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 Introductions
02:40 – Early Experiences, Origins of Inhaler Advocacy & Media Attention
05:00 – Pediatric vs Adult Perspectives, Policy Challenges & Initial Industry/Regulatory Issues
10:00 – Ongoing Aftermath of Inhaler Discontinuations, Community Impact & System Barriers
15:00 – Market Forces, Dry-Powder Alternatives, Patents & Device Innovation Limitations
19:57 - Patent Protection, New Products, and Market Incentives
22:01 - Environmental Concerns, Formularies, and Clinician Constraints
24:03 - Recommended Resources and Understanding Patents/PBMs
26:09 - Advocacy Challenges, Publishing Op-Eds, and Media Engagement
29:04 - Policy Barriers, Authorized Generics, and Institutional Advocacy Support
Additional 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-market
A 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
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 Introductions
02:40 – Early Experiences, Origins of Inhaler Advocacy & Media Attention
05:00 – Pediatric vs Adult Perspectives, Policy Challenges & Initial Industry/Regulatory Issues
10:00 – Ongoing Aftermath of Inhaler Discontinuations, Community Impact & System Barriers
15:00 – Market Forces, Dry-Powder Alternatives, Patents & Device Innovation Limitations
19:57 - Patent Protection, New Products, and Market Incentives
22:01 - Environmental Concerns, Formularies, and Clinician Constraints
24:03 - Recommended Resources and Understanding Patents/PBMs
26:09 - Advocacy Challenges, Publishing Op-Eds, and Media Engagement
29:04 - Policy Barriers, Authorized Generics, and Institutional Advocacy Support
Additional 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-market
A 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
Creators and Guests
Host
Shikha Saxena, MD
Pediatric Pulmonologist Director, Pulmonary Asthma Program Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
Guest
Robyn Cohen, MD, MPH
Pediatric Pulmonologist Director, Pediatric Pulmonary and Allergy Clinic Boston Medical Center Boston, MA
Guest
Will Feldman, MD, DPhil, MPH
Pulmonologist and Health Services Researcher University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
