Patient-Focused Economic and Policy Research

The Patient-Focused Economic and Policy Research Division
at the Global Healthy Living Foundation

At Global Healthy Living Foundation, we believe that equity, access, and affordability are paramount in the well-being of patients we serve. Unfortunately, economic and policy matters often undermine these principles to the detriment of patients. GHLF needs to examine how such issues impact patients’ financial and humanistic outcomes.

Our center promises to investigate such problems through primary research, which are then promoted through our various social media platforms as well as conventional media. Our researchers also address these important topics through opinion editorials, speaking engagements, and our world-class podcast series – Healthcare Matters. Our experts have published extensively and referenced the impact of biopharmaceuticals and health policies on costs and clinical outcomes in the most prominent medical sources and media publications, including the Clinical Economics and Outcomes Research, The Oncologist, Journal of Vaccines and Vaccinations, Health Economics Policy and Law, Health Science Journal, USA Today, Washington Examiner, Managed Healthcare Executive, The Hill and Morning Consult. They are sought-after speakers and have been invited to provide detailed presentations, briefings and expert reviews for the U.S. Congress, dozens of state legislatures, and at conferences and medical symposiums around the world.

Areas of Research Focus:

  • Impact of accumulator adjustment program bans on insurance premiums
  • How rebate contracting reform will lower healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes
  • The economic impact of prior authorization policies in the U.S.
  • COVID-19 vaccine patents
  • How ensuring access to cancer diagnostics improves patient access and equity in healthcare
  • Impact of Medicare benefit design on access
  • How formulary exclusions undermine patient access
  • How step therapy administrative focus destabilizes patient and healthcare professional decision-making
  • Access to healthcare services in low-income communities across the United States

We continually develop new partnerships with academia, think tanks, and other like-minded organizations that believe in patient equity, access, and affordability as the cornerstone of a healthy society. If you would like to partner with us on a project, or have ideas for a topic we should research, contact Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer.

Peer-Reviewed Articles

  • Pitts, Peter, Popovian, Robert and Winegarden, Wayne, Waiving COVID-19 Vaccine Patents: A Bad Idea and a Dangerous Precedent, Vol. 26 No. 2 (2021). Journal of Commercial Biotechnology
  • Tharp, Lou and Rothblat, Zoe, Do patients benefit from legislation regulating step therapy? Health Economics, Policy and Law, April, 2021, pp 1-16, https://doi.org/10.1017/S1744133121000153 
  • Popovian, Robert and Winegarden, Wayne, An Estimate of the Net Benefits from Prior Authorization Policies in the U.S., Vol. 15 No. 4: 833. Health Science Journal, https://www.hsj.gr/medicine/an-estimate-of-the-net-benefits-from-prior-authorization-policies-in-the-us.pdf
  • Winegarden, Wayne and Popovian, Robert, Reforming Rebate Contracting will Improve Drug Affordability, Vol. 14 No. 7: 783, Health Science Journal, https://www.hsj.gr/medicine/reforming-rebate-contracting-willimprove-drug-affordability.php?aid=34290
  • Popovian, Robert, How to Ensure Equitable Access to Vaccines, Volume 11(6), December 2020, Journal of Vaccines and Vaccination. https://www.longdom.org/open-access/how-to-ensure-equitable-access-to-covid19-vaccine-59774.html
  • Popovian, Robert and Hering, Dave, Enhance and Expand Access to Vaccines, Volume S5, November 2020, Journal of Vaccines and Vaccination. https://www.longdom.org/open-access/enhance-and-expand-access-to-vaccines.pdf
  • Winegarden, Wayne and Popovian, Robert, Reforming Rebates will Improve Drug Affordability. September 2020, Pacific Research Institute Paper. https://medecon.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/DrugRebates_F.pdf
  • McCombs Jeff, Dang Richard, Popovian, Robert, Is the U.S. Ready to Quickly Vaccinate its Population Against COVID-19? May 2020, Schaeffer Institute Paper. https://healthpolicy.usc.edu/research/is-the-u-s-ready-to-quickly-vaccinate-its-population-against-covid-19/
  • McCombs Jeff, Myerson Rebecca, Xu Yifan, Popovian Robert, Value Based Contracting in Healthcare What is it and how can it be Achieved. June 2019, Schaeffer Institute Paper. https://healthpolicy.usc.edu/research/value-based-contracting-in-healthcare-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-be-achieved/
  • McKinley Laura, Kelton John and Popovian Robert. Sowing confusion in the field: the interchangeable use of biosimilar terminology. January 2019. Current Medical Research and Opinion. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30556742/
  • Cazap Eduardo, Jacobs Ira, McBride Ali, Popovian, Robert and Sikora Karol. Global Acceptance of Biosimilars: Importance of Regulatory Consistency, Education, and Trust. May 2018. The Oncologist, http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/early/2018/05/16/theoncologist.2017-0671
  • Dranitsaris GJacobs IKirchhoff CPopovian RShane LG. Drug tendering: drug supply and shortage implications for the uptake of biosimilars. September 29, 2017. Clinical Economics and Outcomes Research, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29033595
  • Simoens S, Jacobs I, Popovian R, Isakov L, Shane LG. Assessing the Value of Biosimilars: A Review of the Role of Budget Impact Analysis. June 28, 2017. PharmacoEconomics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28660473
  • Boccia R, Jacobs I, Popovian R, G de Lima Lopes. Can Biosimilars Help Achieve the Goals of the U.S. Healthcare Reform? Cancer Management and Research. June 1, 2017, 9:197-205, https://www.oncologynurseadvisor.com/home/cancer-types/general-oncology/can-biosimilars-help-achieve-the-goals-of-us-health-care-reform/ .
  • James G. Stevenson,PharmD, Robert Popovian, PharmD, Ira Jacobs, MD, Susan Hurst, RPh, PhD, Lesley G. ShaneBiosimilars, Practical Considerations for Pharmacists. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, February 2017, http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1060028017690743.
  • Cohen Hillel, Beydoun Donna, Chien David, Lessor Tracy, McCabe Dorothy, Muenzberg Michael, Popovian Robert and Uy Jonathan. Awareness, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Biosimilars Among Specialty Physician. Advances In Therapy. January 2017, Volume 33, Issue 12, pp 2160–2172
  • Abstract: Nichol MB, Shi S, Knight TK, Popovian R, and Morita R.  Impact of Market Forces on Statin persistence patterns in a California Medicaid population.  Value In Health.  2004, Vol 7, No 3, page 334.
  • Setter SM, Corbett C, Gates, B, Terriff C, Johns CA, Sclar DA, and Popovian R. Nonsteriodal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: The Need for Assessment and Education. Home Care Provider.  2001, VOL 6; PART 3, pages 100-105.
  • Setter SM, Corbett CF, Terriff CM, Gates BJ, Johns C, Broemeling L, Maccini D and Popovian R.  Abstract – Knowledge of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in at risk elders: effectiveness of individualized patient educationPharmacotherapy.  Volume 20 (10), 2000, page 1229.
  • Abstract: Gerding, G, Carlson, J, Carter, C, Doak, M, Frederick, K and Popovian, R.  Abstract – Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Long-term Care Setting.  The Consultant Pharmacist.  Volume 15 (9), 2000, page 933.
  • Johnson, KA, Nichol MB, Popovian R and Liu G.  Letter to the Editor: The Impact of Pharmaceutical Capitation to Primary Medical Groups on the Health Care Expenditures of Medicare HMO EnrolleesJournal of Managed Care Pharmacy.  Volume 6 (1), January/February 2000, pages 8-9.
  • Popovian R, Johnson, KA, Nichol MB and Liu G.  The Impact of Pharmaceutical Capitation of Primary Medical Groups on the Health Care Expenditures of Medicare HMO EnrolleesJournal of Managed Care Pharmacy.  Volume 5 (5), September/October 1999, pages 414-419.
  • Niedermann MS, McCombs JS, Unger AN, Kumar A and Popovian R.  Treatment cost of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitisClinical Therapeutics.  Volume 21 (3), March 1999 1998, pages 576-591.
  • Niedermann MS, McCombs JS, Unger AN, Kumar A and Popovian R.  The Cost of Treating Community Acquired PneumoniaClinical Therapeutics.  Volume 20 (4), July/August 1998, pages 820-837.
  • Abstract: Popovian R, Hay, JW, Sung JCY and Jaresko GS,.  Cost-effectiveness analyses of penicillin prophylaxis in dental procedures for prevention of infective endocarditis in mitral valve prolapse patients.  Pharmacotherapy.  Volume 17 (1), 1997, page 192.
  • Abstract: Jaresko GS, Sung JC, Tajbakhsh-Werner G, Popovian R and Goldshtein G.  Implementing an Interdisciplinary, pharmacy directed Enterobactor surveillance programInternational Pharmaceutical Abstracts.  Volume 33 (21), 1996, page 2245.
  • Abstract: Jaresko GS, Popovian R, Nichol MB and Riley S.  Factors influencing outcomes in patients with type I  -lactamase producing gram negative bacteremia.  Pharmacotherapy.  Volume 15 (1), 1995, page 113.
  • Popovian R, Bedikian A, Gill MA.  Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.  California Pharmacist.  February 1993, pages 28-35.

Opinion Editorials

Morning Consult – Opinion Editorials

Interviews

Blogs

Healthcare Matters – GHLF Podcast

Podcasts

  • Presenter, National Association Boards of Pharmacy, A Closer Look at FDA’s Interchangeable Biosimilar Approvals, February 2022
  • Presenter/Moderator, World Vaccines Congress, December 2021
  • Keynote speaker, Northeast Business Group on Health, Pharmacy Benefits Strategie Now and Later, December 2021
  • Presentation, 2021 IEEE Healthcare: Blockchain & AI – Decentralized Clinical Trials: Opportunities and Challenges https://ieeetv.ieee.org/channels/ieee-future-directions/2021-ieee-healthcare-blockchain-ai-decentralized-clinical-trials-opportunities-and-challenges
  • Festival of Biologics Conference 2021. https://twitter.com/PopovianPharmD/status/1376880723269980163
  • Wisconsin, July 21, 2020, Meeting of Governor’s Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gYd8FX4QEg&feature=youtu.be
  • NORD (National Organization of Rare Diseases) Summit, The Time is Now: Addressing Affordability While Sustaining Innovation
  • Concordia University The 2019 Healthcare Economics Summit – Drug Pricing Panel http://rxthinktank.org/the-2019-healthcare-economics-summit-in-review/
  • National Minority Quality Forum Annual Meeting (2019) – Leadership Summit & Health Braintrust: Spring Health Braintrust Panel 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY5kyqCMk14
  • The Hill, Overcoming Obstacles: Patient Access to Innovation, March 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL38N7FY-na0MjmyrYCxgShAaYezHHE6Ci&v=L6oG-PwX2D0&feature=emb_logo
  • Financial Times, Financial Pressures and Healthcare Reform, September 2018
  • FDA/CMS Summit, Obstacles, Reimbursement, and Leverage Opportunities for Boosting Competition and Adoption of Biosimilars in US Market, December 2017
  • Sino-American Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Professional Association, Market Based Solutions in Making Medicines Affordable, Lowering Healthcare Costs and Protecting Biopharmaceutical Innovation, June 2017
  • Texas Healthcare and Biosciences Summit: Value of Innovation and Drug Development, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021
  • Center for Economic Development CED 2016 Fall Policy Conference: Quality, Affordable Care for America’s Seniors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlesgAfLWgE
  • Deloitte Center for Health Solutions and The Network for Excellence in Health Innovation: Delivering medical innovation In a Value-Based World, February 15, 2016
  • Building a 21st Century Health Care System: Aligning Policy, Accelerating Cures, Delivering Hope, August 2014, Using Data to Support Patient-Centered Innovation – Manhattan Institute and Tufts School of Medicine
  • Connected Health, Better Adherence – NEHI, Prescription for Better Health and PhRMA, Jan 2014, The Future: How should we shape health IT policy to support proper medication use and improved adherence?
  • American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, 2011 Annual Meeting, US Policies Surrounding Pharmaceutical Innovation
  • Academic & Industry Intersection Conference: Profiles of Success, Georgia BIO and Emory University, 2011, Future of Industry and Physician Relations “Our Path Forward”
  • Minnesota Physician Publishing, 2009, Health care reform panel discussion
  • American Psychiatric Association, Annual Meeting, 2005, Promises and Politics of Evidence-Based Medicine
Venue Date Title Web page
Los Angeles Times 9/10/1995 Drug Use Weakened Allegations of Abuse http://articles.latimes.com/1995-09-10/local/me-44355_1_eileen-zelig

 

USA Today 12/9/2004 Web site compares drugs for ‘best buys’ http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/drugs/2004-12-09-drugs-usat_x.htm

 

The Grand Rapids Press 3/9/2008 Health plans push harder for use of generic drugs, not as ‘equivalents’ but as ‘alternatives’ http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/03/health_plans_push_harder_for_u.html

 

Pink Sheet 2/21/2011 Lobbying Around State eRx Legislation Pits Payers Against Manufacturers
Bloomberg News 3/4/2011 Pfizer-Backed Bills Threaten Medicaid Generic Savings: Insight http://www.allscripts.com/content/dam/allscripts/documents/Pfizer-BackedBillsThreatenMedicaidGenericSavings.pdf

 

First Word – Dossier 1/1/2012 Academic Detailing: Pharma Fights Back http://www.firstwordplus.com/academic_detailing_pharma_fights_back.do
Pink Sheet 8/27/2014 Biomedical Reform Legislation May Be Piecemeal But Holistic http://energycommerce.house.gov/blog/path2cures-what-they%E2%80%99re-saying-beantown

 

http://www.focr.org/news/pink-sheet-biomedical-reform-legislation-may-be-piecemeal-holistic

 

Public Affairs Council 11/13/2017 Do Big Donors Compromise Think Tanks? https://pac.org/impact/do-big-donors-compromise-think-tanks
Managed Healthcare Executive 1/28/2018 Pfizer VP Robert Popovian Talks Value-Based Reimbursement http://managedhealthcareexecutive.modernmedicine.com/managed-healthcare-executive/news/pfizer-vp-robert-popovian-talks-value-based-reimbursement
Politico 5/9/2018 A Better Prescription: Biosimilars and a Pathway to Patient Choice http://www.politico.com/sponsor-content/2018/05/a-better-prescription
The Hill 3/6/2019 Gottlieb: Drug rebates not benefiting sicker patients https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/432857-gottlieb-drug-rebates-not-benefiting-sicker-patients#.XIAaK4Feav0.twitter
Biosimilars Review and Report 4/6/2021 Biosimilars, Employers, Medicaid, and Rebates https://biosimilarsrr.com/2021/04/06/biosimilars-employers-medicaid-and-rebates/

 

Pharmacy Today 5/12/2021 Cash-based pharmacies deliver transparency, savings

 

https://www.pharmacytoday.org/article/S1042-0991(21)00299-1/fulltext
Ohio Capital Journal 7/22/2021 Chucking insurance https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2021/06/22/chucking-insurance/

 

Pharmacy Today 10/01/2021 Walmart–Novo Nordisk insulin offers deep discounts to select few https://www.pharmacytoday.org/article/S1042-0991(21)00729-5/fulltext
accessWDUN.com 12/31/2021 Covid-19 vaccines and antiviral treatments https://accesswdun.com/article/2021/12/1066458/listen-clinical-pharmacist-discusses-between-approved-covid-19-vaccines-and-novovax

 

The Center for Biosimilars 1/12/2022 Biosimilar Progress and Education in the United States https://cutt.ly/XIpqoxL
Pharmacy Today 3/1/2022 Most physicians unable to estimate patients’ out-of-pocket costs: How pharmacists can help https://www.pharmacytoday.org/article/S1042-0991(22)00277-8/fulltext

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