Market Access Matters

Access Infinity

Brought to you by the team at Access Infinity, this podcast shines a spotlight on the people in market access. In each episode we interview a different industry professional to discover their journey into market access, what inspires them and what they feel is on the horizon for this this ever-changing and exciting industry.

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33 episodes
Updated June 3

Episodes33

Newest first

June 3 · 17 min
Understanding Payer Perceptions with Megan O'Brien
In this episode, we hear from Megan O'Brien, Associate Director at Access Infinity, to explore why understanding payer perception is so difficult to capture in a structured way. Megan shares how traditional KPIs like time to access and price only tell part of the story, and why the softer, more subjective elements of payer engagement, from communication frequency to corporate trust, can influence reimbursement outcomes in ways that can be challenging to track. Tune in to hear how primary research and smarter feedback loops could help access teams move from measuring activity to demonstrating real impact. Send us Fan Mail
March 3 · 39 min
Pricing Under Pressure: What MFN Really Means for Global Strategy
Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing has taken over conversations at conferences, client meetings, and boardrooms alike, but what does it actually mean in practice? In this episode, we continue the conversation on evolving US pricing policy. Host Louise Bennett is joined by three of the Access Infinity team: Leigh Ann Bruhn, Louisa Byrne, and Richard Mee. Together, they discuss the current MFN landscape from multiple angles: US payer and policy, global pricing and modelling, and ex-US strategic implications. From the ground at the recent ACCESS Forum in New Orleans, to conversations with European clients, the team explores where MFN stands today, what remains deeply uncertain, and how manufacturers are (and aren't) responding. A timely conversation for anyone navigating the intersection of US policy and global market access strategy. To connect and continue the conversation with Leigh Ann, Louisa and Richard, visit the LinkedIn links below: www.linkedin.com/in/leighannvalue/ www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-oliver-byrne-05a3b212b/ www.linkedin.com/in/richard-mee-3a227a11/ You can also let us know what you thought of this episode by emailing host Louise on louise@accessinfinity.com. To explore other useful resources on this topic, go to accessinfinity.com/news-resources. Send us Fan Mail
Nov 27, 2025 · 26 min
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 Fan Mail
Oct 2, 2025 · 19 min
Beyond the Headlines: Understanding MFN's True Impact on Market Access
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 Fan Mail
Aug 28, 2025 · 18 min
Revolutionary Strategies in Orphan Drug Development with Isabel Rubio
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 Fan Mail
Jun 26, 2025 · 30 min
Elevating launch excellence: The strategic value of early market access involvement with Lizzie Shanahan, Sanofi
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 Fan Mail
May 7, 2025 · 18 min
Getting ready for the JCA: Why cross-functional collaboration matters with Silvy Mardiguian, BeiGene
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 Fan Mail
Feb 6, 2025 · 13 min
The rise of multi-stakeholder capitalism in market access with Jie Shen, CSL
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 Fan Mail
Jan 21, 2025 · 42 min
Authentic leadership in Market Access with Katrin Jack, Galderma
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 Fan Mail
Dec 12, 2024 · 15 min
Market Access in emerging markets with Ezgi Erdogan, GSK
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 Fan Mail
Nov 21, 2024 · 27 min
Why Market Access requires unique thinking with UCB's Pauline Payen
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 Fan Mail
Oct 17, 2024 · 29 min
The role of resilience in market access with Rupert Gale from GSK
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 Fan Mail
Sep 26, 2024 · 14 min
Exploring value demonstration in market access with Korinna Karampampa, CSL Behring
Korinna Karampampa, who is Director Market Access and Pricing at CSL Behring, joins this episode to share her views on sustainable economic development. Korinna shares what led her into market access and explains what drives her to think outside the box to build and demonstrate a product's current and future value. The opinions shared in this episode are Korinna’s own views and not representative of the organisation she is working for. Send us Fan Mail
Sep 5, 2024 · 16 min
Connecting the dots: Market access in the biotech industry with Ning Lu, Blueprint Medicines
In this episode we're joined by our first guest from Biotech - Ning Lu, who is Associate Director, International Pricing & Market Access at Blueprint Medicines. Ning shares her views on the complexities of market access and what makes the Biotech industry unique. She shares what inspired her to pursue a career in market access in biotechnology and why she feels it's a dynamic role and opportunity to 'connect the dots' with everything you learn. Ning references and recommends the book "Science Business: The promise. The reality. And the future of biotech." By Gary Pisano. More information on this title is available here. https://amzn.eu/d/5nfsQVA The opinions shared in this episode are Ning’s own views and not representative of the organisation she is working for. Send us Fan Mail
Aug 15, 2024 · 18 min
What it takes to thrive as a strategic partner in market access with Marco Rauland, Merck KGaA
There’s no doubt that Market Access and Pricing leaders are fast becoming strategic partners in helping their wider organisations to understand the critical role of the function. In this episode, Marco Rauland from Merck KGaA joins us to explore this topic. Marco is Vice President Global Market Access and Pricing strategy, Pricing and Analytics. With over 25 years' experience in the field, he shares his views on the importance of clear communication when engaging all stakeholders and why MA&P leaders need to take a holistic approach to understanding all corners of drug development and launch. We also touch on the potential for AI in market access as the industry begins to explore the use cases of this latest innovation. Plus, the challenges market access leaders are facing and what strategies can help them overcome them. The opinions shared in this episode are Marco’s own views and not representative of the organisation he is working for. Send us Fan Mail
Aug 8, 2024 · 19 min
Yvonne Hilsky, Moderna, on why it's important to understand the building blocks of market access.
In this episode we're joined by Yvonne Hilsky who is Director of Market Access at Moderna. Having spent over 30 years in industry, Yvonne shares her views on what it takes to be successful in market access, including why making mistakes are an opportunity for growth. Yvonne explores why it's important to have strong foundations and understand the 'building blocks' of market access and shares great stories from the early stages of her career, which we're sure will resonate with many of the market access community. Send us Fan Mail
Jul 31, 2024 · 32 min
Raising awareness on Disability with Shubham Jadhav
In this special episode which coincides with Disability Pride Month, we're joined by Senior Analyst Shubham Jadhav. Shubham has Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) which is a form of muscular dystrophy and causes progressive muscle weakness. Shubham is very passionate about raising awareness of rare diseases, disability, inclusivity and accessibility. He joins Keshav Nagaraja to share his story and what we can all be doing to help those with disabilities. It's an inspiring discussion which puts this very important topic in the spotlight. More information about Disability Pride Month can be found here: https://www.ameridisability.com/how-to-display-disability-pride/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability_Pride_Month Follow Shubham on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubham-jadhav-ms-%E2%99%BF-he-him-6235b5149/ Send us Fan Mail
Jul 18, 2024 · 20 min
Exploring Canada's market access landscape with Sam Stankovic, Incyte Biosciences Canada
Sam is Head of Market Access Canada at Incyte Biosciences Canada and joins the podcast to discuss the evolving market access landscape in Canada. As part of his conversation with Louise, he describes the unique challenges that market access leaders in the country are facing. Useful resources referenced in this podcast: March 2024 - Canadian Health Policy Institute (Patented Medicines Expenditure in Canada 1990 – 2022) https://www.canadianhealthpolicy.com/product/patented-medicines-expenditure-in-canada-1990-2022-8th-edition/ January 2024 – Conference Board of Canada (Patented Medicines Expenditure in Canada 1990–2022 8TH Edition) https://www.conferenceboard.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/access-and-time-to-patient_jan2024.pdf Innovative Medicines Canada – Access to Medicine https://innovativemedicines.ca/browse-by/access-to-medicine/ April 2023 – Canadian Health Policy Journal (New cancer drugs in Canada 2012 to 2021: an economic analysis of cost, benefit, availability, and public insurance coverage) https://www.canadianhealthpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SKINNER-APR-23-New-cancer-drugs-in-Canada-2012-to-2021-final-1.pdf April 2022 – Canadian Health Policy Institute (Access to New Medicines in Canada 2016 – 2021) https://www.canadianhealthpolicy.com/posts/access-to-new-medicines-in-canada-2016-2021-federal-provincial-public-drug-programs-and-private-sector-drug-plans/ The opinions shared in this podcast are Sam’s own views and not representative of the company he is working for. Send us Fan Mail
Jul 11, 2024 · 25 min
Market access challenges and changes: Joao Carrasco talks data, AI and predicting uncertainties
In this episode we're joined by Joao Carrasco, Director, Global Market Access Team at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. With a 12+ year career spanning both HEOR and Market Access functions, Joao shares his journey and how his strong HEOR background informs his current role. Joao also explores the key pressures and challenges market access teams are facing and his views on the trends shaping the future of market access. The opinions shared in this episode are Joao's own views and not representative of the company he is working for. Send us Fan Mail
Jun 20, 2024 · 29 min
Sanofi's Becky Germino on communicating value, AI and the role of HEOR in supporting access & pricing leaders
In this episode we look at market access through a different lens. We're joined by Becky Germino who has extensive experience in HEOR across a broad range of pharma organisations. Becky joined Sanofi this year as HEVA, Neurology and Immunology Team Leader and explains the key priorities for HEOR teams and their role in working closely with market access to help them define and communicate patient value. The discussion also explores the role of AI for HEOR and market access teams and what's on the horizon that leaders should prepare for. The opinions shared in this episode are Becky's own views. Send us Fan Mail