Alexandria, VA – November 2, 2023 – The Innovation and Value Initiative (IVI), a non-profit research organization committed to advancing the science, practice, and use of health technology assessment (HTA) in healthcare, in partnership with the Alliance for Aging Research, Leavitt Partners, LLC, and the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC), will host a public event, Ensuring Equity in Implementation of IRA Drug Price Negotiations, focused on health equity, patient engagement, and related methodological issues in CMS’ implementation of the Drug Price Negotiation Program (DPNP) as mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The half-day event aims to bring together various perspectives, including practical on-the-ground experience and broader policy and scientific expertise, in three panel sessions. The objective is to identify steps that CMS, policymakers, and others can take to account for equity implications and meaningfully engage with patients and caregivers in implementing the Medicare Part D drug price negotiations.

“We are excited to convene this important event to discuss how to ensure that the IRA drug price negotiations are implemented to benefit all patients, regardless of their race, ethnicity, income, or other factors,” said Dr. Jason Spangler, IVI’s CEO. “We believe that by bringing together stakeholders from various backgrounds, we can develop actionable recommendations to help CMS achieve its goal of promoting health equity through the DPNP.”

“Prescription drug price negotiation may create unintended barriers to equitable access,” said Michael Ward, Vice President of Policy and Government Relations at the Alliance for Aging Research. “IVI’s efforts to work with stakeholders and policymakers is critical to ensure the outcomes and perspectives that reflect the needs of underserved communities are prioritized by Medicare.”

“The implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act will have significant, short- and long-term impacts on all aspects of drug development and access to health care for so many. Leavitt Partners is pleased to have this opportunity to support and participate in this important conversation. We thank the Innovation and Value Initiative for bringing us together for this learning opportunity.” Amy Comstock Rick, Principal, Leavitt Partners.

“Research impacts policy, and policy impacts people,” said Dr. Jon D. Campbell, NPC’s Chief Science Officer. “As the IRA is implemented, decision-makers must be guided by high-quality evidence and a patient-centric definition of ‘value’ to ensure everyone – especially those historically underserved – can access the medicines they need.”

The symposium will consist of a keynote session and three panel discussions:

  • Panel 1: People, Power, and DPNP Process. How the DPNP process can be improved to support health equity and patient engagement.
  • Panel 2: Data and Evidence. How CMS can navigate evidence gaps and methodological challenges to ensure that the DPNP process is fair and equitable.
  • Panel 3: Context, Consequences, and Opportunities. Broader context of DPNP and IRA implementation and how to ensure that the DPNP process promotes equity now and in the future.

The event will be held in person on December 5, 2023, at Leavitt Partners, LLC, 601 New Jersey Ave NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20001, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET.

Space is limited. To register for the event, visit the registration page.

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About IVI
The Innovation and Value Initiative (IVI) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit research organization dedicated to advancing the science and improving the practice of health technology assessment through development of novel methods and the creation and application of enhanced health technology assessment models to support local decision-making needs in healthcare.

Contact: Smita Sanwardeker
Phone: 267.909.7661
E-Mail: smita.sanwardeker@thevalueinitiative.org

About the Alliance for Aging Research
The Alliance for Aging Research is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the pace of scientific discoveries and their application to vastly improve the universal human experience of aging and health. The Alliance believes advances in research help people live longer, happier, more productive lives and reduce healthcare costs over the long term.

About Leavitt Partners, LLC
Leavitt Partners (LP) is a bipartisan health policy firm that helps clients navigate the legislative and regulatory environments in Washington, D.C. With decades of experience in government and the private sector, their team has been at the forefront of developing and implementing major healthcare legislation and initiatives. 

About the National Pharmaceutical Council
The National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) is a health policy research organization dedicated to the advancement of good evidence and science, and to fostering an environment in the United States that supports medical innovation