Sarah Emond

In this conversation, Sarah Emond, CEO of ICER, dives into the complexities of pharmaceutical drug pricing. She highlights six major tensions, such as the disconnect between drug prices and patient affordability. Sarah discusses the issues with rebates, emphasizing how they can distort value. The talk also covers the long-term versus short-term cost perspectives employers face. She advocates for transparent, value-based pricing models to enhance patient access and reduce healthcare costs, underscoring the need for conflict-free assessments.

Joined by Dr. Jerry Avorn, a Harvard professor and drug policy expert, and Sarah Emond, CEO of ICER and a health technology assessment authority, the discussion dives deep into the new TrumpRx initiative. They analyze how U.S. drug prices soar due to lack of government negotiation. The duo shares insights on the implications of Pfizer’s Medicaid commitments and whether anyone benefits from these discounts. Emond explains how other countries, like the UK, manage to set lower prices, suggesting a need for independent value assessments in the U.S.

In this conversation, Sarah Emond, the President-Elect of ICER, dives into the transformative landscape of cell and gene therapies. She discusses how these innovations tackle the root causes of diseases like hemophilia and muscular dystrophy, offering hope for previously terminal conditions. Emond highlights challenges in manufacturing and accessibility, and advocates for innovative financing models, such as outcomes-based contracts, to make these life-altering treatments more accessible. The future looks bright, but equitable access remains crucial.