Vital Signs with Jacob Effron and Nikhil Krishnan Ep 59: Photon Health CEO Otto Sipe on the Future of Pharmacies, PBMs and GLP-1s
May 1, 2025
Otto Sipe, CEO and Co-Founder of Photon Health, revolutionizes pharmacy experiences by promoting transparency in pharmacy selection. He dives into the challenges of traditional pharmacy models and the transformative role of e-prescribing. The conversation highlights the future of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and the impact of AI on drug pricing. Otto shares innovative approaches to patient care with outcomes-based pricing for GLP-1s, alongside insights into fostering resilience within company culture through creative office decor.
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E-Prescribing's Utility Nature
- E-prescribing became widespread mainly after Meaningful Use facilitated EMR adoption. - It acts like a utility dominated by a near-monopoly, with limited innovation in the layer beneath.
Patient Interfaces Drive Value
- Current e-prescribing networks are one-way and lack a patient interface. - Restoring a patient-controlled interface unlocks significant new value and behaviors.
Pharmacy Market Inefficiencies
- Pharmacy market is inefficient and complex due to benefits design and limited prescription transferability. - This complexity greatly slows adoption of e-commerce-like experiences in pharmacy.