ATS Assembly on Pediatrics Advocacy Series Podcast: Policy Related Advocacy

This is the second episode of our Advocacy Series — a collection of podcasts dedicated to exploring key issues in pediatric pulmonology.In this episode, Robyn Cohen, MD, MPH, and Will Feldman, MD, DPhil, MPH, share their experiences in policy-related advocacy, focusing on inhaler policy, including topics related to Flovent (Fluticasone). They discuss recent developments, challenges, and barriers in inhaler policy, as well as practical tips and strategies for engaging in policy work.00:00 – Podcast Opening, Hosts, Topic Setup & Guest Introductions02:40 – Early Experiences, Origins of Inhaler Advocacy & Media Attention05:00 – Pediatric vs Adult Perspectives, Policy Challenges & Initial Industry/Regulatory Issues10:00 – Ongoing Aftermath of Inhaler Discontinuations, Community Impact & System Barriers15:00 – Market Forces, Dry-Powder Alternatives, Patents & Device Innovation Limitations19:57 - Patent Protection, New Products, and Market Incentives22:01 - Environmental Concerns, Formularies, and Clinician Constraints24:03 - Recommended Resources and Understanding Patents/PBMs26:09 - Advocacy Challenges, Publishing Op-Eds, and Media Engagement29:04 - Policy Barriers, Authorized Generics, and Institutional Advocacy SupportAdditional Resources:Dr. Feldman’s Testimony regarding  pharmaceutical patents before the Senate Judiciary Committee:https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-activity/hearings/ensuring-affordable-and-accessible-medications-examining-competition-in-the-prescription-drug-marketA version of Dr. Feldman’s written testimony:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40197405/Letter in Peds Pulmonology describing the experience of inhaler advocacy:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40105398/Cohen RT, Christy Sadreameli S, Coates AC, Nelson BA, O'Sullivan BP; Members of the Advocacy Subcommittee of the American Thoracic Society Pediatrics Assembly and the New England Pediatric Pulmonary Consortium. Ensuring Inhaler Access for Children: A Case Study in Advocacy by Pediatric Pulmonologists. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2025 Mar;60(3):e71055. doi: 10.1002/ppul.71055. PMID: 40105398.Op-Ed from Drs. Christy Sadreameli and Dr. Robyn Cohen:https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2024-04-18/asthma-inhaler-chaos-leaves-us-doctors-and-the-children-we-treat-out-of-breath