TRANSPERS News: Recent JAMA Network Publications, New NIH K01 Career Award to Emily Mrig – and Vegan Food!

Letter from Center Director

Dear Colleagues:

We’re pleased to report on two new TRANSPERS publications in JAMA Network journals - the first examines payer coverage considerations for new blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease, and the second explores implications related to open-access publication. We also share news of an NIH Career Award and conference updates – and last but not least, a fun fact about the best vegan food restaurant in Sacramento!

Do you have an announcement you would like to see in our next newsletter? Let us know!

Kathryn

 

JAMA Publication Examines Payer Considerations for New Tests for Alzheimer's Disease

In a recent Viewpoint published in JAMA, TRANSPERS collaborators Patricia A. Deverka, Grace A. Lin, and Kathryn A. Phillips address payer coverage considerations for an emerging technology: new blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease that could help diagnose the condition earlier and more easily. The authors define key evidence needs for potential payer coverage: clear and evidence-based guidelines, consideration of the equity implications, and assessment of the appropriate balance of access and coverage early in the disease trajectory versus the potential for overuse.

 

This publication already has almost 10,000 social media views, reflecting this issue's timeliness and importance. If blood tests are ultimately shown to have clinical utility, payer coverage will be crucial in ensuring equitable access and improving disparities in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and care, especially for underserved populations.

Open Access Publication Is Here to Stay: New Publication Examines Implications

Open science is critical to providing access to research on genomics and other health topics. One approach to achieving open science is open-access publication – 50% of scientific publications are now open-access. Although the promise of open-access publication to address inequities is compelling, whether it can achieve this objective – and the appropriate policies - is under renewed debate. A new publication by Kathryn A. Phillips in JAMA Health Forum addresses how to create more equitable yet sustainable open-access publication models.

Collaborator Emily Mrig Receives NIH K01 Career Development Award

TRANSPERS collaborator Emily Mrig received a five-year NIH K01 career development award, Promoting Access to Payment Pathways for Emerging Molecular Diagnostics. The project will analyze differences in patient-level factors associated with different payment pathways for molecular diagnostics, such as circulating tumor DNA tests for cancer patients. In addition, the study aims to identify, define, and prioritize institution-level interventions that are promising candidates to promote equitable access to payment pathways for cancer patients. Congratulations Emily!

TRANSPERS Publication on Multicancer Detection Tests Continues to Generate Wide Interest

A 2023 publication on payer perspectives on multicancer detection tests led by TRANSPERS collaborator Julia Trosman is one of the top-cited papers in Health Affairs Scholar since the journal’s launch in 2022. It has been widely circulated, as noted by its Altmetric score of 50. This manuscript explains that private payers see potential value in blood-based multicancer detection tests primarily for cancers without existing screening options and argues that test developers, researchers, health systems, and policymakers should consider payer views and evidentiary needs.

Conferences: TRANSPERS Collaborators Present at National Cancer Policy Forum and IQVIA Research Forum

Kathryn A. Phillips is excited to speak at the National Cancer Policy Forum (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine) on October 29 to address the timely issues of health insurance and coverage considerations for multicancer detection tests. You can register virtually or in person.

Danea Horn (on the right), our newest TRANSPERS colleague, recently presented at the IQVIA Institute Research Forum. She discussed that patients who see providers who are financially incentivized to prescribe outpatient medications are more likely to receive higher-cost, intensive treatment for breast cancer.

 

Fun Fact: TRANSPERS Collaborator is Founder of Comfort Food Vegan Restaurant!

Adding an entrepreneurial flavor to the TRANSPERS team's accomplishments, Danea Horn and her husband have brought a fresh take on fast food to Sacramento, California with their restaurant, Burger Patch - voted the best vegan food in Sacramento. The couple started the restaurant to provide an on-the-go option for those seeking vegan versions of their favorite meals. They call it "modern ingredients with a nostalgic taste." It's exciting to see one of our own at the forefront of the plant-based culinary movement.