By Bryce Platt, PharmD PBMs outside the Big Three still earn higher customer satisfaction ratings, but their lead has nearly disappeared. Meanwhile, plan sponsors are inviting alternatives into their RFPs, and some are changing vendors. Research on 2027 benefits planning suggests the shopping will continue. That combination points to a new test for alternative PBMs—one where they have to turn their pitch into value that plan sponsors continue to see after they sign a contract. Below we examine the shrinking satisfaction advantage, the choices plan sponsors are considering for 2027, and why the grass may not always be greener on the alternative PBM side. Drug Channels Leadership Forum 2027 The Drug Channels Leadership Forum agenda is now available! Explore the agenda and request your invitation to this invite-only gathering of senior leaders from across the drug channel ecosystem. You must request an invitation to be considered for attendance. Read more » © 2006-2026 HMP Omnimedia, LLC d/b/a Drug Channels Institute , an HMP Global Company. All rights reserved. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only.

December 8-10, 2026, W Philadelphia Exclusive Offer—Use promo 26DC10 to save 10%* NAVIGATE THE CONVERGENCE: PREPARE, DON'T PREDICT In the next eighteen months, every assumption of pharmaceutical channel strategy breaks all at once. The patent cliff, WAC reductions, loss of exclusivity, medical benefit shifts and cash and self-pay emergence have left trade and channel professionals in need of complete strategy rebuilds. You need to prepare, not predict and Trade and Channel Strategies is built to deliver just that. The pharmaceutical channel is being rewritten in real-time. Leaders who attend will gain the insights needed to navigate these changes while competitors are left playing catch-up. In these times, falling behind means losing your competitive edge. What can you expect? The event features a stellar lineup of industry leaders, including Bill Roth of IntegriChain, who will deliver the keynote address, The Convergence—When Pharma’s Channel Assumptions All Break at Once. Other notable speakers include: Rena Goins, Executive Director, Global Trade, Regeneron Susan Farkas, Executive Director, US Payers & Specialty Pharmacy, AstraZeneca Mike Petit, Director, U.S. Channel Accounts, Intercept Pharmaceuticals Martine Avello, Director, Channel and Distribution, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc Thomas Scalone, Director, Trade Strategy and Operations, Bristol Myers Squibb Program highlights: A Look From Wall Street : Dealmaker insights on M&A and vertical integration trends over the next 12–24 months Trade Partner Insights : Direct feedback from trade partners on supply chain friction and operational challenges impacting the industry Leveraging Technology : Discover how AI, digital tools and analytics are transforming trade strategies, specifically in pricing optimization, payer engagement and channel management Tracks, Trainings and More : Focused content on supply chain, pharmacy models and health systems and pharma partnering, as well as a negotiation training and Women in Trade networking session What attendees are saying: “Most valuable conference of the year to understand pharmacy and distribution related topics. There is no second.” “One of the best conferences I have ever attended. The speaker selection and topic covered from a strategic and tactical approach were extremely relevant to our business.” Exclusive Offer – Download the agenda and register today –Use your exclusive promo 26DC10 to save 10%* *Cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or applied to existing registration. Other restrictions may apply. The content of Sponsored Posts does not necessarily reflect the views of HMP Omnimedia, LLC, Drug Channels Institute, its parent company, or any of its employees. To find out how you can publish an event post on Drug Channels, please contact Marie Caldwell (mcaldwell@hmpglobal.com) . © 2006-2026 HMP Omnimedia, LLC d/b/a Drug Channels Institute , an HMP Global Company. All rights reserved. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only.