Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Forces Driving Drug Prices

In this episode of Breaking Brad, Brad and drug pricing expert Alex Gelfand, PharmD, attempt to demystify the opaque worlds of drug pricing and health insurance in the United States. They discuss the chain of custody for a drug—from the manufacturer to the patient who picks it up at the pharmacy—and highlight the many "hands in the pocket" along the way. They discuss the powerful role pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play in the pricing, as well as insurance companies that own every link of the drug custody chain. They argue for greater transparency and simpler distribution models using examples such as Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Pharmacy. Guest: Alex Gelfand, PharmD Email: [e-mail] Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-gelfand-76471237/ Brad Burnam: Email: [e-mail] Website: www.breakingbradshow.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realbreakingbrad IG: https://www.instagram.com/realbreakingbrad X: https://x.com/breakingbradb LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realbreakingbrad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realbreakingbrad Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@realbreakingbrad YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realbreakingbrad Podcast Platforms: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Pandora, Stitcher Listen to the full episode on our website: https://bit.ly/3Jlbk9g MEDICAL DISCLAIMER Breaking Brad: Cures, Unfiltered is intended solely for general informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute medical practice, clinical services, or professional healthcare advice, nor does it create a doctor–patient relationship. No diagnosis, treatment plan, or specific course of action should be inferred from any discussion. Any reliance on the information provided—whether spoken, written, or accessed through linked materials—is at your own discretion and risk. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified, licensed healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition, and never delay seeking care because of something heard or seen on this show. If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER Guests—and the host—of Breaking Brad: Cures, Unfiltered may have past, present, or future affiliations with companies, organizations, or institutions. On this show, they speak only for themselves. The views expressed are their own and do not represent official positions, policies, or statements of any entity they are affiliated with, unless explicitly stated otherwise during the episode.  SPONSORSHIP & AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE We may include sponsored segments, advertisements, or paid partnerships in episodes, which will be clearly disclosed within the episode or accompanying written materials. If affiliate links are ever included in our content, they will be clearly identified, and any potential commission will come at no additional cost to you. A current list of sponsors, if any, is available upon request. PRODUCTION DISCLOSURE Breaking Brad: Cures, Unfiltered is independently produced and is not affiliated with any academic institution, medical organization, government agency, or business entity unless expressly stated in the episode. Any such affiliations will be disclosed when relevant to the content. CONTENT USE & COPYRIGHT NOTICE All audio, video, and written content from Breaking Brad: Cures, Unfiltered is protected by copyright. You may not reproduce, redistribute, or repurpose any portion of the content without prior written consent, except as permitted under fair use for commentary or review with proper attribution. Unauthorized use may result in legal action.