In this ‘Patti’s People’ episode, Patti Peeples of the The Peeples Collaborative speaks with Kirsten Axelsen, Senior Policy Advisor, DLA Piper.
Questions:
00:00: Introduction
01:02: You entered biopharma through econometrics and discrimination litigation – what connects that work to what you’re solving now?
04:50: You built analytical tools to prioritize policy battles. What’s one battle you lost that still keeps you up at night?
09:03: You’ve said predicting this administration’s moves is impossible. What tools help you turn that chaos into strategy?
14:13: You’ve warned that China is overtaking US clinical development. How real is this shift, what’s driving it, and what are we still in denial about?
18:39: You’ve advocated for more carrots than sticks in policy. What’s the most promising incentive we’re overlooking to drive real health outcomes?
20:32: What, if anything, should health economists and outcomes researchers be saying about issues like biosimilars potentially disappearing and China’s rise?
23:04: If rebates disappeared tomorrow, what reform would you pursue to make formularies more clinically honest and economically sustainable?
25:48: You publish in both journals and op-eds—how do you balance academic neutrality with policy persuasion?
28:38: At recent ISPORs, there’s been debate that HEOR, RWE and market access departments struggle to clearly demonstrate their impact within pharma and policy. What’s your take?
30:22: Can you share an example where health economics truly shaped a policy decision?
32:12: Rapid Fire Questions
Kirsten Axelsen
Senior Policy Advisor, DLA Piper
Kirsten works with leaders in life sciences to navigate policy, competition, reimbursement and public perception for successful product launch, growth and profitability. She has developed and executed strategies at all stages of the biopharmaceutical lifecycle in all major markets. Kirsten brings more than 25 years of experience working in life sciences. She is a biopharmaceutical consultant and an Aspen Institute Health Fellow.
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