Course Detail (Course Description By Faculty)

The Business of Pharmaceuticals (33351)

Qato, Ream>>

This course introduces key contemporary and emerging issues in the US healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. Part I provides (a) a grounding in the industry’s institutional features, in particular the role played by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regulating the sector, (b) an overview of key stakeholders involved in drug launch and commercialization, and (c) each stakeholders economic incentives in this competitive market. Once students understand the landscape, stakeholders, and incentives, Part II will turn to (a) the interplay between the stakeholders, (b)  the current and anticipated changes to this highly dynamic industry, and (c) focus on recent Policy updates, emerging product categories, and a critical consideration of the future of healthcare delivery and payment in the US.

The main course textbook is Campbell, J. J. (2008) Understanding Pharma: The Professionals Guide to how Pharmaceutical Companies really work, Pharmaceutical Institute, Raleigh.

Additional weekly readings listed in syllabus.

Case Write-Ups (60%)
Students will be required to respond to questions for 3 of 5 case prompts. Students may work individually or in teams of two to respond to the cases. 

Discussion (20%)
Students will be offered opportunities to participate in discussion in each class. This will be graded on their level of preparation, the clarity of contributions and the attention to and engagement with the topic of discussion.

Final Essay (20%)
Students will be given three prompts related to a controversial topic impacting the industry. Essays should demonstrate a detailed understanding of the specificities of the case, its place in the wider healthcare landscape, and a thoughtful strategy on how they would approach posed prompt should they be executives at a leading stakeholder firm.
 
  • No auditors
Description and/or course criteria last updated: August 07 2025
SCHEDULE
  • Autumn 2025
    Section: 33351-85
    S 1:30 PM-4:30 PM
    Gleacher Center
    308
    In-Person Only

The Business of Pharmaceuticals (33351) - Qato, Ream>>

This course introduces key contemporary and emerging issues in the US healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. Part I provides (a) a grounding in the industry’s institutional features, in particular the role played by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regulating the sector, (b) an overview of key stakeholders involved in drug launch and commercialization, and (c) each stakeholders economic incentives in this competitive market. Once students understand the landscape, stakeholders, and incentives, Part II will turn to (a) the interplay between the stakeholders, (b)  the current and anticipated changes to this highly dynamic industry, and (c) focus on recent Policy updates, emerging product categories, and a critical consideration of the future of healthcare delivery and payment in the US.

The main course textbook is Campbell, J. J. (2008) Understanding Pharma: The Professionals Guide to how Pharmaceutical Companies really work, Pharmaceutical Institute, Raleigh.

Additional weekly readings listed in syllabus.

Case Write-Ups (60%)
Students will be required to respond to questions for 3 of 5 case prompts. Students may work individually or in teams of two to respond to the cases. 

Discussion (20%)
Students will be offered opportunities to participate in discussion in each class. This will be graded on their level of preparation, the clarity of contributions and the attention to and engagement with the topic of discussion.

Final Essay (20%)
Students will be given three prompts related to a controversial topic impacting the industry. Essays should demonstrate a detailed understanding of the specificities of the case, its place in the wider healthcare landscape, and a thoughtful strategy on how they would approach posed prompt should they be executives at a leading stakeholder firm.
 
  • No auditors
Description and/or course criteria last updated: August 07 2025
SCHEDULE
  • Autumn 2025
    Section: 33351-85
    S 1:30 PM-4:30 PM
    Gleacher Center
    308
    In-Person Only