A Reflection from Todd Eury, Editor in Chief, Pharmacy Podcast Network
April 27th through May 1st, 2025 — Las Vegas once again became the epicenter of innovation in specialty pharmacy, and for the sixth year, the Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN) was there to capture it all through podcasting. “I’m proud of the network we’ve built to focus on specific sectors of pharmacy, getting to the inside voices of specialty pharmacy. Thank you Chris Benz for always supporting our coverage of Asembia’s Access to Pharmacy.” stated Todd Eury, Editor in Chief at the Pharmacy Podcast Network. From the grand halls of the Wynn & Encore, Asembia AXS25 delivered, once again, on its promise to be an industry’s vital conversation space for specialty pharmacy leaders, innovators, and advocates.
1. Advanced Hub Models & Patient-Centric Services
Pharma manufacturers are overhauling their patient services infrastructure. Whether through internal hubs or third-party models, the focus is on technology-enabled, personalized support—helping patients navigate complex therapies with more clarity and confidence. Specialty pharmacies are leaning in, enhancing training for rare disease management and refining clinical communication strategies to align with patient-first care.
2. Regulatory Uncertainty & Outsourcing Trends
A familiar challenge resurfaced: regulatory ambiguity. Shifting FDA guidance is stalling hiring and capital investment, forcing some players to lean on outsourced services. It’s a double-edged sword—challenging for growth, but a potential lifeline for specialty pharmacies and service vendors in the short term.
AI dominated the conversation—not as hype, but as a real solution for simplifying healthcare delivery. From easing administrative loads to extracting actionable insights from massive data pools, AI is helping pharmacists deliver smarter, faster, and more transparent care. Still, the road ahead must be paved carefully, particularly when it comes to AI bias and regulatory compliance.
Sincerely,
Todd Eury
- Part One, sponsored by DrFirst, features Dr. Colin Banas, Drew Hunsinger, Fran Gregory, and Walmart leaders Matthew Lunde & Sabeen Hansi discussing digital therapeutics and patient engagement.
- Part Two, sponsored by Lumicera Health, dives into affordability and outcomes with Eric Huckins, Harry Travis, George Van Antwerp, Chuck Collins, Sheila Arquette, and more.
- Part Three, sponsored by PrimeRx, showcases tech and policy influencers including Ketan Mehta, Joe DePinto, Heather Bonome, Jill Paslier, Nicolle McClure, Chara Reid, Doniyor Sattarov, Michael Heimal, and Pooja Babbrah.
In this first installment of a two-part series, ASX 25 explores the complex issue of pharmacy access in Las Vegas. As patient needs evolve and systemic challenges persist, industry leaders discuss the innovations and partnerships shaping the future of pharmacy care.
- Colin Banas, MD, MHA – Chief Medical Officer, DrFirst
- Drew Hunsinger – VP of Product Management, DrFirst
- Fran Gregory – Vice President, Cardinal Health
- Matthew Lunde & Sabeen Hansi – Walmart
- Morgan Lee Renee – Rayburg
- Matt Gilbert – Chief Commercial Officer, RxSafe
- Keith Kallmes – Healthcare Innovator
- Interview hosted by Rich Brooks
- Interview hosted by Rich Brooks
Hear how organizations are addressing barriers, adopting technology, and creating pathways to more equitable and efficient pharmacy services in Las Vegas and beyond.
In part two of our ASX 25 series on pharmacy access in Las Vegas, we take a deeper dive into the policies, partnerships, and patient-centered innovations that are reshaping specialty and access-driven care models.
Sponsored by Lumicera Health, this episode brings together thought leaders from across the healthcare ecosystem to explore scalable solutions for improving access, affordability, and outcomes in pharmacy services.
- Eric Huckins – Lumicera Health
- Dave Griffiths – Accessia Health
- Harry Travis – The Travis Group LLC
- George Van Antwerp – Prime Therapeutics
- Chuck Collins – Healthcare Stakeholder Solutions
- Sheila Arquette – President & CEO, NASP
- Xavier De Gracias – Prosper AI
From value-based contracting to AI-powered care coordination, these leaders offer real-world insights on the future of pharmacy in complex and dynamic markets like Las Vegas.
AXS2025
PART THREE
In part three of our ASX 25 series on pharmacy access in Las Vegas, we expand the conversation to include the national forces, technology advancements, and policy changes influencing how patients access medications in one of America’s fastest-growing healthcare markets.
Sponsored by PrimeRx, this episode features a diverse panel of industry leaders who are shaping the future of pharmacy—from software innovation and regulatory leadership to payer strategies and nonprofit support systems.
- Ketan Mehta – CEO, PrimeRx
- Joe DePinto – Head of Cell, Gene, and Advanced Therapies, McKesson
- Heather Bonome, PharmD – Director of Pharmacy, URAC
- Jill Paslier, PharmD, CSP, FISMP – Specia
- Nicolle McClure – President, Finch Marketing
- Chara Reid – Vice President, Cencora
- Doniyor Sattarov – Founder, Rx4Route
- Christopher Corsi – Chief Strategy Officer, CassianRx
- Michael S. Heimal – CEO, HealthWell Foundation
- Pooja Babbrah – Board Member, NCPDP
