Reflections and Photos from the Drug Channels Leadership Forum 2026

By Adam J. Fein, Ph.D.

We had an absolutely incredible time at the second annual Drug Channels Leadership Forum (DCLF)!

Despite some travel challenges, we still filled the room for a sold-out event packed with thought-provoking discussions, candid insights, and dynamic exchanges about the forces shaping the drug channel. The 340B session was legendary!

We are grateful to everyone who took the stage to share their insights and to all who participated in making this event so impactful. A huge thank you to our speakers for sharing their expertise and unfiltered perspectives—and to everyone in the room for making the conversations so engaging.

I had the privilege of speaking on stage with leaders from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cardinal Health, 46Brooklyn, Nephron Research, and Prime Therapeutics.

And Mark Cuban wrapped up the first day with his unfiltered and highly entertaining take on U.S. healthcare. (Spoiler: He had a few opinions.)

Click here to see a selfie of Mark and me from the stage.

I also had the privilege of introducing the Drug Channels Institute team, seven members of whom attended the event.

Two of DCI’s newest team members—Tyler Novotny and Bryce Platt—each moderated panels.

You can find more photos by searching for #DCLF2026 on LinkedIn.

BTW, you won’t see any news stories about the DCLF. That’s because the media were not invited and the sessions were not recorded. No livestreams. No transcripts. You had to be in the room where it happened.😉

The DCLF will return in March 2027.

P.S. A special shoutout to the phenomenal HMP Global team, who delivered a truly first-class experience for nearly 400 attendees. Your hard work and dedication made this event unforgettable!

Drug Channels Leadership Forum 2026: Request an Invitation Before It’s Too Late!

The 2026 Drug Channels Leadership Forum (DCLF) is coming soon! Our second annual event will take place March 16–18, 2026, at the Turnberry Resort & Spa in Miami.

Once again, Drug Channels Institute (DCI) is proud to host this invite-only gathering of senior leaders across the drug channel ecosystem. You must request an invitation to be considered for attendance. Our final wave of invitations will begin in mid-January.

Request An Invitation

The 2026 program features in-depth fireside chats with me, along with dynamic panel discussions led by an exceptional group of executives and subject matter experts. View the full 2026 Drug Channels Leadership Forum agenda.

• Meet the Speakers

• Who Should Attend

• What to Expect

• Get Started

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Our 2026 speaker lineup brings together a diverse group of C-suite executives, policymakers, and industry thought leaders—ensuring every session delivers candid, high-value insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

DCLF is a strategic, invite-only gathering for leaders from across the healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape, including:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturers
• PBMs, health plans, employers, and plan sponsors
• Health systems and physician practices
• Pharmacies and wholesalers
• Policymakers

Click here to watch highlights from our 2025 event and hear testimonials directly from participants.

To maintain the event’s strategic focus, attendance from industry suppliers (e.g., technology, consulting, financial services, etc.) is available only through sponsorship. Each sponsorship level includes a limited number of attendee badges, ensuring a highly curated and balanced group of participants.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expect another year of bold, candid discussions—this is not a conference of scripted presentations. We’ve enhanced the 2026 agenda with new formats and even more opportunities for direct, high-impact exchanges among attendees.

At DCLF, there are no exhibit halls, no press, no recordings, and no distractions—just substance and strategy.

You can expect:

• Provocative panels with C-suite executives
• Off-the-record insights and open Q&A sessions
• Meaningful peer-to-peer dialogue in an intimate setting

If you want to be in the room where it happens, there’s no substitute for being there in person.

GET STARTED

Be part of the conversation! Join us at DCLF 2026

Our final wave of invitations will begin in mid-January. You must request an invitation to be considered for attendance.

Have questions? Please contact us.

We look forward to welcoming you to Miami in March 2026.

Drug Channels News Roundup, December 2025: The Net Pricing Drug Channel (#NPDC) Era, LillyDirect, My $0.02 on New MFPs, PBMs in Medicaid—and DCLF 2026

Happy New Year, everyone!

As always, thank you for welcoming Drug Channels into your inboxes, browsers, and apps. I’m continually inspired by the diverse and thoughtful people who follow, share, and challenge our work. Our DCI community now includes more than 110,000 subscribers and followers across the industry. If you haven't already done so, you can stay connected by signing up for an email subscription or following me on LinkedIn.

We loved bringing you our analysis and curated links throughout 2025, and we hope you enjoyed engaging with us—and with one another—across the DCI community.

Stay tuned! In addition to our second Drug Channels Leadership Forum, we have several exciting announcements coming your way in 2026.

Wishing you and your family health and happiness,
Adam and the DCI team

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In our final roundup of 2025:

• The gross-to-net bubble is deflating. Prepare for the Net Pricing Drug Channels (#NPDC).

• Inside LillyDirect and DTC pharma

• Inflated savings from the Inflation Reduction Act’s second set of prices

• PBMs’ surprising resilience in Medicaid

Plus: We're getting ready for the second Drug Channels Leadership Forum! Have you submitted your invite request yet?

P.S. Join my nearly 67,000 LinkedIn followers for daily links to neat stuff, along with sharp and thoughtful commentary from the DCI community.

Drug Channels Leadership Forum 2026: Full Agenda Now Available (Spoiler: Even more awesome than 2025!)

We’re thrilled to announce the full agenda for the 2026 Drug Channels Leadership Forum (DCLF)—taking place from March 16–18, 2026, at the Turnberry Resort & Spa in Miami. Once again, Drug Channels Institute (DCI) is proud to host this invite-only gathering of senior leaders across the drug channel ecosystem. You must request an invitation to be considered for attendance. We will begin sending invitations in mid-October.

Request Your Invitation

The 2026 program features fireside chats with me, plus dynamic panel discussions led by an exceptional group of executives and subject matter experts. View the full 2026 Drug Channels Leadership Forum agenda.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Our 2026 lineup brings together a diverse range of C-suite leaders and policy influencers, ensuring every session delivers candid, high-value insights.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

DCLF is a strategic, invite-only gathering for leaders from across the healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape, including:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturers
• PBMs, health plans, employers, and plan sponsors
• Health systems and physician practices
• Pharmacies and wholesalers
• Policymakers

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expect another year of bold, candid discussions—not just presentations. We’ve enhanced the 2026 agenda with new formats and even more opportunities for direct, high-impact exchanges among attendees.

At DCLF, there are no exhibit halls, no press, no recordings, and no distractions—just substance and strategy.

You can expect:

• Provocative panels with C-suite executives
• Off-the-record insights and open Q&A sessions
• Direct, high-impact exchanges among leaders

If you want to be in the room where it happens, there’s no substitute for being there in person.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

To maintain the event’s strategic focus, attendance from industry suppliers (e.g., technology, consulting, financial services, etc.) is available only through sponsorship.

Each sponsorship level provides a limited number of attendee badges, ensuring the right mix of participants.

Learn About Sponsorship Options

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM DCLF 2025

Relive the #DCLF2025 energy and hear testimonials directly from participants.

(Can’t see the video above? Click here.)

GET STARTED

Be part of the conversation! Join us at DCLF 2026

Invitations will begin going out in mid-October 2025. You must request an invitation to be considered for attendance. Don’t wait—our curated guest list fills up fast.

Have questions? Interested in sponsorship? Please contact us.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Miami in 2026!

SAVE THE DATE: Drug Channels Leadership Forum, March 16-18, 2026

After a blockbuster inaugural event and tremendous feedback from attendees, we’re excited to announce that the Drug Channels Leadership Forum (DCLF) returns on March 16–18, 2026, at the Turnberry Resort & Spa in Miami. This one-of-a-kind, off-the-record event convenes senior leaders across the drug channel to address today’s most pressing industry issues.

👉 Request Your Invitation 👈

“I’d recommend the DCLF to anyone in the drug industry in the US. It's a great opportunity to bring together all constituents and members and have a frank sharing of ideas.”
— Timothy Folts, Finance Director of Gross-to-Net Strategy, GSK

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

DCLF is an invite-only, strategic gathering for leaders across the drug channel ecosystem, including:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturers
• PBMs, health plans, and employers
• Health systems and physician practices
• Pharmacies and wholesalers
• Policymakers

“The thing that I think sets it apart is the fact that there are so many different parts of the industry that are represented here.”
— Jeanine Robertson, Director of Pharmacy Network Relations, Liviniti

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expect bold, candid discussions—not just presentations. We’re enhancing the 2026 agenda with new formats and even more opportunities for direct, high-impact exchanges among attendees.

Here’s a glimpse of what made the 2025 event such a success:

• Provocative panels with C-suite executives
• Off-the-record insights and open Q&A sessions
• No exhibit hall, no press, no distractions—just substance

✅ 92% of 2025 attendees said they'd return!

“Sometimes you go to events like this and the chat on stage is completely pre-scripted. But we're not seeing that today, which has really added a robustness and flavor to the overall discussion.”
— Jason Dombi, Senior Vice President of Strategic Solutions, Cencora

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM DCLF 2025

Relive the #DCLF2025 energy and hear testimonials directly from participants.

(Can’t see the video above? Click here.)

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We limit attendance from industry suppliers (e.g., tech, consulting, financial services) to maintain the event’s strategic focus.

Attendance for suppliers is only available through sponsorship. The number of badges provided depends on your selected sponsorship level.

Learn About Sponsorship Options

“The networking opportunities at DCLF have been impressive.”
— Angie Franks, CEO, Kalderos

A CONFIDENTIAL, INVITE-ONLY EXPERIENCE

To foster open dialogue and protect attendee confidentiality, DCLF is a private event:

• No media or press
• No recording or reporting
• No exhibit hall

If you want to be in the room where it happens, you need to be there in person.

GET STARTED

Be part of the conversation! Join us at DCLF 2026

Invitations will begin going out in October 2025. Don’t wait—our curated guest list fills up fast.

Have questions? Interested in sponsorship? Please contact us or visit us at booth #1601 at Asembia.

Visit Drug Channels in Booth #1601 at #Asembia25 for a Special “Ask Adam Anything” (#AAA) Session

Next week, the Drug Channels Institute (DCI) team will be heading to Asembia’s AXS25 Summit at the always fabulous Wynn Las Vegas.

Thanks to our friends at HMP Global, we’re thrilled to have our very own DCI booth once again!

As you might expect, we'll be showing up in true Drug Channels style. Be sure to swing by booth #1601 for fun, flair, and pharma-frivolity:

• Ask Adam Anything (#AAA). Join DCI president Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., for a special live session during the opening reception on Monday, April 28, at 4:00 p.m. Bring your phone—selfies encouraged!

• Spin the Drug Channels Wheel O’ Fun and win fabulous prizes!

• Request your invitation to the 2026 Drug Channels Leadership Forum! (ICYMI, check out Reflections and Photos from the Inaugural Drug Channels Leadership Forum 2025.)

• Chat with the marvelous Paula Fein, DCI’s intrepid vice president of business development, about sponsorship opportunities for the Drug Channels Leadership Forum 2026!

• Meet Jeana Dollear, the behind-the-scenes dynamo who keeps everything running smoothly.

• Enjoy cupcakes and conversation!

DCI’s booth is conveniently located in the middle of the hall. Check out the handy map below for directions:

[Click to Enlarge]

And remember: What happens in Booth #1601, stays in Booth #1601. 😉

Drug Channels News Roundup, March 2025: PBM Unbundling Update, Stelara Biosimilar Price War, My $0.02 on the Optum Rx News, Follow the Dollar, and #DCLF2025

Spring has officially arrived in sunny downtown Philadelphia—the proud home base of Drug Channels. As you can see on the right, we celebrated in Miami at the Drug Channels Leadership Forum.

The vernal equinox also brought a surprising surge of industry updates and noteworthy news you won’t want to miss:

• Blue Shield of California provides a puzzling update to its PBM unbundling effort

• The Stelara biosimilar price war begins

• My reaction to Optum Rx’s pharmacy reimbursement announcement

• A valuable Follow the Dollar primer

Plus, Dr. Glaucomflecken reviews UnitedHealth Group's vertical integration strategy.

P.S. Join my more than 61,000 LinkedIn followers for daily links to neat stuff along with thoughtful and provocative commentary from the DCI community.

Coming soon: PBM Industry Update: Trends, Challenges, and What’s Ahead. Our first webinar of the year will tackle the most controversial drug channel participants. Join Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., on April 4, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET, as he shares his expert analysis on critical industry developments. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Reflections and Photos from the Inaugural Drug Channels Leadership Forum 2025

Wow! What an absolutely incredible time at the inaugural Drug Channels Leadership Forum (DCLF)!

Paula and I are beyond grateful to everyone who took the stage to share their insights and to all who participated in making this event so impactful. (Even Paula got on the main stage!) The event was packed with thought-provoking discussions, candid insights, and dynamic exchanges. The HMP Global team delivered a truly first-class experience for the nearly 350 lucky attendees.

Here are some brief video highlights. Click here if you can't see the video below.

We also had a professional photographer. Here's what happened in the morning of the first day.

[Click to Enlarge]

You can see more fun photos from the event here on my LinkedIn account:

• LinkedIn post #1

• LinkedIn post #2

• LinkedIn post #3

• LinkedIn post #4

• LinkedIn post #5

You can find attendees’ photos by searching “#DCLF2025” on LinkedIn. (Be sure to use quotation marks and then sort by “Latest.”)

BTW, you won’t see any news stories about the DCLF. That’s because the media were not invited and the sessions were not recorded. You had to be in the room where it happened.😉

The DCLF will return in March 2026. 

P.S. A special shoutout to the phenomenal HMP Global team. Your hard work and dedication made this event unforgettable!

[Click to Enlarge]

Drug Channels Leadership Forum: Request an Invitation Before It’s Too Late!

The inaugural Drug Channels Leadership Forum (DCLF) is coming soon! This exclusive event will be held from March 17 to 19, 2025, at the Turnberry Resort and Spa in Miami.

Our first event will provide attendees with an opportunity to explore the most pressing strategic issues and crucial uncertainties that will impact all participants across U.S. drug channels.

Speakers and panelists include top industry executives and subject matter experts from throughout the drug channel. Registered attendees include senior executives from pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, health systems, physician practices, pharmacies, wholesalers, and more.

To maximize the value of networking and learning, the event will have a limited number of senior-level participants. We have a small number of spots still available for qualified individuals. You must submit a request to be considered for an invitation to attend.

• View the full Drug Channels Leadership Forum agenda. It’s filled with senior industry executives who will participate in fireside chats with me as well as topical panel discussions moderated by a diverse set of subject matter experts.

• Click here to request an invitation to attend. DCI will carefully review all submissions to include participants from a broad range of organizations. We are extending invitations on a rolling basis. Once you receive your invitation, you will have 15 business days to accept and complete the registration by paying the registration fee.

Please note that the DCLF is strictly limiting the number of attendees from technology companies, business services, financial firms, and other industry vendors. Vendors are only able to participate as part of a sponsorship. Click here to learn more about available sponsorship opportunities. There will be no exhibit hall and no media. 

Everyone here at Drug Channels Institute (DCI) is excited to bring this novel event to the drug channels community. Visit the event website for more information on the registration process and our policies.

Below, I have reproduced our original press release. I hope you can join us!

Drug Channels Leadership Forum: Full Agenda Now Available (Spoiler: It’s Awesome!)

I am pleased to announce the full agenda for the inaugural Drug Channels Leadership Forum, which will be held from March 17 to 19, 2025, at the Turnberry Resort and Spa in Miami. Everyone here at Drug Channels Institute (DCI) is excited to bring this novel event to the drug channels community.

I personally assembled the agenda. As you can see, it’s filled with senior industry executives who will participate in fireside chats with me as well as topical panel discussions moderated by a diverse set of subject matter experts.

• Check out our fantastic lineup of speakers

• View the full Drug Channels Leadership Forum agenda

I am also pleased to announce an excellent addition to the agenda. David Joyner, Executive Vice President, CVS Health, and President, CVS Caremark, and Prem Shah, Executive Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer, CVS Health and President, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, will be joining me for a fireside chat.

To maximize the value of networking and learning, the event will have fewer than 450 participants. If you haven’t done so yet, click here to request an invitation. DCI will carefully review all submissions to include participants from a broad range of industry organizations. DCI will begin extending invitations on a rolling basis starting on September 23, 2024. Once you receive your invitation, you will have 15 business days to accept and complete the registration by paying the registration fee.

Please note that the number of attendees from technology companies, business services, and other industry vendors will be strictly limited to the number of badges included with their chosen sponsorship level. There will be no exhibit hall and no media. Click here to learn more about available sponsorship opportunities.

Visit the event website for more information on the registration process and our policies.

Read on for the full press release. I hope you can join us!

Meet the Four Executives Headlining the Drug Channels Leadership Forum

Good news, everyone! We have secured four outstanding fireside chat participants for our inaugural Drug Channels Leadership Forum, which will be held next March in Miami.

I’ll be leading one-on-one conversations with each of these executives:

• Steven H. Collis, Chairman, President, and CEO, Cencora, Inc.

• Patrick Conway, MD, MSc, CEO, Optum Rx

• Frank Cunningham, Group Vice President, Global Value and Access & Lilly Direct, Eli Lilly and Company

• Tim Wentworth, CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

Our fireside chats will illuminate crucial issues and key strategic concerns affecting the prescription drug market and the entire U.S. healthcare system.

The event will also include panel discussions covering a range of important topics. Participants in these panels will be announced this fall.

IMPORTANT: To maximize the value of networking and learning, the event will have a limited number of attendees. Click here to request an invitation.

We will also have a limited number of sponsors. Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Read on for the full press release. Hope you can join us!

SAVE THE DATE: Drug Channels Leadership Forum, March 17-19, 2025

I am pleased to announce the inaugural Drug Channels Leadership Forum! This unique, new event will be held from March 17 to 19, 2025, at the Turnberry Resort and Spa in Miami.

The Leadership Forum will be an executive gathering where drug channel leaders can network and discuss key issues and challenges facing the commercial healthcare system. We intend to bring together people from the entire drug channel: pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), health plans, insurers, and plan sponsors, wholesalers and distributors, pharmacies, providers, buying groups, government officials, and more.

I’m personally assembling the agenda, which will be a mix of one-on-one fireside chats with industry leaders combined with hard-hitting, topical panel discussions. And of course, I'll be there to moderate the entire event and lead the fireside chats. Thanks to DCI’s partnership with HMP Global, we can bring this novel event to the drug channels community.

To maximize the value of networking and learning, the event will have a limited number of attendees. Click here to request an invitation.

We will also have a very limited number of sponsors. Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Read on for the full press release. Hope you can join us!