D2 Insights

Dean Erhardt on AI and Patient Access | pharmaphorum Podcast

Written by D2 Solutions | 5/4/26 7:53 PM

Bridging the gap between AI, drug discovery and real patient access

Dean Erhardt on Episode 256 of the pharmaphorum Podcast

We live in an era where AI is accelerating drug discovery at an unprecedented pace. But for the patient waiting at the other end, the journey to actually receiving that therapy is often stalled by a complex web of distribution, reimbursement, and PBM hurdles.

In episode #256 of the pharmaphorum Podcast, host Nicole Raleigh sits down with D2 Solutions' CEO Dean Erhardt, to discuss the critical disconnect between drug discovery and the reality of patient access. With nearly 40 years of experience spanning payers, distributors, and PBMs, Dean provides a comprehensive look at how the life sciences industry can evolve to better serve patients, particularly those requiring complex specialty medicines.

Key takeaways from the episode:

  1. Why patient access is currently lagging behind the rapid scientific advancements in new therapy discovery

  2. Insights into the impact of price protection guarantees and the evolving role of PBMs in the specialty landscape

  3. A look at patient access today vs. tomorrow and how we move toward a more integrated model for manufacturers and pharmacies

 

We are at a point where science has outpaced the system. We can find the cure, but can we get it to the patient's front door? That's the billion-dollar question." - Dean Erhardt

 

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