer

MedZoomer, a Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) Preferred Business Partner, is the nation’s fastest growing same-day prescription delivery service. They can deliver to your patients, facilities, group homes, and more. MedZoomer offers a wide range of deliveries: contactless, controlled, temp-regulated, and over-the-counter drugs, all within a 25 or 50-mile radius of the pickup location. Their proprietary delivery algorithm allows them to optimize your operations for cost and time and is even used by 1-800-Flowers and FedEx.

Join MedZoomer and MPA on Tuesday, July 16 at 12 p.m. to learn more about how they can grow your same-day prescription delivery program or launch a delivery service program for your pharmacy.

Introducing MPA's New Career Center

Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) along with business partner Aliro recently launched the new MPA Career Center. You should have received an email yesterday from Aliro regarding the new platform and talent marketplace.

The MPA Career Center will assist you in searching for new career opportunities. If you are not looking for a new job, refer a friend or colleague to one or more of the posted positions. If they are hired, you may receive a cash bonus for making the referral.

You may have received email and text communications promoting this new opportunity over that two weeks.

Be sure to check it out today!

Trauma-Informed Workforce Certificate Training Program

Dr. Helen Sairany's Trauma-Informed Workforce Certificate Training Program is a catalyst for personal transformation, enabling you to forge deeper connections with yourself, your work and your team. Embark on this trauma-informed journey to sustain your practice.

Participants will:

• Bid goodbye to burnout and toxic patterns.
• Explore the potential of your workplace. 
• Be mentored by an expert facilitator. 
• Gain mastery in conscious decision-making. 

Held four times each year, the first live session offerings are quickly approaching in July and August.

Participants can take the training in its entirety or a la carte. Detailed information can be found at the links below. Please feel free to email or call the MPA Education and Events team with any questions or needs you may have!

Trauma-Informed Workforce: Full Certificate Training Programs

(Home study with live courses)

Trauma-Informed Workforce:

All Home Study Offerings

Register for 4th Annual OASIS

The 2024 Outpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship Innovations Symposium (OASIS), sponsored by the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) and the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, is a 3.5-hour educational meeting, held on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, with both in-person and virtual options for attendees.

Cost

• Pharmacists, nurses and providers: $25
• Pharmacy technicians and students: $15

Agenda

• 11:15 a.m. – Registration desk opens. Networking with speakers, attendees, and exhibitors.
• Noon – Management and Interventions to Improve Prescribing for Common Outpatient Infections
• 1 p.m. – Tracking Outpatient Antibiotic Use and Benchmarking- Statewide Examples with DHHS and CHAR
• 2 p.m. – Break: Networking with speakers, attendees, and exhibitors
• 2:30 p.m. – Best Practices in Outpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship – Panel Discussion
• 4 p.m. – Close

More Upcoming Live Continuing Education From MPA

Pharmacy Technician Immunization Administration

Live Webinar: July 27, 10-11:30 a.m.

Mixed Format –

Self Study Must Be Completed

Before Live Date

Point of Care Test and Treat, Q3

Live Webinar: Aug. 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Mixed Format – Self Study Must Be Completed Before Live Date

Pharmacy-based Immunization Training

Live Webinar: Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-noon

Mixed Format – Self Study Must Be Completed Before Live Date

MPA 2024 Law and Policy Symposium

Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

In-Person and Virtual Options Available

IBT Home Studies

Couldn't make it to a live implicit bias training (IBT) session? Not to worry, our IBT home studies could be right for you! MPA currently offers two IBT home studies. Both meet all current Michigan licensing requirements. Click the buttons below to get started!

Looking for Something Else? Try MPA's On-Demand CE

In addition, MPA offers other on-demand pharmacy CE on a variety of topics that can be accessed 24/7/365 on its website. Click the button below to view our catalog of programs.

MedZoomer is the nation’s fastest growing same-day prescription delivery service. We can deliver to your patients, facilities, group homes and more.

We offer a wide range of deliveries: contactless, controlled, temp-regulated and over-the-counter drugs, all within a 25 or 50-mile radius of the pickup location.

MedZoomer is a Michigan Pharmacists Association Preferred Business Partner.

Aug. 9: MSPT Board of Directors

Aug. 22: MPF Board of Trustees

Aug. 29: CSPM Board of Directors

Sept. 5: MSHP Board of Directors Meeting & Retreat

Sept. 10: MPA Executive Board Meeting

Sept. 24: MSCP Board Meeting

Sept. 26: MSHP Board of Directors

Oct. 5-6: UP Division Fall Conference

MPA Events Calendar