This Week in Pharmacy

November 6, 2026 | Pharmacy Podcast Network Sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and U.S. News & World Report This week on This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury welcomes an outstanding lineup of pharmacy leaders, healthcare advocates, and industry experts to discuss four major developments shaping the future of pharmacy: CVS Health's historic restructuring, federal PBM reform, GLP-1 patient outcomes, and innovation in specialty medication access. Segment 1: CVS Health's Historic Separation — What Happens to 9,000 Pharmacies? CVS Health has announced plans to separate its retail pharmacy business from its PBM, insurance, and specialty pharmacy operations. What does this mean for community pharmacy profitability, patient access, and the future of vertically integrated healthcare? Guests: Greg Reybold — APCI Chichi Ilonzo Momah, PharmD, RPh — Owner, Springfield Pharmacy Alec Ginsberg — Chief Operating Officer, C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries https://drugstorecowboy.com/ The big question: If CVS is separating its pharmacies from Caremark, what does that signal about the future business model of community pharmacy? Segment 2: PBM Reform Becomes Federal Law — What's Next? Major PBM reforms were enacted through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed February 3, 2026, introducing new requirements for transparency, PBM compensation, and pharmacy access. Congressman Buddy Carter joins IPC's John Covello to examine the legislative victory, the work ahead to implement these reforms, and the fight to protect independent pharmacies. Guests: U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) John Covello — Vice President of Government Relations, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) The big question: Will federal PBM reform finally deliver meaningful financial relief and fairer competition for community pharmacies? Segment 3: GLP-1 Success — Beyond the Prescription A new U.S. News & World Report survey explores how patients select GLP-1 telehealth providers and why behavioral support, affordability, and ongoing engagement matter to long-term weight-management success. Guests: Gretel Schueller — Managing Editor, Health, U.S. News & World Report Kelli Stovall, RPh, MBA — Vice President of Clinical Strategy, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) The big question: How can independent community pharmacists help patients achieve better outcomes beyond dispensing GLP-1 medications? Read the U.S. News GLP-1 survey Segment 4: Breaking Down Barriers to Specialty Medications — Sonexus™ Special Guest: Josh Marsh, Vice President & General Manager, Sonexus™ Access and Patient Support, Cardinal Health Josh Marsh joins Todd to discuss how Cardinal Health's Sonexus™ helps patients overcome barriers to specialty medications. The conversation explores pharmaceutical Hub Services, benefits verification, prior authorization assistance, financial support, and the growing role of AI and automation in accelerating treatment access. The big question: How can technology and personalized patient support work together to make specialty medications more accessible? Report here: https://cardinalhealth.scene7.com/is/content/corpmarketdms7prod/corp/web/documents/cardinal-health-2026-insourcing-and-outsourcing-trends-report.pdf   About This Week in Pharmacy Hosted by Todd Eury, This Week in Pharmacy delivers news, policy analysis, and exclusive conversations with the professionals shaping the future of pharmacy. Sponsored by IPC and U.S. News & World Report Listen and subscribe at PharmacyPodcast.com

PBMs Under Fire, the World Pharmacist Challenge & CRUSH COST October 30, 2026 | Pharmacy Podcast Network Sponsored by CurifyLabs and Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) Pharmacy benefit managers are facing new scrutiny, controversial peptides are making headlines, and two pharmacy leaders are joining Todd Eury for a special edition of This Week in Pharmacy. This week's episode features the finale of the 31 Day Challenge, an exciting announcement about the upcoming WORLD PHARMACIST CHALLENGE, and an exclusive in-studio interview with the 2025 Pharmacy 50 winner, Dr. Grant Harting, PharmD, founder of CRUSH COST. TWIRx News: The Vox Top 3 1. PBMs Forced to Open Their Books — and They're Fighting Back The Department of Labor has finalized new PBM transparency requirements covering fees, rebates, spread-pricing revenue, and compensation arrangements involving employer health plans. The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) argues that the regulation creates unnecessary burdens, threatens smaller PBMs, and could increase costs. The big question: If PBMs are already transparent, why is additional financial disclosure such a problem? Read PCMA's response 2. HHS Opens the Door to Six Controversial Peptides HHS has announced an interim enforcement-discretion policy involving six peptides: BPC-157, Epitalon, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax, and TB-500. The policy could create a pathway for qualifying 503A compounding pharmacies under specific conditions, even as significant questions remain about the safety and efficacy of these non-FDA-approved substances. The big question: Is this progress for personalized medicine or a dangerous leap ahead of clinical evidence? Read the HHS Federal Register notice 3. Congress Investigates Alleged PBM Retaliation Against Independent Pharmacies House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is investigating whether CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx targeted independent pharmacies with burdensome audits after those pharmacies publicly supported PBM reform. One allegation involves a medication costing just 99 cents that reportedly generated hundreds of hours of pharmacy staff work. The investigation is ongoing, and retaliation has not been established. The big question: Are PBM audits protecting the system, or could they be used to intimidate pharmacies advocating for reform? Read the congressional announcement Special Guest: Dr. Jesse McCullough, PharmD The 31 Day Challenge Finale & WORLD PHARMACIST CHALLENGE Announcement Leadership starts with action! Dr. Jesse McCullough, PharmD, CEO of Keystone Pharmacy Insights, returns to TWIRx for the final special feature of the 31 Day Challenge, reflecting on leadership, personal growth, accountability, and the importance of pharmacists stepping beyond their comfort zones.

October 23, 2026 Sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative and YARAL Pharma This week on TWIRx: peptide compounding policy, a new hepatitis B treatment, specialty pharmacy growth, a rare-disease breakthrough, and pharmacy workforce pressure — followed by three conversations focused on the future of independent pharmacy. TWIRx NEWS 1. FDA Moves Peptide Policy to White House Review The FDA has submitted an Interim Access Policy for Compounding Using Certain Peptides for White House review. No final policy has been announced. Why it matters: A temporary pathway could move some patients away from gray-market peptide sellers and toward licensed pharmacies, while raising ongoing questions about safety and evidence. TWIRx angle: Is regulated compounding safer than leaving patients to buy peptides online? 2. FDA Approves GSK’s Hibsago for Chronic Hepatitis B FDA approved Hibsago, bepirovirsen, for certain adults with chronic hepatitis B. In Phase III studies, about 19% of eligible treated patients achieved functional cure after therapy stopped. Why it matters: This could move hepatitis B treatment beyond long-term viral suppression toward sustained disease control for some patients. 3. Carelon Specialty Pharmacy Helps Drive Growth Elevance Health reported $19.3 billion in quarterly Carelon revenue and about $900 million in operating gain, citing CarelonRx growth and improved specialty-pharmacy profitability. Why it matters: Specialty pharmacy continues to become a major earnings and strategic growth engine inside vertically integrated healthcare organizations. 4. Positive Phase III Results for Bitopertin Disc Medicine reported positive Phase III results for bitopertin in rare disorders where exposure to light can cause severe pain. Patients experienced improved light tolerance and fewer phototoxic reactions. Why it matters: This could meaningfully improve daily life for patients whose disease forces them to avoid sunlight. 5. Pharmacy Technicians Describe Growing Pressure A widely discussed Reddit thread featured pharmacy technicians describing prescription backlogs, nonstop phones, frustrated patients, and inadequate staffing. Important disclaimer: These are anonymous accounts and cannot be independently verified. TWIRx angle: Are pharmacy teams being asked to do more without enough staffing and infrastructure? FEATURED CONVERSATIONS Mark Kinney — IPC IPC is expanding its Government Relations team as independent pharmacies face major federal and state issues involving PBM reform, reimbursement, rural access, and patient choice. Discussion focus: Why IPC is investing more heavily in advocacy and what pharmacy owners should expect heading into 2027. Shelley Bailey — IPC Rural Health and Independent Pharmacy Independent pharmacies often serve as critical healthcare access points in rural communities. Discussion focus: Pharmacy closures and rural access Chronic disease management Pharmacist clinical services Reimbursement and provider opportunities Why rural pharmacies should be treated as healthcare infrastructure Kelli Stovall, IPC + Brandon Haag, Tenovi Remote Monitoring Beyond the Pharmacy Counter IPC and Tenovi are partnering to give independent pharmacies access to RPM and RTM technology, including blood pressure monitors, scales, smart pillboxes, and inhaler sensors. The goal is to support: Medication adherence Hypertension and chronic disease management Weight management Respiratory care Cash-pay and reimbursable clinical services Big question: Can remote monitoring help independent pharmacies improve patient care while creating sustainable new revenue? Closing Independent pharmacy’s future increasingly depends on three things: A stronger voice. A broader clinical role. Sustainable new economic models that keep care local. TWIRx is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative and YARAL Pharma. Independent Pharmacy: Power, Policy & Patient Care | TWIRx 

Cell and gene therapy has entered a new phase. The science is advancing rapidly, but the harder question is increasingly becoming: How do we actually get these therapies to the right patient, at the right treatment center, with the financing, logistics, clinical support, and follow-up required?   That is the problem McKesson is trying to address through InspiroGene, its dedicated cell-and-gene commercialization business. McKesson built InspiroGene to connect manufacturers, payers, providers, treatment centers and patients across the CGT journey. McKesson   1. McKesson: Building the infrastructure around the therapy   A major area of focus for Joe and McKesson is what happens after a therapy proves clinically viable.   In 2026, Joe DePinto and Biologics by McKesson outlined the need for patient hubs purpose-built specifically for cell and gene therapies. These are more complex than conventional specialty-drug hubs because CGT may involve eligibility screening, treatment-center coordination, benefit investigation, financial assistance, scheduling, logistics, long-term follow-up and caregiver support. McKesson Biologics   McKesson has also developed an interactive map covering qualified treatment centers across 109 U.S. metropolitan regions, addressing another fundamental problem: patients may need to travel significant distances to receive CGT. McKesson   Question for Joe: “Joe, the scientific breakthrough gets most of the headlines, but is the bigger challenge now building the infrastructure that allows a patient to actually receive the therapy?”   Follow-up: “Where do you currently see the biggest friction — reimbursement, treatment-center capacity, logistics, patient identification, or ongoing follow-up?” 2. FDA is actively trying to speed cell and gene therapy development   FDA has made a noticeable regulatory shift in 2026.   In June, FDA issued draft guidance allowing gene-therapy developers to rely more heavily on existing platform knowledge and prior scientific information, potentially reducing redundant testing for products using similar genome-editing technologies. FDA has also issued guidance providing more flexibility around chemistry, manufacturing and controls for CGT products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration   FDA says it has now approved close to 50 cell and gene therapies, signaling that CGT is moving well beyond a small experimental category. U.S. Food and Drug Administration   TWIRx takeaway: The regulatory conversation is shifting from “Can we safely approve these therapies?” toward “How do we safely accelerate an entire therapeutic platform?”

This week on TWIRx, we head into NCPA 2026 with independent community pharmacy front and center — from artificial intelligence and consolidation to supply-chain economics and policy reform.   We start with the TWIRx Rumor Mill — Behind the Counter Intelligence, looking at three developing stories worth watching.   TWIRx RUMOR MILL — TOP 3   1. Another massive pharmacy transaction may be coming.   The owner of Walgreens Boots Alliance is reportedly nearing a deal to sell UK pharmacy giant Boots to the Weston family in a transaction valued at roughly $9 billion, including debt. The Weston interests already control Loblaw Companies and Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada. No final transaction has been announced, so this remains one to watch.   TWIRx Take: Pharmacy consolidation isn't slowing down. As major organizations continue reorganizing, buying, selling, and vertically integrating assets, what does that mean for independent pharmacy — and where does scale become too much scale?     2. Specialty pharmacy keeps getting bigger — and Cigna sees an enormous opportunity.   At its 2026 Investor Day, Cigna identified a specialty pharmacy and care-services market approaching $500 billion, with Accredo and its specialty operations positioned as major growth drivers.   TWIRx Take: Follow the money. Specialty drugs, rare disease, biologics, infusion and complex medication management continue to reshape pharmacy economics. The question for community pharmacy is: How much of this expanding market can independents capture?   3. AI is moving from pharmacy experiment to pharmacy infrastructure.   Just as NCPA prepares to make AI implementation one of the major topics at its 2026 Annual Convention, health-profession regulators are increasingly discussing governance and accountability surrounding AI. NCPA's programming includes real-world AI implementation and operational applications for community pharmacies.   TWIRx Take: The conversation is changing from "Should pharmacy use AI?" to "How do we use it responsibly, profitably and safely?"   And that takes us directly into our first featured conversation.   SEGMENT 1 John Boos, PharmD, MBA — HendrenAI AI Meets Independent Community Pharmacy   Sponsored by HendrenAI and Independent Pharmacy Cooperative   NCPA 2026 officially opens October 3 in Kansas City, with independent pharmacy owners and innovators gathering to focus on practical ways to increase efficiency, expand services and strengthen pharmacy profitability. AI implementation is specifically among this year's featured topics.   In Part One of our conversation with John Boos, PharmD, MBA of HendrenAI, we set the stage for NCPA 2026 and examine what artificial intelligence can realistically do for independent pharmacy.   This isn't AI replacing the pharmacist.   It's AI giving pharmacists and their teams additional capacity.   As margins tighten and workload continues to increase, the pharmacies that intelligently automate routine work may be able to redirect valuable human time toward the things pharmacists do best: patients, clinical care, relationships and growing the business.   SEGMENT 2 Yvonne Dominguez — Independent Pharmacy Cooperative IPC Acquires IntegralRx   Independent Pharmacy Cooperative recently announced its acquisition of IntegralRx, bringing together two organizations serving independent community pharmacies.   IntegralRx has supported thousands of pharmacies through purchasing opportunities, service and pharmacy relationships. IPC says the acquisition will expand access to products, services and resources designed to help pharmacy owners remain competitive and profitable.   We talk with Yvonne Dominguez about:   Why IPC made the acquisition What IntegralRx brings to the cooperative What changes — and what stays the same — for IntegralRx pharmacies How scale can strengthen independent pharmacy purchasing power Why independent pharmacies increasingly need collaboration without surrendering their independence   TWIRx Question: Can cooperatives create enough collective scale to give independent pharmacies some of the economic leverage enjoyed by vertically integrated competitors?   SEGMENT 3 David A. Hargraves — CEO, Pharma Logistics Jessica Daley — Industry Intelligence Pharmacy Supply Chain: Fighting for Every Dollar   Finally, we turn to an issue that doesn't always generate headlines but directly affects pharmacy profitability:   What happens to medication inventory after a pharmacy can no longer use it?   Pharmacies continue to face significant economic pressure, and many of the largest forces affecting reimbursement remain outside the direct control of the pharmacy owner.   But there are areas pharmacies — and policymakers — can change.   One is pharmaceutical return policy.   The Problem   Pharmacy economics are being squeezed from multiple directions.   Reimbursement pressure. Inventory expense. Expired medication. Operational costs. Supply-chain complexity.   When margins are razor thin, seemingly small inefficiencies become substantial.   The Opportunity   Medication return policies represent an area where pharmacies may have an opportunity to recover value that otherwise disappears from the business.   Virginia's regulations, for example, specifically address circumstances under which drugs can be returned within the supply chain while maintaining appropriate storage conditions, documentation and product integrity.   The Bigger Conversation   With David A. Hargraves, CEO of Pharma Logistics, and Jessica Daley of Industry Intelligence, we examine how smarter pharmaceutical returns and responsible policy reform could improve pharmacy economics.   Closing Thought   As we head into NCPA 2026, the independent pharmacy conversation isn't simply about surviving another difficult year.   It's about finding leverage.   Leverage through AI.   Leverage through cooperative scale.   Leverage through better supply-chain economics.   And leverage through policy change.   Independent pharmacy may not control every economic force affecting the profession — but this week's TWIRx demonstrates that there are still areas where pharmacy owners, innovators and advocates can take action.   We'll see you in Kansas City for NCPA 2026.

In this special episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury welcomes Vox, the PPN and RxPR Intelligence Officer, for a timely conversation about the forces reshaping pharmacy. Together, they examine the reimbursement pressures threatening independent pharmacies, the progress—and unfinished work—of PBM reform, and how artificial intelligence can augment pharmacists, strengthen operations, and create more time for meaningful patient care. The discussion also looks ahead to NCPA 2026 in Kansas City, emerging innovations from Hendren AI and FDB, YARAL Pharma’s support of community pharmacy, and the upcoming Veterans Pharmacy Care Summit. The message is clear: pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must engage lawmakers, host pharmacy tours in 2027, and share the patient stories that demonstrate pharmacy’s value. This is not our platform. This is your platform.  

In this IPC-sponsored episode, Todd Eury explores how manufacturer-direct programs, direct-to-consumer channels, cash-pay models, specialty carve-outs, and new reimbursement structures are reshaping medication access and independent pharmacy.   Joining the conversation are Shelley Bailey of Independent Pharmacy Cooperative and Sammy Salem, Principal Owner and COO of Vios Health and an Executive Board Member of the AAPARx.   Manufacturer-direct care is often associated with websites, telehealth, and mail-order fulfillment—but it does not have to exclude community pharmacy. IPC is developing infrastructure that allows patients to receive manufacturer-supported pricing while participating independent pharmacies remain the dispensing location.   The discussion examines IPC’s manufacturer-sponsored GLP-1 opportunities and a broader network covering more than 140 branded medications. Shelley and Sammy explain how these programs can improve patient affordability, create more sustainable pharmacy economics, and help independent pharmacies reconnect with patients lost to online and manufacturer-controlled channels.   Topics include:   Whether the traditional pharmacy benefit is beginning to fragment How manufacturer-direct programs can include independent pharmacy The economics behind manufacturer-supported reimbursement Finding patients facing denied authorizations, high deductibles, lost coverage, or limited brand access Why excellent service must now be paired with digital access and new payment models Employer drug carve-outs and the importance of evaluating total benefit economics Point-of-sale affordability and acquisition-cost protections What manufacturers need to provide for pharmacy participation How successful pharmacies can prepare for the next access model   The central message is clear: the industry may not need to create new dollars—it needs to change where existing dollars land.   In partnership with GoodRx, this manufacturer-direct program combines GoodRx’s trusted consumer platform and broad patient reach with IPC’s nationwide network of independent pharmacies. Together, we create a more direct and accessible path from patient engagement to prescription fulfillment—while keeping community pharmacies at the center of care.   IPC GPO members interested in participating should contact their IPC Regional Director. Other IPC members, affiliates, and interested pharmacies can reach IPC Digital Health at [email protected].   Host: Todd S. Eury, Pharmacy Podcast Network Guests: Shelley Bailey, IPC; Sammy Salem, AAPARx and Vios Health Sponsored by: Independent Pharmacy Cooperative

This week on TWIRx, we’re looking at the expanding role of pharmacists in public health, value-based care, artificial intelligence, medication intelligence, and the technology infrastructure supporting independent community pharmacy.   We begin with a special conversation featuring Alex J. Adams, PharmD, MPH, Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Pennsylvania pharmacy leader Robert “Rob” Maher, PharmD, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network (PPCN).   Dr. Adams brings a pharmacist’s perspective to federal health and human services leadership, while Maher leads a statewide clinically integrated pharmacy network focused on measurable patient outcomes. Together, we discuss how pharmacists are becoming increasingly involved in public health initiatives and how organizations such as PPCN are helping demonstrate the value of pharmacist-provided care through value-based models in Pennsylvania.   Next, we continue our countdown to NASP inSPire 2026 with one of PPN’s Podcast Press Sponsors, Hendren AI.   John Boos, PharmD, MBA, Founder and CEO of Hendren AI, joins us to examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in specialty pharmacy and rare disease management. We discuss how AI-enabled tools can support pharmacists by processing complex information, improving workflow efficiency, automating administrative processes, and helping pharmacy teams devote more time to clinical care and patient engagement.   Our 3rd segement on today’s TWIRx, we catch up with Vince Costanzo of RxBLU for an important discussion about the rapidly changing pharmacy technology landscape.   Pharmacy software today is about far more than features and functionality. For an independent pharmacy, its technology platform can sit at the center of dispensing, claims, inventory, patient communication, workflow, and business continuity.   We discuss why pharmacies should evaluate not only the technology they purchase, but also the stability, accessibility, support structure, and long-term strategy of the company behind it. As consolidation continues throughout healthcare technology, independent pharmacy owners need to understand what a potential acquisition, ownership change, or shift in corporate priorities could mean for the software platforms their operations depend upon.   Our featured Podcast Press Sponsor is First Databank — FDB.   David Delaney, MD, President of FDB, joins TWIRx to discuss the company's newly announced FDB Script Agent™, an AI-powered prescribing agent designed to move ambient listening beyond clinical documentation.   FDB Script Agent converts patient-clinician dialogue into structured prescriptions ready for clinician review, using FDB medication intelligence to provide clinical grounding and codification rather than relying on simple natural-language processing alone. We explore what this next generation of ambient AI could mean for prescribing workflows, medication safety, clinicians, and ultimately the pharmacies receiving those prescriptions.   It’s another packed edition of This Week in Pharmacy — connecting pharmacy leadership, public health, specialty pharmacy, artificial intelligence and the technology shaping the future of the profession.   This is TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy, from the Pharmacy Podcast Network.

Specialty Pharmacy Access, Innovation & Independent Pharmacy Growth   This Week in Pharmacy, we explore specialty pharmacy, pharmacy innovation, emerging career opportunities, and new business models for independent community pharmacy.   Today’s episode is sponsored by Clearway Health, Value Drug Company, and FDB (First Databank, Inc.)   First, Allison Arant of Clearway Health joins us to discuss the next phase of specialty pharmacy within hospitals and health systems.   As rare disease and specialty therapies become more complex, health systems are looking for better ways to improve medication access, strengthen continuity of care, and keep patients connected to trusted clinical teams.   Todd and Allison discuss how health-system specialty pharmacy can expand community access and improve management of complex and rare disease treatments.   Learn more: https://www.clearwayhealth.com/   National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) #inSPire2026   Next, we preview inSPire 2026, taking place September 22–25, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.   The specialty pharmacy community will come together to discuss medication access, emerging therapies, technology, patient services, clinical care, and the continued evolution of specialty pharmacy.   The Next Dose Summit   Then we welcome Jordan Smith, PharmD, AAHIVP, CPGx, and Melinda Fowler, RPh, ABAAHP, FAAFM to preview The Next Dose Summit, happening October 14–15, 2026.   RxPR and the Pharmacy Podcast Network are proud press and media partners.   The event focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, emerging career pathways, and new opportunities for pharmacists looking beyond traditional roles.   It is designed for pharmacists, students, entrepreneurs, and healthcare leaders asking one important question:   What’s next for pharmacy — and what’s next for me?   Register here: https://www.jscommunitycare.org/store/p/2026-the-next-dose-summit-registration   Expanding Independent Pharmacy   Finally, Rick Seipp, PharmD, President and CEO of Value Drug Company, returns to discuss creative strategies for expanding independent community pharmacy.   Todd and Rick explore cash-based pharmacy, transparent pricing, clinical services, new revenue streams, and other non-PBM-dependent models that can help independent pharmacies diversify and grow.   The conversation focuses on how community pharmacies can strengthen their businesses while continuing to serve as trusted healthcare destinations.   Learn more: https://www.valuedrugco.com/   Sponsored By   Clearway Health https://www.clearwayhealth.com/   Value Drug Company https://www.valuedrugco.com/   First Databank — FDB https://www.fdbhealth.com/   TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy is hosted by Todd S. Eury and produced by the Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacists & Our Profession.

TWIRx NEWS 1. Medicare Part D Paid Nearly $588 Million for Ineligible OTC Drugs   A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status.   The HHS Office of Inspector General cited outdated FDA information and the lack of a clear CMS rejection timeline as major contributors.   Why it matters: This exposes a serious coordination problem across FDA data, manufacturers, CMS, health plans and pharmacy claims systems.   Pharmacists may see the rejection or payment issue at the counter, but the failure often begins far upstream.   Read the Fierce Healthcare report Read the HHS-OIG audit 2. FDA Responds to Estradiol Patch Supply Pressure   The FDA is working with six manufacturers to improve access to estradiol transdermal patches amid increased demand.   While FDA has not declared a national shortage, availability varies by product, strength and geographic area. Manufacturers are increasing production through larger batches, added shifts and expanded capacity.   Why it matters: Pharmacists are again serving as the front line of a supply-chain challenge—helping patients locate medication, coordinating with prescribers and identifying alternatives.   Read the Reuters report Read the FDA update 3. New RSV and COVID-19 Guidance Released   The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued updated recommendations for RSV and COVID-19 protection during the 2026–2027 respiratory season.   Why it matters: Pharmacists may face conflicting recommendations, patient confusion and questions about eligibility.   Clear counseling and coordination with pediatric and obstetric providers will be critical.   Read the Pharmacy Times report SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUTCOMES   A special update from Megan Urban and Outcomes.   Outcomes is highlighting new enhancements to its Rx30 pharmacy management platform, including a refreshed user experience, automated data-entry capabilities and support from a dedicated Client Success Team.   The program will explore how these updates can streamline pharmacy workflows, save time and support greater focus on patient care.   Presented by: Dalia Rios and Kaley Lester September 9, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. ET   Register here FEATURED CONVERSATION Building a Bridge to GLP-1 Access   Our featured guest is HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health.   HaVy works at the intersection of pharmacy, healthcare technology, medication affordability and prescription access.   Buzz Health operates platforms including BuzzRx, RxCompare and RxAffect, with a focus on helping connect patients, pharmacies, prescribers and prescription pricing information.   That makes today’s discussion particularly timely. THE MEDICARE GLP-1 BRIDGE   CMS launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge on July 1, 2026, to provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to selected GLP-1 medications for weight management.   The demonstration runs through December 31, 2027.   Eligible beneficiaries pay $50 for a monthly supply, while the program operates outside the traditional Part D payment flow through centralized prior authorization, claims adjudication and pharmacy payment.   Eligible therapies currently include:   Foundayo® Wegovy® Zepbound®   The bigger issue is not simply GLP-1 coverage.   It is how healthcare connects eligibility, affordability, prior authorization, pharmacy workflow and patient access.   The central question for today’s discussion:   Can we create a medication-access system where patients know whether they can obtain and afford their therapy before they reach the pharmacy counter? CLOSING THOUGHT   The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is more than another federal drug program.   It is a real-world test of how healthcare can better connect coverage, affordability, prior authorization and pharmacy fulfillment around high-demand therapies.   Pharmacists remain at the center of that process.   The opportunity is to use technology to move more complexity upstream—allowing pharmacists to spend less time troubleshooting prescriptions and more time caring for patients.   Our thanks to HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health, for joining us on This Week in Pharmacy.   Learn more about the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge   Learn more about Buzz Health   TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy Pharmacy Podcast Network   Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy.   Y8mIl2V5tNxFiC3PBxmn