Bio

Phillips is a licensed Pharmacist and Attorney who joined Cardinal Health in June 2014.  He currently serves as Vice-President for Insights & Engagement within Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions where he is responsible for the strategy, growth, and financial performance of the business unit.  The business provides a wide range of services for the pharmaceutical industry, including: health economics and outcomes research, synthesis and analysis of real world evidence, and commercial marketing through provider engagement.

He has previously held a variety of leadership positions, most recently serving as the head of Quality and Regulatory Affairs for each of the enterprise’s Specialty Businesses.  Prior to joining Cardinal Health, Dr. Phillips served as a professor in both pharmacy and law school settings, and served as Managing Member of Healthcare Advising, LLC; a private regulatory consulting and data analytics firm.

Dr. Phillips completed his pharmacy studies at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA and legal studies at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA where he earned certificates in Health Law and Intellectual Property Law. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Adaptive Sports Connection, a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower children, adults, and veterans with physical and cognitive challenges through sports and therapeutic outdoor recreation.

Abstract

Providers and Payers: Hurdles to the Adoption of Advanced Therapies in Oncology

In 2011, ipilimumab altered the treatment paradigm of metastatic melanoma patients by becoming the first immunotherapy to demonstrate prolonged survival among afflicted patients. Now, nearly 10 years later, providers and payers are challenged with determining how to preferentially sequence, in the case of BRAF-mutated melanoma, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. As excitement around advanced therapies continues to build, the challenges of expanding access to these products remain significant due to adoption, costs, and logistical considerations. The FDA is currently anticipating nearly 20 cell and gene therapy approvals by 2025 with almost 300 targeted therapies currently in development. While the potential clinical impact of these advanced therapies continues to evolve, an effective response to overcome the barriers to access will require coordination between providers, payers, and manufacturers.