Navigating Global Policy Shifts with Nikhil Taxak

In this episode we sit down with Nikhil Taxak, Head of Pricing and Market Access Data Analytics at Access Infinity, to explore the rapidly evolving market access landscape.From the US Most Favored Nation (MFN) policy and Germany's Medical Research Act to surprising developments in Japan's pricing thresholds, Nikhil breaks down how these changes are reshaping pricing and reimbursement strategies worldwide.The conversation covers emerging regional patterns across Europe, North America, and Asia, with particular focus on three key themes: cost containment measures, value-based innovation recognition, and increasing transparency requirements. Nikhil also addresses the practical challenges pharmaceutical companies face as they navigate stricter evidence requirements, lower price tolerance, and greater global interconnectedness.This episode references Nikhil's 'In the Loop' email newsletter and 'Navigating the Waves' blog, which he authors with his team. Find out more and subscribe on these links: https://accessinfinity.com/policy-intelligence/subscribe-to-in-the-loop/https://accessinfinity.com/news-resources/ and filter 'policy insights'. Send us a text

In this episode, we're joined by Louisa Oliver Byrne, Senior Consultant at Access Infinity. We learn about the complexities of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) policy and its implications for pharmaceutical market access. Louisa shares insights from her recent research on MFN, exploring how direct-to-consumer pricing models might actually play out in practice, and why the policy's stated goals don't always align with likely outcomes. From "brown bagging" concerns to payer behaviour shifts, this episode unpacks what pharma companies need to know about preparing for an uncertain policy landscape through strategic scenario planning.Useful resources referenced in this episode:  You can download the article 'Market Access in the IRP Era: Scenarios to Plan for an Uncertain Future' here. Details of the CELforPharma course 'Understanding Pharma Market Access in the US' are available on the CELforPharma website here. Send us a text

In this episode, we invite Access Infinity Partner, Isabel Rubio back to the podcast  to explore the unique challenges and innovative solutions reshaping market access and pricing within rare disease.  Isabel shares insights from her extensive experience with due diligence assessments in orphan drug development, discussing three transformative strategies that are revolutionising how companies prove value in ultra-rare diseases. From multi-domain endpoints and visual evidence to payment-by-results models, this episode reveals why traditional HTA frameworks fall short for orphan drugs and how early collaboration between pricing, market access, and clinical teams is essential for success. Isabel has authored a blog on this topic, which you can read here: accessinfinity.com/blogs/breaking-through-barriers-how-innovation-is-revolutionising-orphan-drug-development. Send us a text

In this insightful episode we speak with Lizzie Shanahan, Global Access AI Strategy Lead at Sanofi. With over six years' experience at Sanofi and a rich background in commercial roles, Lizzie shares her unique journey into the world of market access and how her diverse experience shapes her approach to launch excellence.The conversation explores exciting developments in the industry, including the evolution of digital technologies and AI. Lizzie shares thoughtful insights on finding the right balance between technological innovation and maintaining essential human skills within the industry.This is a great episode for professionals in market access or commercial leaders considering a career transition and provides both practical guidance and forward-thinking perspectives on the changing landscape of market access.The opinions shared in this podcast are Lizzie's own views. Send us a text

In this episode, we speak with Silvy Mardiguian, Senior Director and Head of HEOR for Europe & New Markets at BeiGene.  Silvy has been co-leading BeiGene’s preparedness and organisational readiness for the new Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) framework, which is going to significantly change the EU HTA landscape.Silvy shares key insights into some of the learnings and challenges she has encountered during this process and highlights why strong cross-functional collaboration has been key to making it all work.We also hear about Silvy’s career journey to date — from her move from consulting into industry to the lessons she’s picked up along the way. She shares advice for anyone working in value and access, as well as some words of wisdom she’d give her younger self. The opinions shared in this podcast are Silvy's own views. Send us a text

In this episode we chat with Jie Shen, who is Vice President Global Head Market Access at CSL. Having started her career in pharma before the market access function existed, Jie is an industry veteran. We cover the changes she's seen over the last 24 years, including multi-stakeholder capitalisation - what it means to Jie and why she feels it's important for market access leaders.The opinions shared in this podcast are Jie's own views.Send us a text

We're kicking off 2025 with a fantastic podcast episode featuring Katrin Jack, Global Access Strategy Head at Galderma and President of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association Zürich-Zug Chapter. This episode covers a lot of ground, from the 'sliding doors' moment that led Katrin into market access, to why she feels it's important for leaders to understand their core values (and stay true to them). Like many of our podcast guests, Katrin has an obvious passion for market access and it was a delight to hear about her journey and the perspectives she's gained along the way. Bonus: In addition to the many professional insights Katrin shares in this chat, she also references the following book: "Beginner with a Black Belt" by Ana Stevanović. The opinions shared in this podcast are Katrin's own views.Send us a text

In this episode we speak with Ezgi Erdogan who is Oncology Market Access Director for Emerging Markets at GSK. In this discussion, we cover the unpredictability of emerging markets and the unique challenges this presents. Ezgi also shares her future predictions for access in emerging markets and talks about the importance of cross-functional collaboration in pharma to support the ever-changing landscape. The opinions shared in this podcast are Ezgi's own views.   Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with Pauline Payen, Director and Global Payer Strategy Lead for UCB’s Early Portfolio. Pauline shares her pragmatic insights into navigating the complexities of global market access.  Throughout her career, Pauline hasn't been shy of new opportunities, which has led to her taking on roles in commercial and marketing to expand her experience. In this discussion, we explore why market access is her passion. A field where, as she says, "What you do, can be life-changing for people."  Pauline describes the unique mindset essential for success in market access, as well as the importance of staying open to diverse opportunities along the way. It's an inspiring discussion on aligning personal values to professional growth. The opinions shared in this episode are Pauline's own views.Send us a text

In this episode we're joined by GSK's Head of Market Access for General Medicines, Rupert Gale. Rupert has been in pharma for over 27 years and is still going strong! In this discussion, he shares what resilience means to him and why he feels it's an important skill for market access leaders to leverage.Rupert shares some wonderful stories and advice that many of us can relate to and learn from. He also reveals what's keeping him passionate about access and value as he continues his career journey.  The views shared in this episode are Rupert's own opinions and not representative of the company he is working for. Send us a text