Supporting pharmacists' role in advancing safe, effective, and optimal use of breakthrough therapies
Today, ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) announced the launch of the ASHP Center for Next-Generation Therapeutics, a major new initiative supporting hospital and health-system pharmacy in navigating the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape of cell and gene therapies (CGTs) and other high-cost cutting-edge treatments.
Breakthrough therapies are transforming healthcare and offering life-changing, sometimes curative, options for patients who previously had few or no treatments. These therapies also pose significant clinical, operational, safety, ethical, and financial challenges, underscoring the need for strong pharmacy leadership.
“Innovations in cell, gene, and other next-generation therapies are extraordinary, with strong implications for patients and health systems,” said ASHP CEO Paul W. Abramowitz, PharmD, ScD (Hon), FASHP. “Pharmacy leaders must be at the forefront to ensure these therapies are safe, effective, and affordable. The ASHP Center for Next-Generation Therapeutics will be an essential resource in advancing the optimal use of breakthrough therapies.”
As of early 2025, the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Therapeutic Products was reviewing more than 2,500 active investigational new drug applications for CGTs. By 2030, more than 1,500 new therapies are expected to reach patients, with a combined budget impact exceeding $40 billion.
ASHP has invested significantly in education, practice guidance, drug information, and executive leadership around these therapies. Initiatives include the Advanced Therapeutics Summit, a Pharmacy Executive Leadership Alliance® conference on strategic directions in formulary, drug policy, and high-cost drug management, a Policy Week Joint Session, and two ASHP/ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Forecast reports exploring the treatments.
“The ASHP Center for Next-Generation Therapeutics builds on our extensive contributions to the safe and effective use of these breakthrough therapies, including the recommendations from ASHP’s 2025 Advanced Therapeutics Summit, extensive educational offerings that address all aspects of optimal use, and our rigorous drug information resources,” said Daniel J. Cobaugh, PharmD, DABAT, FAACT, senior vice president of professional development and publishing at ASHP and editor-in-chief of AJHP.
Guided by recommendations from the Advanced Therapeutics Summit, the center will focus on six key priorities, including:
- Patient Care and Access
- Implementation and Operational Considerations
- Workforce Preparedness
- Professional Resource Development
- Health System Policy, Governance, and Finance
- Advocacy and Research
The center will be led by a steering committee of clinical pharmacist specialists, medication safety leaders, revenue cycle and payer experts, investigational drug specialists, clinical executives, and chief pharmacy officers. Invitations will also be extended to medical, nursing, and other experts.
“Next-generation therapies are redefining what is possible in patient care,” said Abramowitz. “Pharmacy professionals must lead the way to ensure these therapies fulfill their promise for patients, and this center is our commitment to that leadership.”
Visit ashp.org/nextgentherapeutics for more information about the center.
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About ASHP
ASHP is the largest association of pharmacy professionals in the United States, representing 60,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in all patient care settings, including hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and health-system community pharmacies. For over 80 years, ASHP has championed innovation in pharmacy practice, advanced education and professional development, and served as a steadfast advocate for members and patients. In addition, ASHP is the accrediting body for pharmacy residency and technician training programs and provides comprehensive resources to support pharmacy professionals through every stage of their careers. For more information, visit ashp.org and ASHP’s consumer website, SafeMedication.com. Learn more about ASHP’s public awareness campaign at yourpharmacist.org.
