Prime prepares students for PBM’s role in appraising drugs in the pipeline

Recently, a team of University of Minnesota pharmacy students advanced to the semifinals of the AMCP Foundation Annual National Student P&T competition. The group was mentored by Brian Erdman, senior director clinical program development and Abdirizak Mire, principal clinical program pharmacist at Prime.

The competition is a yearly event that fosters skills required for effective formulary review and management. It involves extensive research into evidence supporting the value proposition of PONVORY® (ponesimod) a once-daily tablet typically used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. After concluding their research, the students present their findings to a mock P&T committee. Teams with the highest scores advance.

Brian and Abdirizak helped the students with general clinical research guidelines, such as where to locate clinical drug information. They also provided the students information on basic P&T structure and what a committee would consider when making a formulary placement decision. Finally, they directed students to various resources that describe how utilization management programs are structured.

“We recognize the importance of mentoring next-generation pharmacists, especially for non-traditional pharmacy areas like pharmacy benefit management (PBM),” says Brian.

“It’s rewarding to work with pharmacy students on these real-world issues,” adds Abdirizak. “Making decisions about drug coverage based on strong clinical research is an integral part of how Prime helps manage costs while making sure patients have access to the best treatment options.”

The AMCP semifinal competition takes place between Feb. 25 and March 11. Congratulations to Brian and Abdirizak on successfully mentoring the future generation of pharmacists!

Prime leadership also believes in the importance of developing future pharmacists

Pat Gleason, assistant vice president, health outcomes is an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems. David Lassen, chief clinical officer, and Cathy Starner, director, clinical program management, both lead a standing lecture at the University of Minnesota in which they teach about a pharmacist’s role at a PBM.