Industry leaders give hazy outlook for changing political climate

SAN FRANCISCO — Corporate leaders are at the same time optimistic and worried about the changing political environment and its impact on the glaucoma devices and pharmaceuticals industry. But mostly, they are uncertain.

In a panel discussion at the Glaucoma 360 New Horizons Forum, officers of companies representing both device and drug interests in the glaucoma space gave their brief thoughts on the industry outlook in the current uncertain political atmosphere.

Thomas Mitro of Aerie Pharmaceuticals said his biggest concern is that government would be involved in price controls for devices and pharmaceuticals.

Jane Rady of Abbott Medical Optics, was equivocal, citing on one hand the new administration’s rhetoric regarding tax changes that would improve investment in health care as a plus and on the other hand the rhetoric about price controls as a minus.

“It’s anyone’s guess right now,” she said.

Shawn O ’ Neil, representing Alcon Surgical, said that whatever the change is, industry will need to adapt.

“We all need to have an innovative mindset as we go through these changes, that is, the way we do business, what our business models look like and how we partner with those agencies,” O’Neil said.

Allergan’s Aziz Mottiwala is optimistic and looks for his company to maintain the social contract it has committed to.

“If you continue to do the right things, innovate and deliver high value, the health care environment might change, but you’ll be able to navigate it,” he said.

Because of the uncertainties ahead, flexibility will be important, even while trying to adhere to strategic imperatives, according to Tracy M. Valorie, BS, MBA, of Bausch + Lomb Pharmaceuticals.

“As an organization of innovators we bring our solutions forward collectively for the benefit of everyone, but with the end result of benefiting patients. If we’re not able to sustain our businesses, we don’t help patients in the end, and I don’t think that’s what anybody is intending,” she said.

For better or worse, change is coming, according to Angelo Rago, representing Carl Zeiss Meditec.

“There will be change. Whether we like it or not, there will be change, and it requires us to be agile as organizations and not to wait for change to happen,” he said. “There’s an opportunity for us to innovate, not only products but processes and approaches to reimbursement and regulatory. I think the game is completely open.”

In terms of being optimistic, Rafael Chan of New World Medical said he thinks the administration intends to speed up the approval process to bring innovation faster to the marketplace — a good thing.

“In terms of being worried, there are a lot of initiatives to contain costs, which means that we’re going to have to be more effective as an industry and as an organization ... in terms of making sure that we’re showing the medical evidence and the clinical evidence to justify the cost of our therapies,” he said.

Melissa Liew of Novartis Alcon Pharmaceuticals was in general agreement with her panel colleagues, but “it’s early days,” she said. “We need to continue to be focused on ensuring that patients have access to the medicines that their doctors want them to have and prescribe.”

Naveed Shams, MD, PhD, of Santen Pharmaceutical, was hopeful with regard to changes that would “enable the FDA to do their job better,” but was concerned about the implementation.

“When it comes time for putting a plan into action, the devil’s in the details. So in the haste to make change, hopefully the right plans are done so it doesn’t create a chaotic environment,” he said.

Shire’s Susan Benton said the company is engaging with policy makers on both sides of the aisle, advocating for a policy and regulatory environment that supports innovation.

For Mark C. Jasek, PhD, of Sun Ophthalmics, taking precipitative action is key.

“What it comes down to is, if you’re in a stagnant position in the way you conduct your business and you’re not willing to jump out in front of change, then you’re going to have a problem. But as long as you’re nimble in your thought process, you think outside the box, and try to make changes before they are almost mandated upon your business, I think everything will be fine,” he said. – by Patricia Nale, ELS

Reference:

Industry panel discussion: Glaucoma devices and pharmaceuticals. Presented at: Glaucoma 360 New Horizons Forum; Feb. 3, 2017; San Francisco.

Disclosures : Benton reports she is head of business development, Ophthalmics, for Shire. Chan reports he is chief commercial officer of New World Medical. Jasek reports he is vice president of Medical and Scientific Affairs for Sun Ophthalmics. Liew reports she is the medical unit head of Ophthalmology for Novartis Alcon Pharmaceuticals. Mitro reports he is president and COO of Aerie Pharmaceuticals. Mottiwala reports he is vice president of marketing of U.S. Eye Care for Allergan. O’Neil reports he is head of sales and marketing for surgical glaucoma, U.S. Surgical Division of Alcon Surgical. Rady reports she is DVP of business development for Abbott Medical Optics. Rago reports he is head of Ophthalmic Diagnostics for Carl Zeiss Meditec. Shams reports he is head of global research and development and chief scientific officer and senior corporate officer for Santen Pharmaceutical. Valorie reports she is senior vice president and general manager of Bausch + Lomb Pharmaceuticals, Valeant Women’s Health.