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Evolution of Functional Pharmacy & Supportive Conferences | TWIRx cover art

Evolution of Functional Pharmacy & Supportive Conferences | TWIRx

Evolution of Functional Pharmacy & Supportive Conferences | TWIRx

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 Friday, November 13, 2026 The Future of Pharmacy: Clinical Innovation, Closures & a New Kind of Conference Welcome to This Week in Pharmacy, where we bring you the headlines, innovations, and conversations shaping the future of pharmacy care. Today's episode is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), supporting the strength and sustainability of independent community pharmacies, and Finch Marketing, helping pharmacy businesses communicate their value, strengthen their brands, and connect with their communities. This week, we're covering major FDA safety developments, the continued disappearance of community pharmacies, a potentially transformative Medicare payment model, and two important new drug approvals. Then we're joined by a true pioneer in functional pharmacy, Robert Kress, RPh, to discuss a new kind of pharmacy conference and why the future of the profession may depend on rethinking how pharmacists learn, collaborate, and practice. Segment 1 — Vox Top 5 Pharmacy News 1. FDA Adds New GLP-1 Safety Warnings The FDA is requiring updated labeling for GLP-1 receptor agonists, including medications used for diabetes and obesity, over a potential increased risk of a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION. An FDA review of 126 clinical trials identified 6.4 cases per 100,000 patient-years among GLP-1 users versus 3.8 among comparator patients. The condition can cause sudden, painless vision loss. Although the absolute risk is low, pharmacists must be prepared to counsel patients, recognize symptoms, and coordinate timely medical evaluation. Source: FDA Drug Safety Communication 2. More Than 3,000 U.S. Pharmacies Disappear New research published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association reveals that between 2022 and 2024: 7,240 community pharmacies closed.4,178 new locations opened.The country experienced a net loss of 3,062 pharmacies. Chain pharmacies represented approximately 2,680 of those net losses, with independents accounting for 382. Declining reimbursement, PBM practices, and changing retail economics continue to place tremendous pressure on pharmacy access. Source: Drug Topics — Pharmacy Closures 3. Medicare ACCESS Model Opens New Clinical Opportunities CMS's ACCESS Model represents an important shift toward outcome-based reimbursement for chronic disease management. The program supports technology-enabled care for conditions including diabetes, hypertension, chronic pain, and behavioral health. Participating organizations must meet Medicare enrollment, clinical oversight, and other program requirements. It is not automatic reimbursement for every pharmacist. NCPA leadership sees potential opportunities for community pharmacies to participate in new clinical care delivery models. Sources: CMS ACCESS Model | Drug Topics — NCPA Interview 4. FDA Approves First Factor XIa Inhibitor for Stroke Prevention The FDA approved Sunharbo (asundexian), a new Factor XIa inhibitor used alongside antiplatelet therapy for certain adults following ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack. Results from the OCEANIC-STROKE trial demonstrated a 26% relative reduction in ischemic stroke risk. The approval introduces an important new mechanism in secondary stroke prevention. Source: FDA Approval Announcement 5. FDA Approves New Treatment for Rare Joint Tumors The FDA approved Pimjetmi (pimicotinib) for certain adults with symptomatic tenosynovial giant cell tumors when surgery could cause serious complications or functional limitations. The oral therapy achieved a 56% response rate compared with 3.2% for placebo in the Phase III MANEUVER trial. Patients experienced improvements in pain, joint mobility, and physical functioning. The treatment requires appropriate clinical monitoring, including for liver toxicity. Source: FDA Approval Segment 2 — Special Guest: Robert Kress, RPh The Functional Pharmacy Godfather: A New Kind of Pharmacy Conference Introduction For decades, pharmacists have been trained to understand medications, disease states, and treatment protocols. But increasingly, pharmacists are recognizing that truly personalized healthcare requires a broader understanding of lifestyle, nutrition, metabolic health, and the underlying factors influencing patient outcomes. Our special guest today is Robert Kress, RPh, a pioneer in functional pharmacy, educator, coach, and creator of Orientation-Based Medicine. Robert has dedicated his work to helping pharmacists expand their clinical thinking and develop more meaningful, patient-centered practices. Today, we're talking about a new kind of pharmacy conference, one focused on more than traditional education. We're discussing building community, changing clinical perspectives, and preparing pharmacists for an evolving healthcare marketplace. The Evolution of Functional Pharmacy & Supportive Conferences Guest Resource: https://www.functionalpharmacy.com/ Special thanks to ...
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