Takeaways from Asembia's ASX25 Summit Takeaways from Asembia’s ASX25 Summit

In April, KODIAKOOLER had the opportunity to attend Asembia’s ASX25 annual summit. Through talking with industry stakeholders and listening to different key speakers, it became clear that the specialty pharmaceutical industry is facing unprecedented circumstances. Three main themes headlined the show: PBM regulation, continued GLP-1 growth, and the expanding role of the pharmacist in specialty care.

With the new administration taking office in January, there has been more pressure than ever before on pharmacy benefit managers (PBM’s). PBM’s are intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain who negotiate prices and benefits of drugs. Recently, there has been a call for increased transparency and negotiation in pricing and distribution. Because of this, formularies could change drastically, and the efficiency of the drug supply chain could be hindered. With all of the uncertainty in the supply chain, it is more crucial than ever to assure customers they are getting drugs delivered safely. KODIAKOOLER knows this and has taken action by pre-qualifying Kotton liners, for 72+ hours of performance, ensuring safe delivery of drugs regardless of time frame.

Since semaglutide was introduced in 2017, GLP-1’s have been on the rise. This year, GLP-1’s accounted for four of the top ten fastest growing drugs in specialty care (IQVIA ASX25 presentation). On top of this, GLP-1’s achieved $8B / month in US gross sales. As the market grows, so does the need for quality packaging and refrigeration. Due to their nature, many injectable GLP-1’s require strict temperature maintenance between 2°C and 8°C. To help partners achieve this temperature range, KODIAKOOLER has created complete pack-outs designed to exceed any temperature requirements that may arise.

The key theme throughout the conference centered on the specialty pharmacists themselves. The specialty pharmaceutical industry is beginning to move toward increased focus on patient experience. Why? The COO of Optum, Shea Hudson, told stories of long-term patients who were delighted by their assigned pharmacist, who walked with them throughout their journey. As the specialty pharmacy industry continues to grow, patients will demand high-quality care and customer experience, and if pharmacies don’t adapt, they will see a negative impact. At KODIAKOOLER, supporting pharmacists in their role is paramount. This is why pre-qualified shippers are supplemented with complete testing data and pack out diagrams, ensuring the pharmacist spends less time with packaging and more time with patients.

KODIAKOOLER provides a comprehensive range of insulated packaging solutions to meet our customers’ diverse needs. From our classic, high-performance Kotton liners to our biodegradable foam coolers, we offer a variety of options to suit your specific requirements. Our team of experts is here to help you select the perfect packaging solution for your objectives, ensuring optimal temperature control and a seamless shipping experience.

Temperature control shouldn’t come at the expense of a healthy planet, and being eco-friendly shouldn’t come at the expense of performance. Our biodegradable foam coolers and Kotton liners are a testament to our belief in that philosophy. At KODIAKOOLER, we’re committed to the next generation of insulated packaging, offering you exceptional performance and investing in sustainability.

Contact us today to learn more about how KODIAKOOLER can be a strategic partner to your organization.