Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics

Value of Life Sciences Innovation

Research Program

Value of Life Sciences Innovation

Biomedical advances are at the front lines of transforming healthcare through innovations that benefit countless people. The Value of Life Sciences Innovation (VLSI) program exemplifies the Schaeffer Center’s focus on evidence-based analyses that encourage breakthroughs while developing pricing and reimbursement strategies to help ensure that patients receive the therapies they need.

Program Leadership

Alice Chen, PhD

Senior Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
Director, Value of Life Sciences Innovation
Associate Professor, USC Price School of Public Policy
2018-2019 RCMAR Scientist, USC Schaeffer Center

Desi Peneva, MS

Associate Director, Value of Life Sciences Innovation
Research Program Lead, USC Schaeffer Center

Dana Goldman, PhD

Founding Director, USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government Service
University Professor of Public Policy, Pharmacy, and Economics
Special Advisor, USC Provost

Spotlight on PBMs View All

Testimony on Competition Issues in the Prescription Drug Supply Chain

Implementing reforms that increase transparency, align incentives and restore competition can ensure that PBMs fulfill their intended role: helping to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for all Americans.

Healthcare Markets

Experts: Neeraj Sood

Pharmacies Excluded from Preferred Networks Face Much Higher Risk of Closure

Medicare Beneficiaries Face Much Higher Drug Costs as Plans Quickly Shift to Coinsurance

How the Secrecy of Middlemen Inflates Drug Prices

Featured Perspective

Ensuring Most-Favored Nation Drug Pricing Doesn’t Sicken Us

Lowering drug prices to European benchmarks would ultimately reduce innovation and make Americans less healthy. Instead, a drug pricing system based on U.S. values would enhance access and support medical progress.

Experts: Darius Lakdawalla, Dana Goldman

Read: Ensuring Most-Favored Nation Drug Pricing Doesn’t Sicken Us

Latest Research View All

Perspective

Why Widespread Testing for Alzheimer’s Is Essential

New blood tests can detect Alzheimer’s earlier and more accurately, enabling earlier intervention and more effective use of emerging therapies. Federal policies must ensure these advances reach patients.

Featured Experts: Dana Goldman

Perspective

Washington Is on the Verge of True PBM Reform

News

New Financing Models May Expand Access to Life-Changing Cell and Gene Therapies

White Paper

High-Stakes Medicine: Rethinking Policies for the Cost and Value of Cell and Gene Therapies

In The News View All

Axios

Schiller says China’s rise in drug development could upend U.S. R&D models

Featured Experts: Lowell Schiller

BBC

Ward interviewed about substantial drops in GLP-1 prices

Featured Experts: Alison Sexton Ward

NBC News

Joyce explains how TrumpRx could better serve consumers

Featured Experts: Geoffrey Joyce

STAT News

Kanter tracks decline in FDA public advisory committee meetings

Featured Experts: Genevieve P. Kanter

Morning Brew

Qato discusses how new PBM reforms may protect pharmacies and patient access

Featured Experts: Dima M. Qato

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