Myrl Weinberg, CAE

Patient medication information should be the most critical information in a patient-friendly format so that individuals can make the most informed decisions about their drugs.

Focusing first on patient needs is the key to finding a meaningful and effective solution to the complex issues regarding regulation of biosimilars.

Improving patient engagement in healthcare decisions is essential for achieving positive, measurable health goals, including lowering overall healthcare costs.

The author identifies a need to develop better procedures for getting new treatments through the regulatory system.

Federal regulatory policies should encourage the development of new and better treatments for people living with chronic diseases.

People living with chronic conditions benefit from many medical advances developed over the past 20 years. Many diseases that were once fatal diagnoses are now managed utilizing various drug therapies. However, far too often, treatments may work well for some people, while providing marginal benefits or causing significant harm to others.

Comparative effectiveness research must incorporate the needs of individual patients.

A new National Institutes of Health office to study translational research would help bridge the gap between basic discoveries and treatments and therapies.

An individualized care plan for patients with chronic conditions will improve outcomes and eliminate unwanted and unnecessary care.