In This Issue:

CEO Perspective

Professional Practice

• GSK: Drug Combo Cuts Risk of Death by 42% in Type of Blood Cancer
• Abbvie's Parkinson's Drug Improves Patient Mobility in Late-Stage Study
• Cabrini Clinic in Detroit Seeks Volunteer Pharmacists
• Program Aims to Bolster Data on Respiratory Pathogens in Michigan

Legislative and Regulatory

• HHS Extends Prep Act Through 2029

MPA News

• ACE 2025 Registration is Open!
• Apply Now for MPA Executive Fellowship
• Renew Your Membership for 2025
• MPA Poster Presentations at ACE
• Call for Speakers – Mini Management Moments at ACE

Upcoming Live MPA CE Offerings

Upcoming Meetings and Events

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PrimeRx is a Michigan Pharmacists Association Emerald Annual Sponsor.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like without MPA?

In the movie "It’s a Wonderful Life," James Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) discovers exactly what life would have been like if he had never been born. He visits a world that does not recognize him or what he meant to the people of his town or even his own family. He soon finds out that his world was a better place with him in it.

The same can be said for being a member of MPA. Just imagine what life would be like if you didn’t have MPA advocating for you in Lansing. Or think about what your life would be like without all the networking contacts you have through MPA. Consider never being able to call MPA and have one of our talented pharmacists answer your technical, legal and/or regulatory questions. The list goes on.

The moral of the story is that life is better with MPA. And it’s time to renew your membership if you haven’t already. Be sure to do so before Dec. 31 and continue receiving all the benefits of a life with MPA!

 Now that’s a wonderful life! 

Mark A. Glasper

CEO

GSK: Drug Combo Cuts Risk of Death

by 42% in Type of Blood Cancer

British drugmaker GSK says its experimental cancer drug Blenrep in combination with other treatments reduced the risk of death by 42% in multiple myeloma, a common type of blood cancer, at or after first relapse compared to an existing treatment.

An interim analysis of data from a trial dubbed 'DREAMM-7' showed the drug in combination with the drug bortezomib plus the steroid dexamethasone showed statistically significant overall survival results compared to a standard of care daratumumab combination as a second line or later treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, GSK said.

The data projects that on average, patients on the Blenrep combination will survive nearly three years longer, GSK said.

AbbVie's Parkinson's Drug Improves

Patient Mobility in Late-Stage Study

AbbVie's experimental drug to treat early Parkinson's disease helped significantly improve patients' ability to carry out daily tasks such as eating and walking, months after the drugmaker disclosed its success in a separate study.

The late-stage study tested the safety and efficacy of flexible doses of the once-daily drug, tavapadon, ranging from 5 milligrams (mg) to 15 mg, as a monotherapy, the company said on Monday.

AbbVie acquired the drug through its $8.7 billion purchase of Cerevel Therapeutics last year as its rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira, once the world's best-selling treatment, faces a sharp fall in sales due to competition from close copies.

"Although questions remain on tavapadon's competitive profile, this shows at least some payoff for the Cerevel transaction," said Piper Sandler analyst Christopher Raymond.

Cabrini Clinic Seeks Volunteer Pharmacists

The Cabrini Clinic, 1234 Porter St. in Detroit, is seeking volunteer pharmacists.

Cabrini Clinic is in Detroit’s historic Corktown District and is the oldest free clinic in the country. It has a state-of-the-art dispensary with the SRS computer system in addition to a very well-stocked inventory. Patients are the uninsured and underserved members of our community, including many people of Hispanic and Arabic ethnicities. The clinic is looking for a commitment to only one shift per month for approximately two to three hours.  

If you think you can help with this important local outreach, please contact Kristen McErlean, Nurse Practitioner and clinical lead at Cabrini Clinic, for more details at cabriniclinic.com, or call 313-961-7863.

Program Aims to Bolster Data

on Respiratory Pathogens in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) sentinel surveillance program collects statewide data to track circulating respiratory pathogens in Michigan. The sentinel surveillance program is a volunteer-based program through which clinics and health systems in Michigan provide a limited number of specimens to the BOL for processing and generation of pathogen activity reports. However, numerous areas of the state, including the northern regions of the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula, have little to no data submitted to the state.

To enhance sentinel surveillance data in the State of Michigan, the Michigan Pharmacists Association, the Collaboration for Advance Pharmacy Enterprises (CAPE) at Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, and the MDHHS BOL are launching a project to enroll community pharmacies as sentinel surveillance sites. We are looking for volunteer pharmacies to participate in a pilot program for the 2024-25 respiratory season. Sites will be provided materials and training to collect specimen for individuals with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection and asked to submit 10-20 specimens to the MDHHS BOL monthly. These data will be used to generate pathogen activity reports for various regions in Michigan.

HHS Extends PREP Act Through 2029

The Department of Health and Human Services has extended the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act Declaration for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID-19 until December 31, 2029. This extension continues liability immunity for the manufacture, distribution, administration, and use of specific medical countermeasures related to COVID-19. The amendment is effective as of Jan. 1, 2025.

• Extension Period: The PREP Act Declaration now extends through December 31, 2029.
• Scope:
• Provides liability immunity to covered persons against claims of loss related to the administration or use of designated medical countermeasures, except in cases of willful misconduct.
• Authorizes state licensed pharmacists to order and administer certain vaccines and authorizes pharmacy interns and qualified pharmacy technicians to administer certain vaccines, when specified requirements are met.
• Authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer certain point-of-care tests and authorizes pharmacy interns and qualified pharmacy technicians to administer certain point-of-care tests, when specified requirements are met.
• Reason for Extension: Despite the public health emergency for COVID-19 ending on May 11, 2023, HHS has determined there remains a credible risk that COVID-19 may again pose a public health emergency in the future. This extension aims to prepare for and mitigate that risk.
• More information: For more information, please see the notice in the Federal Register.

ACE 2025 Registration is OPEN!

Registration for the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition is now OPEN! ACE 2025 is the premier pharmacy continuing education event in Michigan, taking place April 11-13, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Sign up now and save with MPA's early bird registration rate, which is available until Jan. 31. Member pharmacists who sign up by Jan. 31 can get $70 off their ACE rate! To view the full table of convention pricing, click here.

We encourage our members to make the 2025 ACE their "stay-cation" – golf, water activities and wineries are just a few things you can do in beautiful Traverse City. After you register for ACE 2025, be sure to book your room at the Grand Traverse Resort. MPA's room block is already more than half full, so act now! Click the booking link below or call 231-534-6001 to speak with a reservations agent. Attendees will receive the discounted rate if they mention the Michigan Pharmacists Association.

Apply for the MPA Executive Fellowship Program

MPA is proud to announce the return of its Executive Fellowship program beginning summer 2025!

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 (Pharm.D.) degree, or anticipation of receipt of degree prior to June 30, 2025.
• Michigan pharmacist license, or anticipation of receipt of license by Oct. 1, 2025.
• Completion of a PGY-1 residency will be considered favorably but is not required.

MPA is accepting applications through Feb. 21, 2025. An Executive Fellow will be selected by March 21, 2025. Click the button below or scan the QR code above for more information on how to apply.

It's Time to Renew Your Membership

There are many benefits to renewing your membership with MPA, including:

• Direct access to experts who can answer law and practice questions
• Networking opportunities with pharmacy professionals, such as complimentary membership in our local county associations and practice sections
• Free and discounted CE opportunities such as the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition – the state’s largest pharmacy conference
• Being part of the collective voice advocating for the future of the profession
• Competitive home, auto and business insurance through MPA’s affiliated PSI Insurance Agency

MPA exists for and is effective because of its members. RENEW today to ensure that your benefits are secured and that MPA has the resources to move the mountains ahead for you, for the profession and for patients.

MPA Poster Presentations at ACE

MPA is excited to announce the first poster presentation at the 2025 Annual Convention and Exposition in Traverse City!  

We invite all residents, fellows, students, practitioners, technicians and locals to share their research and practice expertise with colleagues. 

Poster Session Times  

• Friday, April 11, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
• Please note that if the poster is accepted, the primary presenter is responsible for attending the meeting and ensuring the poster is presented at the poster sessions. 

Submission deadlines

• Abstracts must be submitted by Jan. 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
• The MPA Education Committee will review the posters.
• The primary author will be notified via email of acceptance or declination by Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
• Accepted submissions will be provided a registration code so you can still receive the early bird rate for registration.
• All presenters must be registered for the Annual Conference and Exposition.
• Abstracts are limited to 400 words. Titles are limited to 120 characters.  

Selection Process 

• Abstracts will be peer-reviewed by the MPA Education Committee for originality and quality of content.
• For all abstracts, clear and concise communication of ideas written professionally and without grammatical and technical errors is strongly encouraged.
• The committee recommends that authors utilize colleagues to proofread abstracts for a high level of readability and organization. 

Questions? Contact Ashley Builta, Pharm.D., director of professional development and education at abuilta@michiganpharmacists.org.  

Call for Speakers – Mini Management Moments at ACE

MPA is excited to announce a new series to take place at the 2025 MPA Annual Convention and Exposition – Mini Management Moments! These sessions will take place exclusively on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and focus on the skills, tips and tricks students and other pharmacy professionals can use on the job.  

To successfully host these “mini” sessions, MPA is looking for up to three speakers to present as part of a moderated 30-minute panel discussion on the following topics: 

• “How to Network” 
• “Post Graduation Panel – Tips for Getting the Job” 
• “Managing Up: Strategies to Transitioning from Student to Manager” 

Additionally, MPA is looking for up to four speakers to present as part of a one-hour moderated panel discussion on “Leaders in Pharmacy – Climbing the Career Ladder.” 

Please email Ashley Builta, Pharm.D., director of professional development and education at abuilta@michiganpharmacists.org indicating your interest and preferred topic. Include your CV and a brief (150 words maximum) message on why you feel called to speak on the topic.

Submissions should be received no later than Jan. 10, 2025.  

Trauma-Informed Workforce Certificate Training Program

Dr. Helen Sairany's Trauma-Informed Workforce Certificate Training Program is a catalyst for personal transformation, enabling you to forge deeper connections with yourself, your work and your team. Embark on this trauma-informed journey to sustain your practice.

Participants will:

• Bid goodbye to burnout and toxic patterns.
• Explore the potential of your workplace. 
• Be mentored by an expert facilitator. 
• Gain mastery in conscious decision-making. 

Participants can take the training in its entirety or a la carte. Detailed information can be found at the links below. Please feel free to email or call the MPA Education and Events team with any questions or needs you may have!

Trauma-Informed Workforce:

All Home Study Offerings

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.

MedZoomer is the nation’s fastest growing same-day prescription delivery service. We can deliver to your patients, facilities, group homes and more.

We offer a wide range of deliveries: contactless, controlled, temp-regulated and over-the-counter drugs, all within a 25 or 50-mile radius of the pickup location.

MedZoomer is a Michigan Pharmacists Association Preferred Business Partner.

Part-Time Job Opening for Pharmacists

Surgical Pharmacy Solutions, Inc.

This job opening is ideal for pharmacists wishing to work part-time consulting with ambulatory surgery centers to help them meet pharmacy standards and regulations. Join one of Michigan's largest ambulatory surgery center consultant groups.

You will have a perfect job with no politics, bureaucracy or insurance issues to deal with – and make your own hours.

Call 586-260-7246 to explore further.

Dec. 24-26: Christmas (MPA closed)

Dec. 27-30: MPA Open with Limited Staff

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

Jan. 9: MSHP Committee Day/Board of Directors

Jan. 16: MPA Committee Day

Jan. 23: CSPM Board of Directors

Jan. 28: MPA Executive Board



MPA Events Calendar