Ozempic (semaglutide) is one of the drugs with the biggest affordability challenges today. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes and to protect these patients from cardiovascular problems. Given the high prevalence of diabetes in the US, every 💰dollar counts (5/5).

Should we have the same system as Canada ? Not necessarily, but this is an important lesson that our drug patent system must be revisited. - there are a few bills introduced in Congress to change this system , and they should receive more of our attention. (4/5).

In Canada, the system requires not only filing the patent but also periodically paying to keep it active, which (by mistake or not) seems to be why Canada may have a generic so soon. (3/5).

Patent protection is what prevents generics from entering the market. In the US, manufacturers may add multiple patents beyond the original one that protects a new drug , essentially creating decades and decades of market protection. (2/5).

Canada seems about to get generics for Ozempic (semaglutide), possibly as soon as January 2026. This is in stark contrast to the US, where generics will have to wait until at least 2032. What is the difference ? (1/5).

How to improve the affordability of pharmaceutical treatments for #diabetes? This call for action is now available for free download at @DiabetesCareADA .

Had a wonderful discussion on “How to fix a broken system?” with the amazing @StevenKahn11 @LizSelvin @MarshallChinMD @SethABerkowitz.and @RepKimSchrier at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th #ADASciSessions in #Chicago. Accompanying paper released in @DiabetesCareADA

We discussed barriers to biosimilar adoption, which (no surprise) included lack of direct substitutability at the pharmacy (aka interchangeability), the complexity of biologic/ biosimilar naming (each product gets a distinct suffix), and rebate deals that favor incumbents.

Had the pleasure of discussing #biosimilar markets at @DrugInfoAssn's Global Annual Meeting this week with the GOAT Gillian Woollett from @SamsungBioepis . Thank you Andrea Noda and @Arnold_Ventures for hosting this amazing session !

It’s a lifelong learning, but thankfully there’s a book for that - shoutout to @DR_KMP and @ShelleyHearne for writing it 📚📝 🤓🎓 #advocacy #publichealth .

4. Research is only a small part of advocacy. Establishing partnerships, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, communicating your message, and finding middle ground across stakeholders’ interests are arguably just as important as generating new data to inform policy solutions.

3. Consider which audiences may find this information relevant - think of both supporters and opposers. Anticipating potential critiques can help prepare more in-depth analyses and provide more context to interpret research findings.

2. Consider the implications of your potential findings before starting a new research project. What questions would this evidence help inform? What solutions might it help develop?.

1. Think of the problems you want to solve with your core motivation in mind. In my case: how will patients be affected?.

Very inspiring to talk to health care professionals today as part of the @JHadvocacy Advocacy Action Lab. I appreciate these opportunities to remember what drives me and to reflect on key successes and failures over the years. Some thoughts that we shared in the panel:.

Would it be a good idea to have tariffs 💵 on pharmaceuticals 💊💉? I discuss the implications with @drJoshS in this week’s Public Health On Call Podcast 🎧 @PublicHealthPod @JohnsHopkinsSPH .

In beautiful #Boston for @industrystudies annual conference hosted by the @MIT . Excellent discussions around #biotech , #AI, and #drugshortages. Also great view 😇

Wrapping up #graduation week so proud of the ~100 students who completed my courses on US #pharmaceutical policy this year - can’t wait to see where your careers take you next . Congrats , graduates ! 🎓🥳 @BSPH_HPM @JohnsHopkinsSPH.

Excited to be part of ⁦@CHCI⁩ ‘s panel discussion on drug access and affordability for #latino populations

Nothing makes me happier than seeing my students/mentees achieve new heights. Hearing of one of my students’ acceptance into the @JohnsHopkins PhD program in #Economics today was a gift !! Happy #WomenDay2025 #WomenInScience 👩‍💻👩‍🏫.