In This Issue:

CEO Perspective

Legislative and Regulatory

• FDA Approves Tezepelumab as Add-On Treatment for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
• FDA Approves Oral Semaglutide for Risk of MACE for Patients with Diabetes
• New Menopause Drug to Target Hot Flashes Without Hormones Gets FDA Approval

Professional Practice

• Study: Shingles Vaccine Lowers Risk of Dementia, Major Cardiovascular Events
• Texas AG Sues Makers of Tylenol Over Claims of Hiding Autism Risks
• CMS Seeking Pharmacies to Enroll in Medicare Transaction Facilitator by Jan. 1

MPA News

• MSHP Award Winners Announced
• 2026-2027 MPA Executive Fellowship Application Opens Nov. 3
• MPA Welcomes Janet Elliott as Administrative Coordinator
• Apply for MPF Scholarships by Nov. 30
• Participate in the Pharmacy PAC Challenge
• ACE 2026 Room Booking and Call for Proposals

MPA CE Offerings

Career Opportunities

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Last call for MPA active pharmacists to renew your membership for the discounted price of $299! It’s our gift to you during American Pharmacists Month so be sure to act by Oct. 31, 2025.

I mentioned in my previous column that I would be traveling the past couple of weeks to New Orleans for the National Community Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting and Exposition and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations Fall Meeting, then to Marquette for the MPA Upper Peninsula Division Fall Conference. I hope you enjoyed the photos we shared on MPA social media.

I might add that it was quite a change in temperature as it was 85 degrees in New Orleans, but hovering in the 30s – with snow, no less – as I drove to Houghton to meet up with MPA President Ryan Greenley for a photo with the Michigan Pharmacy Week proclamation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Appreciated having Pharmacists Mutual Insurance representative Ron Devers with me for the ride – albeit without a coat!

Thank you to our members in the UP for the warm hospitality they shared with me and Ron. We thoroughly enjoyed the pharmacy visits and personalized tours we received. A special thanks to UP Division President Abby (Fenton) Johnson who got married just two weeks before the meeting, but pulled off a flawless event! Can’t wait to attend next year’s meeting!

Above left: MPA CEO Mark Glasper, PMCA Business Development Executive Ron Devers and MPA President Ryan Greenley take a photo with Gov. Whitmer's Pharmacy Week Proclamation at Aspirus Houghton. Above right: UP Division President Abby Johnson speaks at the MPA Upper Peninsula Division Fall Conference.

Mark A. Glasper

CEO

FDA Approves Tezepelumab as Add-On Treatment

for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

The FDA approved tezepelumab-ekko (Tezspire) for the add-on maintenance of inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSWNP) for patients 12 years and older. This marks the first and only biologic approved for this indication that targets thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP).

"For people living with CRSWNP, every breath can feel like a struggle and many endure years of recurring symptoms and surgeries without significant relief. The approval of Tezspire represents a meaningful advance, derived from our longstanding focus on complex inflammatory diseases rooted in epithelial biology," Jay Bradner, MD, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen, said in a news release. "This approval is an important step forward for patients who have long needed more durable options that address the root causes of this disease, while establishing the impact of TSLP inhibition beyond asthma."

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a chronic inflammatory sinus disease that is diagnosed after 12 weeks or more. It affects approximately 5% to 12% of the global population, according to the Allergy and Asthma Network. It can also be accompanied by nasal polyps, which are small noncancerous growths that line the nasal passages and sinuses. For patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, approximately 25% to 30% also have nasal polyps. Symptoms can include facial pressure or pain, decreased or absent sense of smell, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, postnasal drip, headaches and pain in the upper teeth. Current treatment includes corticosteroid nasal sprays, fluticasone with an exhalation delivery system, short-course oral corticosteroids, biologics and surgery.

FDA Approves Oral Semaglutide for Risk

of MACE for Patients with Diabetes

The FDA approved semaglutide (Rybelsus) tablets, the only oral glucagon-like peptide-1 medication, for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular (CV) death, heart attack, or stroke for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high risk for these events, even if they have had a prior CV event.

"Even in the absence of a previous heart attack or stroke, adults with type 2 diabetes face an increased risk of cardiovascular events, underscoring the need for therapies that go beyond managing blood sugar," John B. Buse, MD, PhD, distinguished professor of medicine and director of the University of North Carolina Diabetes Care Center, said in a news release. "Having an oral GLP-1 therapy to help improve glycemic control was an innovation in and of itself. This new indication, based on the SOUL data, marks even further advancement and showcases the versatility of semaglutide while expanding options for millions of people."

The approval was based on results from the SOUL (NCT03914326) trial, which examined the oral version of the semaglutide molecule. In the study, investigators aimed to determine if semaglutide had a positive effect on heart disease, with patients receiving either the oral drug or a placebo tablet. The study is expected to last for three to five years, and patients will have up to 25 clinic visits and one phone call with the study physician.

New Menopause Drug to Target Hot Flashes

Without Hormones Gets FDA Approval

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved another once-a-day pill that works without hormones to treat moderate to severe hot flashes in menopausal women, drugmaker Bayer said.

The drug, elinzanetant, is expected to be available in the United States beginning in November under the brand name Lynkuet, Bayer said.

It works by blocking the brain chemicals responsible for hot flashes and night sweats – what doctors call vasomotor symptoms – in menopausal women. It’s estimated that more than 80% of women have hot flashes during menopause.

Study: Shingles Vaccine Lowers Risk

of Dementia, Major Cardiovascular Events

Being vaccinated against herpes zoster, or shingles, is linked to lower risks of heart disease, dementia and death in people age 50 and older, according to new study presented at IDWeek 2025.

The study examined health records from more than 174,000 adults across 107 U.S. health systems. Vaccinated participants were followed for three months to seven years post-vaccination. Researchers compared outcomes from the shingles vaccine to the pneumococcal vaccine and found that adults who had received the shingles vaccine had a 50% lower risk of vascular dementia, 27% lower risk of blood clots, 25% lower risk of heart attack or stroke and 21% lower risk of death.

“Shingles is more than just a rash – it can raise the risk of serious problems for the heart and brain,” said Dr. Ali Dehghani, doctor of internal medicine at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine and presenting author. “Our study findings show that the shingles vaccine may help lower those risks, especially in people already at higher risk for heart attack or stroke.”

Texas AG Sues Makers of Tylenol

Over Claims of Hiding Autism Risks

The makers of Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue were sued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who accused them of knowingly hiding the drug's links to autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Paxton, a Republican, sued five weeks after Republican President Donald Trump said using Tylenol during pregnancy can cause autism in children. Trump is not a doctor, and his claim is unproven and not backed by scientific evidence.

Kenvue has repeatedly defended Tylenol's safety, and in a statement said it would defend against Paxton's lawsuit.

CMS Seeking Pharmacies to Enroll

in Medicare Transaction Facilitator by Jan. 1

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is asking pharmacies to enroll in a new system called the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF) to aid in the implementation of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The Negotiation Program will hit a new milestone on Jan. 1, 2026, when the negotiated maximum fair prices for the first 10 selected drugs will start to be available at the pharmacy counter under Medicare Part D.

The MTF will play a central role in implementing the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program by providing the operational infrastructure to facilitate the process by which drug manufacturers make the maximum fair prices available to pharmacies across the United States. For a quick overview of the MTF and the role it will play in implementing this program, view this short video: Enroll in the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF).

To help support the enrollment of pharmacies in Michigan, CMS has developed several resources:

• MTF Help Desk: Call, email, or live chat with an agent to receive direct support and answers to any questions.
• MTF FAQs: View our Frequently Asked Questions, covering the Negotiation Program broadly and a host of specific topics about the MTF and its operations.
• MTF Resources: CMS has published a variety of resources, including instructional videos, user guides, and fact sheets to support pharmacies in accessing, enrolling in, and using the MTF.
• Pharmacy and Dispensing Entity Webpage: View CMS’ dedicated webpage for pharmacies and other dispensing entities to access the latest information.

For more information or questions, reach out to MFPMedicareTransactionFacilitator@cms.hhs.gov.

2025 MSHP Award Winners Announced

The Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists recoginzed its annual award winners Oct. 24 at the MSHP Annual Meeting in Dearborn.

This year's MSHP honorees were:

• Edward Szandzik, BS Pharm, MBA, of Grosse Pointe Woods, was named the MSHP Pharmacist of the Year.
• The University of Michigan Hypertension Pharmacists Program, founded by the late Dr. Hae Mi Choe, received the MSHP President’s Award.
• Cole Orlikowski, Pharm.D., MBA, received the Professional Practice Award
• Rox Gatia, Pharm.D., MSHA, BCPS, was the recipient of the Joseph A. Oddis Leadership Award.
• The Bronson Methodist Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy Team was the inaugural recipient of the Excellence in Wellness Practice Award.

Edward Szandzik

University of Michigan Hypertension Pharmacists Program

Rox Gatia

Bronson Methodist Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy Team

Cole Orlikowski

Additionally, MSHP recognized the winners of the Ambulatory Care Video Competition. Congratulations again to Wiam Ouahab (first place), Carleigh Hendrickson (second place), and the team of Joseph Paul Javier, Remoun Kattoula and Obioma Opara (third place), who won cash prizes totaling $1,500!

Three teams from each of Michigan's colleges of pharmacy competed in the Clinical Skills Competition. Congratulations to winners Ali Abed and Regis Reka from Wayne State University!

MSHP would also like to thank Leigh Briscoe-Dwyer, immediate past president for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, who delivered the keynote address and conducted the swearing in of the 2026 MSHP board.

2026-2027 Executive Fellowship Application

Opens Starting Nov. 3

The application window for the 2026-2027 MPA Executive Fellowship will open beginning Nov. 3.

The mission of the MPA Executive Fellowship is to produce highly competent individuals who are prepared to assume high-level leadership positions in pharmacy practice and/or a professional association by providing exceptional training in all areas of organizational development and administration, including leadership, professional advancement and business growth. This unparalleled opportunity will introduce you to pharmacy leaders from across the country, setting you up for an executive career in any practice setting.

Program Requirements

• Doctor of Pharmacy degree, or anticipation of receipt of degree before June 30, 2026.
• Michigan pharmacist license, or anticipation of receipt of license by Oct. 1, 2026.
• Completion of a PGY-1 residency will be considered favorably, but is not required.

MPA is accepting applications through Feb. 13, 2026. An Executive Fellow will be selected by March 20, 2025. Click the button below for more information on how to apply.

MPA Welcomes Janet Elliott as Administrative Coordinator

MPA is excited to welcome Janet Elliott as its administrative coordinator, a new position within the Professional and Educational Affairs department.

Elliott’s background is in education and she started her career as a middle school teacher. In recent years, she has put those teacher skills to good use in administrative support roles, first with the Michigan Dental Association Foundation and more recently at Capital Area District Libraries.

When not working, Elliott enjoys giving back to the community in various volunteer capacities. She has filled a number of leadership roles ranging from PTO president when her kids were in elementary school to personal needs bank coordinator at her church now that’s she’s an empty nester.

Having lived in the South for 10 years, Janet returned to the Midwest in 2014 and appreciates all that “Pure Michigan” has to offer. However, she was born a Buckeye, her husband works for the Spartans and they have raised two Wolverines, so she maintains strict neutrality when it comes to college athletics.

Apply Now for Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Scholarships

Applications for the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation scholarships for 2025-2026 are now being accepted until Nov. 30. 

The Foundation provides scholarships to exceptional up-and-coming pharmacists. Since establishing the program in 2002, the Foundation has awarded more than $110,000 in scholarships to deserving future practitioners.

This year, a $3,000 MPF scholarship will be awarded to one student pharmacist at each of Michigan’s three colleges of pharmacy. Additionally, the Larry Wagenknecht Leadership Scholarship will award a $3,500 scholarship to a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities.

When funding allows, the Foundation Board of Trustees may award additional scholarships to student pharmacists who exhibit exceptional academic, leadership, and professional achievements. All scholarships will be presented on the second day of the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition, April 18, 2026, in Lansing. 

Along with your application, please submit a cover letter, CV or resume, and letter of recommendation. If materials are not received by Nov. 30 (application submitted online via the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Website), the application will not be considered by the MPF Scholarship Selection Committee.

Participate in the Pharmacy PAC Challenge

In 2025, the stakes are high – and so is the energy. Join fellow pharmacy professionals across the state in the Michigan Pharmacy PAC Challenge and help us make a powerful impact on the profession of pharmacy. Legislators need to hear from us – the pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists – who keep Michigan citizens healthy every single day.

Two Ways to Contribute

1. Host a legislative event through your local association. Invite your state and federal legislators to your practice site, or host a pharmacy advocacy town hall or political fundraiser with your membership. Our goal is for every active local association to host at least one event in 2025. MPA is willing to underwrite the costs for food, beverage and venue, up to $1,000, for each local. MPA staff is also available to coordinate programming, moderate discussion panels, or otherwise provide programming for events. All events will be featured in upcoming editions of the Michigan Pharmacy PAC Report.
2. Donate to Michigan Pharmacy PAC through the competition’s donation form below. The form will ask for your local association and your alma mater/college of pharmacy. The local association and college that raises the most dollars for Pharmacy PAC from July 1 to Dec. 1, 2025, will be declared the winner and receive special recognition at the 2026 MPA Annual Convention & Exposition in Lansing. Your donations help elect pharmacy-friendly lawmakers, protect your profession and advance patient care initiatives. Your support is the single most important factor in ensuring that pharmacy continues to have voice in the legislature.

This is more than a donation. It’s your voice. It’s your seat at the table.

If you have questions or need assistance with planning your event, please contact Eric Roath, Pharm.D., MBA, MPA director of government affairs at ERoath@MichiganPharmacists.org.

ACE 2026 Room Booking and Call for Proposals

Hotel booking is now available for the 2026 Annual Convention & Exposition, which will take place April 17-19, 2026, at the Lansing Center in Lansing.

MPA has reserved a room block at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 111 N. Grand Ave. To make a room reservation, visit the DoubleTree site and complete the steps below:

1. Once you select the room type, complete the Hotel Booking Form.
2. For date adjustment needs, please change the Check-in and Check-out date box at the top of site.
3. The booking form will ask for the guest details and email address.
4. The secure payment option is the section of the booking form that holds your credit card details. Input your credit card information.
5. Once you have completed this step, click the “Make Reservation” button and your reservation will be sent immediately to the hotel.

To make a room reservation by phone, call 1-833-904-2206 and reservations can assist with securing rooms. It is important that each of your guests identify themselves as part of the MPA's Annual Convention & Exposition 2026 group and provide reservations under the code “RDX” to receive the discounted group rate. Please ensure your reservations are made before the cutoff date of March 17, 2026.

Call for Proposals Open

MPA is now accepting continuing education program proposals for the Annual Convention & Exposition. All program submissions must have a patient-focused care component and be designed for pharmacists and/or pharmacy technicians in all practice settings.

In an effort to create a convention with more interaction between the presenter and participant, we encourage programs that contain at least one of the following: question and answer segment, open forum, and illustration and/or physical interaction. We are also emphasizing programs focusing on patient-centered care or specific disease states.

Note that each session will be 60 minutes. This is a change from previous conventions, which were 90 minute-sessions.

Please click the button below and complete the proposal form in its entirety. Proposals will be accepted until Nov. 14, 2025. Chosen proposals will be notified by the end of December 2025.

Pharmacy Technician

Immunization Training

Live Webinar – Nov. 12, Noon-1:30 p.m.

Mixed Format - Self Study Required

APhA Pharmacy-based

Immunization Training

– Q4 Live Webinar

Live Webinar – Nov. 19, 9-11 a.m.

Mixed Format - Self Study Required

Pharmacy Technician

Immunization Training

Live Webinar – Dec. 10, Noon-1:30 p.m.

Mixed Format - Self Study Required

NCAP Develops Substance Abuse Disorder Training Program

The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists has developed a comprehensive, one-time training program designed to give health care professionals a thorough understanding of preventing, detecting, and managing patients with substance use disorders. The program addresses prevention, treatment, and recovery, conceptualizing substance use disorder as a chronic brain disease affected by genetic, behavioral, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. The program will emphasize opioid use disorder (OUD) and is designed to equip participants with the information needed to treat and manage patients living with OUD effectively.

The target audience for this advanced-level training includes physicians, nurse practitioners/nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists as well as clinicians who see patients with addiction in primary care, emergency/urgent care, treatment centers, or general psychiatry settings.

Sign up now!

IBT Home Studies

Couldn't make it to a live implicit bias training (IBT) session? Not to worry, our IBT home studies could be right for you! MPA currently offers two IBT home studies. Both meet all current Michigan licensing requirements. Click the buttons below to get started!

Looking for Something Else? Try MPA's On-Demand CE

In addition, MPA offers other on-demand pharmacy CE on a variety of topics that can be accessed 24/7/365 on its website. Click the button below to view our catalog of programs.

Registered Pharmacist

Hannahville Indian Community

N14911 Hannahville Rd.

Wilson, MI 49896

This full-time position involves dispensing prescription medications, providing comprehensive drug information and ensuring patients fully understand their prescribed treatment plans. The role includes monitoring patient health and medication effectiveness to promote safe and optimal outcomes. Responsibilities also include accurately filling prescriptions, adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements and overseeing the overall operation of the pharmacy, including billing and compliance. Additionally, this position delegates tasks to pharmacy technicians and ensures proper supervision to maintain high standards of patient care and pharmacy operations.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BS) or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from an accredited U.S. college of pharmacy and hold an active, unrestricted license in good standing with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. A valid Board of Pharmacy Controlled Substance License is required, along with a Michigan driver’s license that complies with HIC insurance carrier requirements and reliable transportation. CPR certification is necessary or must be obtained within six months of hire. The ideal candidate should have a broad and current knowledge of medications, including potential interactions, as well as strong analytical skills to interpret complex medical information and recommend appropriate solutions. Excellent verbal communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with patients, healthcare providers, and other professionals.

WAGE: Commensurate upon qualifications.

DEADLINE: UNTIL FILLED

How to Apply: Submit completed “Application for Employment” to the Human Resources Department in the Tribal Administration building or mail original application postmarked with copies of licenses and credentials. 

Application can be found here: hannahville.net/documents

Employment selection made pursuant to the Hannahville Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO) Title IV Chapter 3. Indian Preference.

Nov. 6: CSPM Board of Directors

Nov. 11: MPA Executive Board

Nov. 14: MSPT Board of Directors

Nov. 18: MSCP Board of Directors

Nov. 27-28: Thanksgiving (MPA closed)

Dec. 24-25: Christmas (MPA closed)

Dec. 31-Jan. 1: New Year's (MPA closed)

MPA Events Calendar