Market Access (or alternatively reimbursement) in health care is THE key competence in order to be commercially successful with a new drug, medical device or digital health application. However, given the fact that market access is a complex field involving various disciplines and is an ever-changing field, it is difficult to be up to speed with the different evolvements across the world.
MAP is THE bi-weekly Market Access Podcast provided by MArS Market Access & Pricing Strategy, which is your health care consultancy in the German-speaking markets and allows you to keep up to date with market access , reimbursement and pricing issues in the D-A-CH countries and around the world. With MAP you will get a summary of core market access systems and processes as well as latest changes in regulations including statements and opinions of core decision makers and stakeholders from various countries.
The CEO and founder of MArS is also the driver behind MAP: Dr. Stefan Walzer works in the field of payer strategy, pricing, health economics and reimbursement since 2004 and is the founder and CEO of MArS Market Access & Pricing Strategy GmbH based in Germany. MArS makes it as easy as possible for you to get your Pharmaceutical, MedTech or digital health product to the market and of course get the price it deserves.
Stefan previously worked as a payer consultant for various global pharmaceutical and medical device / diagnostic companies, successfully launching their products across the world. He was the Global Payer Strategy Leader for various products and compounds at F. Hoffmann – La Roche AG, where he successfully developed early payer strategies as well as launching and maintaining the reimbursement process for top brands and early compounds. Stefan is capable in translating the clinical and economic evidence into successful reimbursement submissions and pricing negotiations especially in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Additionally he teaches market access, pricing and negotiations at the State University of Baden-Wuerttemberg and the University of Applied Sciences Weingarten-Ravensburg (both Germany).
Besides other roles and responsibilities. Stefan was the head of the committee “Inpatient care” of the German Health Economic Association (DGGÖ). Furthermore he is also a member of the Austrian Health Economic Association (ATHEA) and the Swiss Health Economic Association (SGGÖ). Additionally, he is a member of the Access Advisory Committee of the Global Pneumonia Prevention Coalition.
Stefan received a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Tuebingen (Germany), a PhD in Health Economics from the University of Zurich (Switzerland) and a post-graduate diploma in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK). He is co-author of more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than 300 scientific abstracts.
Are We Overlooking the Real Benefits of Medical Innovation, Dr. Ahmed Seddik?
Join the latest episode of the Market Access Podcast, where our host Dr. Stefan Walzer and expert Dr. Ahmed Seddik dissect the complexities of the societal impact of medical innovation. Dr. Ahmed Seddik shares important insights from his journey starting as a dentist in Egypt to his PhD research in health economics and social impact, focusing on how the access to innovation transforms communities and economies.Explore how medical innovation shapes healthcare systems and economies, and take part in the discussion of how health economics, cost-effectiveness, and societal impact influence reimbursement decisions. Listen now to learn more about how different countries integrate social value into healthcare policies and what the future holds for market access and innovation adoption.Curious to explore this topic further? You can find Ahmed Seddik’s thesis here: The social impact of medical innovationsStay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #HealthEconomics #MedicalInnovation #SocialImpact #HealthcarePolicy #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
33 min
1 April 2025
What Are the Biggest Challenges in Implementing AI in Pharma, Jan Kroschinski?
How can AI revolutionize Market Access, and what does it take to drive successful change in pharma? Tune into the latest episode of MAP, the Market Access Podcast, where our host Dr. Stefan Walzer and Jan Kroschinski, an expert in digital transformation, will delve into change management and AI adoption in pharma.Follow along as they explore how AI can streamline processes like dossier writing and HTA submissions, while tackling resistance to change. Discover strategies for effective AI adoption, leadership engagement, and risk vs. opportunity - how to shift from fear-based thinking to opportunity-driven AI adoption. Get ahead of the AI curve with this insightful discussion!Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #AI #DigitalTransformation #ChangeManagement #Pharma #HealthTech #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
43 min
15 March 2025
How Can Startups Leverage Market Access to Attract Investors, Johan Olsson?
In the latest episode of MAP, the Market Access Podcast, our host Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with Johan Olsson, a seasoned life sciences investor, to uncover the critical role of market access and reimbursement in early-stage healthcare investments.They explore how early market access planning impacts healthcare startups, investment decisions, and commercialization success. Discover why pricing, reimbursement, and payer strategies are key to securing funding, mitigating risk, and maximizing valuation. An understanding of the market access landscape can make or break a healthcare startup’s valuation, funding potential, and commercial viability. Tune in now to learn how to navigate market access for healthcare investments!Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #HealthcareInvestments #BiotechStartups #ReimbursementStrategies #Commercialization #AIHealthcare #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
33 min
1 March 2025
How Are Data Privacy Laws Delaying Patient Access to New Treatments, Douglas Drake and Adam Skali?
In this episode of MAP, Dr. Stefan Walzer, together with experts Douglas Drake and Adam Skali, unpacks the complexities of how GDPR regulations affect real-world evidence, cross-border studies, and market access in Europe. The discussion highlights data privacy challenges, delays in commercialization, and the future of healthcare data regulation. Learn more about how data privacy laws create barriers for cross-border studies, delaying access to life-saving treatments, and how companies can navigate these hurdles and optimize market entry strategies. Can Europe find a balance between data privacy and innovation? Tune in to explore the challenges, solutions, and what’s next for healthcare in the EU.Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#GDPR, #MarketAccess, #Real-WorldEvidence, #HealthcareData, #Pharma, #MedTech, #Cross-BorderStudies #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
34 min
15 February 2025
How Can Innovation Planning Transform Market Access Success, Dr. Kasia Hein-Peters?
Tune in to the latest episode of MAP, the Market Access Podcast, where Dr. Stefan Walzer sits down with Amazon bestselling author Dr. Kasia Hein-Peters to explore the power of structured innovation planning. Get a deeper understanding of how healthcare companies better can balance short-term commercialization with long-term innovation, as well as what roles of AI, digital twins and scenario-based planning play in shaping market access. Hear the expert insights on commercialization, reimbursement, and future-proofing market access strategies. From Horizon 1 (current business) to Horizon 3 (future disruptions), this episode unpacks the key strategies to ensure market access success in an evolving healthcare landscape.Get the book: Innovation Planner 2025 by Dr Kasia Hein-PetersStay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #HealthcareInnovation #AI #DigitalHealth #InnovationManagement #Pharma #MedTech #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
33 min
1 February 2025
How does early Market Access bridge the gap between innovation and commercial success, Catherine Bacon?
Discover the newest episode of MAP, the Market Access Podcast, your go-to podcast for all things Market Access. In todays episode our host Dr. Stefan Walzer dives deep into early market access in commercialization planning, bridging the gap between innovation and market success. Joined by Catherine Bacon, founder of Fingerpost Consulting, the conversation unpacks the critical steps early-stage healthcare companies must take to ensure patient access, maximize funding, and achieve commercial success.Explore the importance of early market access in commercialization planning. Learn how to align clinical trials, evidence generation, and payer requirements to ensure patient access and commercial success. Whether you’re aiming for a successful exit or launching your own product, this episode is packed with actionable advice to secure your path to market success by 2030 and beyond.Tune in to the full episode and explore how Market Access 4.0 is transforming healthcare commercialization! Take the chance to stay connected and subscribe with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP PodcastsMAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketacces4-0.dewww.marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #HealthcareInnovation #PharmaFuture #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
31 min
15 January 2025
A Flourishing Career in Pharmaceutical Market Access: Which Skills Are Essential, Dipti Tankala? (Repost)
This is a repost of a popular episode of MAP - Market Access Podcast, from March 15th 2024.Explore the inspiring journey of Dipti Tankala in this podcast episode as she delves into market access within the pharmaceutical industry. From facing challenges in community pharmacy to leading in oncology market access, Dipti shares valuable insights on making impactful career transitions. Market Access veteran Dr. Stefan Walzer and Dipti Tankala also talk about the significance of networking, mentorship, and the essential skills for success. This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to navigate the complex world of market access and leverage opportunities in the pharmaceutical field. Tune in to unlock your career potential with expert advice from a seasoned market access professional.Take the chance to stay connected and subscribe with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP PodcastsMAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketacces4-0.dewww.marketaccess4-0.com/#Medtech #MarketAccess #Canada #HealthcareSystem #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast #medtech
32 min
15 December 2024
What happens, when negotiations fail, Prof. Dr. Jürgen Wasem? (Repost)
This is a repost of a popular episode of MAP - Market Access Podcast, from December 15th 2021.Who could be better to tell us the real insights, how the arbitration board works than Prof. Dr. Juergen Wasem, the former head of the AMNOG arbitration board and the current head of the DiGA arbitration board. In this wide ranging conversation Dr. Stefan Walzer confronted Prof. Wasem with in-depth issues to take the arbitration board as well into strategic considerations.Take the chance to stay connected and subscribe with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP PodcastsMAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketacces4-0.dewww.marketaccess4-0.com/#MarketAccess #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast
38 min
1 December 2024
How can people get equal access to pharmaceuticals, Dr. Nina Lathia? (Repost)
This is a repost of a popular episode of MAP - Market Access Podcast, from April 15th 2023.All patients within all populations should have access to high quality medications that improve their health outcomes regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status or any other individual factors, wrote Dr. Utibe R. Essien in an Jama article 2021. But how does reality look like? Equality in access starts with the generalizability of RCT data and the inclusion and exclusion criteria for these studies. But it does not stop there. How do regulators, payers and physicians work against inequality? The market access veteran Dr. Stefan Walzer and the Canadian health economist Dr. Nina Lathia have discussed these pharmacoequity issues from a global perspective. What does this mean for drug development? What does this mean for clinical trials?Let’s not leave these questions with politicians alone. The voice from all stakeholders is needed and wanted. Take the chance to stay connected and subscribe with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP PodcastsMAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketacces4-0.dewww.marketaccess4-0.com/#podcasthost #podcastshow #podcastepisode #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast #reimbursement #pricingstrategy #negotiations #pricing #Canada #pharmacoequity #pharma #healthcare
30 min
15 November 2024
How might digitization change health care in Germany by 2035, Julian Molitor? (Repost)
This is a repost of a popular episode of MAP - Market Access Podcast, from October 1st 2022.Digital health could improve the efficiency, care and way patients are treated in all health care systems in the next years. Germany has started by implementing digital health applications (“DIGAs”) and is currently on its way to improve the digital infrastructure in hospitals. Anyway, some core questions remain such as reimbursement for high risk medical devices, e.g. artificial intelligence (AI), interoperability.Dr. Stefan Walzer and Julian Molitor are discussing the current state as well as future opportunities with digital tools across the health care system. If you need to know where the German adoption is with respect to digitization you should not miss this podcast episode. Stay updated for upcoming webinars through LinkedIn, and take the chance to stay connected through subscribing with your favorite podcasting platform or directly listen on our website: MAP Podcasts MAP is the first and only bi-weekly market access podcast provided by MArS. For more information about MArS Market Access and Pricing Strategy visit: https://marketaccess4-0.com/#podcasthost #podcastshow #podcastepisode #marketaccess #marketaccesspodcast #reimbursement #pricingstrategy #digitalisation #germany
