Pharmacy-Driven Challenges

Panelists discuss how pharmacy-driven barriers, including delayed statin initiation and failure to escalate therapy, contribute to the widening low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) treatment gap. Many patients do not receive statins promptly after diagnosis, and follow-up titration or add-on therapy often lags.

They note that pharmacists are well-positioned to intervene but face formulary restrictions, lack of collaborative authority, and communication barriers with prescribers. The pharmacy pipeline’s role in ensuring timely medication access is critical but underutilized.

Panelists advocate for enhanced pharmacist-led protocols, real-time prescription monitoring, and payer reforms to streamline therapy initiation and intensification.