This Week in Pharmacy

The Drugstore Cowboy Rides Again: PBM Reform in Arkansas & PGx Safeguards for Xeloda Patients | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy - November 7, 2025
TWIRx News: First up, Binghamton University School of Pharmacy holds emergency management simulation, VCU Health pharmacies expand access through new home delivery options, and Lilly and U.S. government agree to expand access to obesity medicines to millions of Americans. 
Our special guest line up on TWIRx:  
Amantha Bagdon - CEO of RxPost 
PGX Pharmacist's Protection of Patients with Dr. Melissa Smith PharmD
Arkansas HB 1150 TO PROHIBIT A PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER FROM OBTAINING CERTAIN PHARMACY PERMITS. with John Vinson CEO of the Arkansas Pharmacy Association & Greg Reybold with APCI 
4th Generation Pharmacy Owner C.O. Bigelow (the oldest Apothecary in America) the Drugstore Cowboy, Alec Gingsberg PharmD
Thank you to our sponsors: 
Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)
Yaral Pharma 
SureCost
The Drugstore Cowboy Rides Again: PBM Reform in Arkansas & PGx Safeguards for Xeloda Patients | TWIRx

Data to Impact: Nested Knowledge & the 31-Day Pharmacist Challenge | TWIRx

TWIRx in the WORKS!!! 
Welcome back to This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) — your weekly deep dive into the most important pharmacy news, innovations, and conversations shaping healthcare.
In this episode, host Todd Eury brings you stories that move from data to impact, exploring how pharmacists are driving change through knowledge, leadership, and advocacy.
🗞️ TWIRx News Roundup
Wrapping up IDWeek 2025 with the latest insights from Pharmacy Practice News and more breaking updates across the profession:
💊 How Well Are You Using Fetroja?Understanding appropriate use of cefiderocol and antibiotic resistance challenges.🔗 Read at Pharmacy Practice News
⚕️ AFPs Affect Access to Specialty MedicationsLearn how alternative funding programs are impacting patient access and specialty care.🔗 Read at Specialty Pharmacy Continuum
🚨 FDA Recall AlertDrug makers recall a blood pressure medicine tainted with a cancer-causing chemical.🔗 Read the full story via AP News
🧠 Meeting Patients Where They AreHow pharmacists are supporting patients managing schizophrenia treatment adherence.🔗 Read at Pharmacy Times
🎤 Featured Guest: Keith Kallmes
President, Nested KnowledgeA deep conversation on how Nested Knowledge is transforming the way clinical data becomes actionable insights for healthcare decision-makers.
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn
🧬 Today’s TWIRx is sponsored by Nested Knowledge — advancing research automation and evidence synthesis to accelerate medical innovation.
💪 31-Day Pharmacist ChallengeA huge thank you to Dr. Jesse McCullough, PharmD — Founder of Keystone Pharmacy Insights — for inspiring the pharmacy community through the 31-Day Pharmacist Challenge during Pharmacist Month!
Connect with Jesse on LinkedInJoin his Leadership Community for Pharmacists on SKOOL
🔥 Bonus Guest: Matthew Zachary
Principal, Matthew Zachary WorldwideThe outspoken healthcare advocate returns to rage against the PBM Mafia, shining a light on the broken business models of the “Big 3” PBMs.
Shout-out to Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs for disrupting the system and fighting for transparency and affordability for patients everywhere.
📢 Subscribe & Connect
Stay tuned to This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) for the most relevant stories, data insights, and voices advancing the future of pharmacy care.
Follow the Pharmacy Podcast Network on:🌐 PharmacyPodcast.com🔗 LinkedIn | X | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts 
 
Data to Impact: Nested Knowledge & the 31-Day Pharmacist Challenge | TWIRx

Access, Advocacy & Appreciation: The Heart of Pharmacy in Motion | TWIRx

Access, Advocacy & Appreciation: The Heart of Pharmacy in Motion --it's time to #TWIRx on October 24th, 2025, it's FRIDAY!! Up first is TWIRx News:From Pharmacy Times, Lynkuet Access Program Aims to Help Women Save on Neurokinin-Targeted Therapy. https://lnkd.in/e2CwGUt8NEXT from Drug Store News, Pharmacies can close health care gaps for millions while realizing substantial savings for employers A new national study from the Health Action Alliance, commissioned by NACDS, shows pharmacy-based care reduces costs while meeting employee demands for convenient access. https://lnkd.in/eYmrQnHQNEXT from Open PR, New Research Peptide Supplier Plans Pharmacy Collaborations to Support Licensed Wellness Clinic Sector https://lnkd.in/evkgZtn5NEXT Study shows alarming drop in pharmacy access in Massachusetts --reporting from WWLP-22News from Boston https://lnkd.in/egWg6G3rIn this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, host Todd Eury welcomes featured guest Tiara Green, President of Accessia Health, whose mission is to connect patients without insurance to life-saving medication funding.LINK: https://lnkd.in/gV4VjeZn We also check in with Jesse McCullough for Day 24 of the 31-Day #Pharmacist Month Challenge, with a special call to action to support the 40+ shows and incredible hosts creating content for the pharmacy profession through the Pharmacy Podcast Network.LINK: https://lnkd.in/efvZ6Smv Plus, Mike Johnston, CPhT-Adv, CEO of the NPTA - National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA), joins us to share insights on Meaningful Recognition and what pharmacy technicians truly want as we celebrate World Pharmacy Technician Day.LINK: https://lnkd.in/gz-Gcxvg 🎧 Empowering the profession, one story at a time.Thank you to Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and Sykes & Company, P.A. for always supporting #TWIRx in the Works!!

PRISM Enters the Chat & LTC Insurance in Pharmacy | TWIRx RxRated

📅 Release Date: October 17, 2025🎧 Produced by: Pharmacy Podcast Network
🧠 Segment 1: Innovation Spotlight – OvaryIT & the PRISM Platform
Guests:
Mary Kucek, CEO & Founder, OvaryIT
Devin Bustin, MD, Chief Medical Officer, OvaryIT
The future of pharmacy practice management has arrived. Mary Kucek and Dr. Devin Bustin introduce PRISM, the first fully integrated EHR system built exclusively for community pharmacists. PRISM streamlines clinical workflows, ensures compliance, and empowers pharmacists to expand services—from point-of-care testing and chronic disease management to vaccinations and remote patient monitoring. This segment unpacks how PRISM helps protect your license, improve patient outcomes, and grow your business with technology designed by pharmacists, for pharmacists.
💡 Segment 2: Financial Literacy & Long-Term Care Planning with Michael Banner
Guest:
Michael Banner, Founder & Host, 62WhoKnew Podcast
Michael Banner brings decades of expertise across the mortgage, financial, and LTC insurance industries to discuss how pharmacists and healthcare professionals can better educate aging populations about financial security and care planning. Learn why he built 62WhoKnew as the ultimate referral source for retirement preparation and hear insights on integrating long-term care insurance discussions into pharmacy-based clinical care models.
💰 Segment 3: The 8th Annual Pharmacy Profit Summit
Guest:
Lisa Faast, PharmD, CEO, DiversifyRx
Get ready for the Pharmacy Profit Summit 2025—happening March 26–27 in Dallas, TX. Dr. Lisa Faast shares what’s new for the 8th annual event, including innovative strategies to boost profitability, reduce overhead, and future-proof independent pharmacies. Hear what attendees can expect from this year’s sessions, networking, and vendor showcases that make the Summit a can’t-miss event for forward-thinking pharmacy owners.
💬 Segment 4: TWIRx RxRated Roundtable – Trust, Transparency, and Controversy in Healthcare
Hosts:
Robbie Abasi, PharmD
Sam Ilona, PharmD
Xavier Hill, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP
The RatedRx Podcast team joins TWIRx for an unfiltered discussion on trust in healthcare, media narratives, and the controversy shaping public perception of the profession. From patient misinformation to provider burnout, this roundtable doesn’t hold back—bringing authenticity and humor to the realities of modern pharmacy.
🔊 Episode Summary
This week on This Week in Pharmacy, innovation meets impact. From next-generation EHR technology with PRISM to retirement readiness and LTC awareness with Michael Banner, plus a spotlight on profit-driven growth with DiversifyRx’s Lisa Faast—this episode covers the clinical, business, and human sides of pharmacy. We wrap it all up with RatedRx, where pharmacists talk real about the issues shaping trust in healthcare today.

The Devil Wore a Lab Coat & PBM Reform in Illinois | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy – October 10, 2025
🎙️ Featured Guests:
John Covello – Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)
Garth Reynolds – Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA)
Illinois pharmacy owners, this episode is for you. With the passage of HB 1697, a $70 million lifeline is now available to support independent pharmacies across the state—but the clock is ticking. The October 31st deadline is critical.
Covello and Reynolds break down:
The Critical Access Pharmacy Fund – how it strengthens local pharmacies.
The DECO program – what it means for reimbursement.
Patient Self-Management Programs (PSMP) – driving patient care and outcomes.
The one-minute attestation that unlocks enhanced Medicaid dispensing fees.
If you’re a pharmacy owner in Illinois, this could be the most important 30 minutes you’ll spend this month.
🎶 Special Feature: Mary Kutter
This week, TWIRx also spotlights Mary Kutter, a rising country singer-songwriter from Kentucky. Known for her gritty, truthful storytelling, Kutter’s music explores themes of family, small-town struggles, and the opioid crisis.
With viral songs like “Devil’s Money” and “The Devil Wore a Lab Coat”, plus songwriting credits for artists like Bailey Zimmerman, Kutter’s voice is shaping the soundtrack of rural America. Signed with Reservoir Media, she brings a raw perspective on how music can confront issues like addiction while honoring her Kentucky roots.
💡 Episode Highlights:
The $70M opportunity Illinois pharmacies can’t afford to miss.
How independent pharmacies can secure financial stability through HB 1697.
Why Medicaid fee enhancements could change the game.
Mary Kutter on blending country grit with the reality of the opioid epidemic.
📌 Don’t miss this episode of This Week in Pharmacy. It’s where policy, patient care, and culture intersect.

Celebrating the Launch of American Pharmacists Month 2025 | TWIRx

Celebrating the Launch of American Pharmacists Month 2025“Caring for our Communities”
This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx)
Friday, October 3, 2025
Episode Overview
Today marks the kickoff of American Pharmacists Month 2025, a time to recognize the essential role pharmacists play across all healthcare settings. This special TWIRx episode spotlights leaders and innovators shaping pharmacy practice, technology, and patient care — and challenges the profession to embrace a 31-day journey of advocacy, community connection, and transformation.TWIRx NEWSFormer Rep. Tiahrt: Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill could shut down CVS in Kansas | Opinion Read more at:https://www.kansas.com/opinion/guest-commentary/article312355904.html#storylink=cpyNeronha lawsuit against CVS Caremark can help save my Middletown pharmacy: Guest Viewhttps://www.newportri.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2025/10/03/neronha-lawsuit-against-cvs-can-help-save-middletown-pharmacy-guest-view/86471928007/ 
 
FDA Approves Lurbinectedin Combination Regimen in Extensive-Stage SCLC https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-approves-lurbinectedin-combination-regimen-in-extensive-stage-sclc 
Building an Opioid Stewardship Program in Cancer Care: Pharmacist Roles, Challenges, and Patient Safety
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/building-an-opioid-stewardship-program-in-cancer-care-pharmacist-roles-challenges-and-patient-safety 
Featured Guests
Dr. Jesse McCullough, PharmDFounder, Keystone Pharmacy InsightsIntroducing the American Pharmacists Month 31-Day Challenge, a call to action for pharmacists to engage, educate, and elevate their communities.
Bil SchmidtknechtPatient ProtectorSharing insights on patient advocacy, protecting access to care, and the pharmacist’s role in navigating today’s healthcare complexities.
 
Dr. Devin Bustin, MDChief Medical Officer, OvaryIt
Dr. Lissette Logan, PharmDCOO, OvaryItTogether, Dr. Bustin and Dr. Logan discuss innovative pharmacist-driven care models, treatment tracking, and platforms like PRISM designed to ensure pharmacists are recognized — and reimbursed — for their expertise.
 
Dr. Jill Kolesar, PharmDDean, College of Pharmacy, The University of IowaHighlighting the future of pharmacy education and how academia is preparing the next generation for expanded clinical and community roles.
Dr. Jason Lang, PharmDWellgisticsExploring the logistics and supply chain innovations that keep pharmacies agile in serving patient needs, especially as new therapies and technologies emerge.
WELLGISTICS News: https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/wellgistics-health-nasdaq-wgrx-and-theracosbio-partner-to-expand-nati-1079815 
SUBSCRIBE TO TWIRx HERE: 
https://open.spotify.com/show/52NZjr9asE8fLrrbsMvBlQ 
Celebrating the Launch of American Pharmacists Month 2025 | TWIRx 

Trust Matters, Cell and Gene, & World Pharmacists Day | TWIRx

On "This Week in Pharmacy" for September 26th, we're talking about Trust in Healthcare, World Pharmacists Day, and Cell & Gene Therapy.Today's co-host is Dr. Melissa Smith, PharmD CPH with Florida PGx Consulting LLC. https://www.floridapgxconsulting.com/ First, #TWIRx News - the FDA approves Inluriyo imlunestrant on 9/25/2025 which is to treat estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, estrogen receptor-1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following at least one line of endocrine therapy.(https://www.fda.gov/drugs/novel-drug-approvals-fda/novel-drug-approvals-2025) Second, Nested-Knowledge - is going to revolutionize information access and leverage. This is a powerful tool with evidence synthesis tools for medical researchers. This will help accelerate, collaborate, automate and share the latest and personalized treatment plans.(https://nested-knowledge.com/)Next, announcing "Evidence based Podcasting", the new standard in audio learning for Providers and next level in podcast Continuing Medical Education (CME).(https://pharmacypodcast.com/2025/09/26/evidence-based-podcasting-and-the-future-of-medical-education/ )Shout out to Nick Calla with Orsini, a leader in rare disease pharmacy solutions, has been chosen by Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as a specialty pharmacy partner for PALSONIFY™ (paltusotine), a nonpeptide, selectively-targeted somatostatin receptor type 2 nonpeptide (SST2) agonist.(https://www.wvnews.com/news/around_the_web/partners/pr_newswire/subject/licensing_marketing_agreements/orsini-selected-as-specialty-pharmacy-partner-for-crinetics-palsonify-paltusotine/article_9b42bfe7-69a6-58be-98ff-5e2245145415.html)Today we have two guest Pharmacists to dig into the "Trust in Healthcare" theme of today's #TWIRx -- the godfather of Functional Pharmacy Robert Kress RPh., and Dr. Lauren Castle, PharmD, MS, AFMC - Founder & CEO of Functional Medicine Pharmacists Alliance. Who do you trust? What information is trustworthy and why? 
Our special feature is updates on 'Cell & Gene Therapy' with McKesson's Head of Cell Gene Advanced Therapies, Joe DePinto at InspiroGene!  (https://inspirogene.com/) Today's TWIRx is sponsored by 'Sykes & Company' the Pharmacy Accounting Jedi Masters and Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and how they're revolutionzing digital health and new revenues with the iCare+ System! 
 
Trust Matters, Cell and Gene, & World Pharmacists Day | TWIRx

From Analytics to Access: Technology that Transforms Affordability | TWIRx

Inmar Intelligence is a data-driven technology company that provides solutions for retail, healthcare, and supply chain industries. They specialize in optimizing promotions, managing digital couponing, and offering point-of-sale analytics for retailers. In healthcare, they focus on pharmaceutical returns, claims processing, and marketing. In supply chain, they help with inventory management and reverse logistics. Their data analytics platform uses AI to help businesses make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and drive growth.TailorMed, led by CEO Srulik Dvorsky , is a healthcare technology company that focuses on helping patients manage the financial aspects of their medical care. The platform offers personalized financial assistance, helping patients find and access financial resources like insurance coverage, financial aid programs, and discounts to reduce out-of-pocket medical costs.
Here are the key services TailorMed provides: 
1. Financial Assistance for Patients:TailorMed helps patients navigate complex healthcare billing by identifying available financial aid, grants, discounts, and programs to reduce treatment costs.
2. Cost Transparency:
The platform provides clear information on medical costs, helping patients understand their financial responsibilities and options for managing high healthcare expenses.
3. Technology-Driven Solution:TailorMed uses technology to automate the process of identifying financial resources and integrating these solutions into healthcare providers' systems, making it easier for providers to offer financial help to patients.
 

The Fully Powered Event & Rated Rx Podcasting | TWIRx

On 'This Week in Pharmacy' we're talking about the "Fully Powered Event" with Dr. Christina Fontana, we jump into TWIRx News with Andy Crawford from Keysource, preparing for the NASP 2025 in Denver & welcome the Rated Rx Podcast to the PPN!TWIRx News includes:Massachusetts governor orders pharmacies to make COVID shots accessible - from CBS News Hims & Hers stock jumps on Novo Nordisk GLP-1 partnership - from AOL Finance The oldest pharmacy in Texas closes after 153 years - from DeWitt County Today This episode is sponsored by Keysource and Sykes & Company, thank you for supporting the only weekly news podcast in pharmacy, this is TWIRx!! 

AI & Tech in Pharmacy & the Health Podcast Summit | TWIRx

AI & Tech in Pharmacy & the Health Podcast Summit | TWIRx
This week on TWIRx, we dive into how technology, artificial intelligence, and innovative media are shaping the future of pharmacy. From specialty pharmacy operations to digital health engagement and independent pharmacy innovation, our guests bring timely insights you won’t want to miss.TWIRx News
FIP calls on authorities to ‘think humanity, think pharmacy
https://ajp.com.au/news/fip-calls-on-authorities-to-think-humanity-think-pharmacy/ 
Iowa pharmacists are in demand as they try to fill healthcare provider gap
https://www.radioiowa.com/2025/08/20/iowa-pharmacists-are-in-demand-as-they-try-to-fill-healthcare-provider-gap/Nuvem Continues to Expand Leadership Team to Accelerate Pharmacy Service Model for Community Health Providershttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820045021/en/Nuvem-Continues-to-Expand-Leadership-Team-to-Accelerate-Pharmacy-Service-Model-for-Community-Health-Providers 
 
Featured Guest: Shaun Jensen, CEO of JB Consulting
Topic: How Will Tech & AI Advance Specialty Pharmacy?
The specialty pharmacy system is in flux—what platforms show real stability to build the future?
Emerging use cases of AI in specialty pharmacy: clinical decision support, adherence optimization, and patient engagement.
The role of AI in specialty trade relations and research, driving efficiency and better outcomes for providers, manufacturers, and patients.
Daniel Couchman Kendall, CEO of Mission Based Media
Topic: Announcing the Health Podcast Summit
Introducing the Health Podcast Summit — the first global event dedicated exclusively to the intersection of health and podcasting.
October 1–2, 2025 | Virtual Event | Free Registration at HealthPodcastSummit.com
Learn evidence-based, human-centered frameworks for creating and growing health podcasts.
Hear from industry leaders worldwide transforming patient engagement, professional education, and health outcomes through podcasting.
On-demand replays available for registered attendees.
Ketan Mehta, CEO of PrimeRx
Topic: PrimeRx User Conference 2025 – XPLORE
October 10–11, 2025 | The Westin Jersey City Newport
Xplore by PrimeRx — an exclusive user conference designed for independent pharmacy professionals, healthcare innovators, and industry leaders.
Explore pharmacy management strategies, technology advancements, and digital healthcare solutions that will shape the future of independent pharmacy.
A chance to connect with peers, learn from experts, and prepare for the evolving pharmacy landscape.
🎧 Tune in for expert perspectives and actionable insights that show where pharmacy is headed. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) on your favorite podcast platform.