Advancing Biosimilars in the US

The Challenge

The organization sought to draw attention to how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) drive up prescription drug costs for patients that need life-saving medicines. By building media interest, developing thought leadership content, and driving social media engagement online, Signal helped the group create urgency around the need of PBM reform. The effort drew significant interest throughout the industry and on Capitol Hill.

Signal also helped the group educate lawmakers on the need to address high drug prices created by PBMs through identifying speaking opportunities, creating toolkits to empower supporters to communicate key messages, and launching strategic digital campaigns. Signal also helped create new messaging materials and resources for the client’s website.

The Solution

Signal conducted extensive research and media outreach to build momentum on the pharmaceutical industry’s point of view. Signal also conducted reporter education at trade and top tier media outlets, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. This strategy put the PBM monopoly under pressure and shaped stories in the most influential national, beltway, and healthcare publications in the United States.

The results were impactful. In 2024, this strategy created more than 1,000 news stories on PBMs, disruptive news stories in top-tier publications, op-eds in health publications that shape the narrative, and stories that drove lawmakers to action. Signal’s efforts helped make the group’s executive director the top voice in the industry. She was often the only industry voice in top-tier media outlets.

Services

• Strategic Communications
• Media Relations
• Public Affairs
• Digital Strategy
• Message Development