As we look ahead to 2026, the US healthcare system continues to present a landscape of complexity and fragmentation. With new technology providers entering the market daily, the need for integrated, patient-centered solutions has never been more urgent. At UBC, innovation—rooted in both digital transformation and human connection—is the key to simplifying and connecting the patient and product journey. Innovation in patient access and support services isn’t just an opportunity; it’s an obligation.
Key challenges on the horizon
1. Access & Affordability
Patients are facing increasing barriers to accessing the therapies they need. Payer utilization management tactics—such as prior authorization, step therapies, alternate funding programs, and product exclusions—are on the rise. Employer cost controls, including copay maximizer and accumulator programs, are expanding, especially among large group and self-funded plans. The result? Higher out-of-pocket costs, delayed or abandoned treatments, and poor treatment adherence to therapy.
For biopharmaceutical companies, these access barriers mean fewer patients start treatment, stop treatment, and get worse results. This makes it important to have comprehensive patient support programs, not just optional.
2. Direct-to-Consumer Models
The healthcare industry is changing quickly because of the growth of direct-to-consumer models. These models include telehealth for patient education, different pharmacy options (via cash pay or insurance), and integrated programs that combine or connect copay support with clinical services. While these new pathways offer opportunities to streamline the patient experience, they also require sophisticated coordination to ensure continuity of care and optimal outcomes.
3. Specialty Products & Complex Therapies
The rise of novel therapies—especially in rare diseases and oncology—brings new hope, alongside barriers to access and adherence. Patients and caregivers navigating these complex therapies require high-touch patient support. Additionally, regulatory uncertainty, driven by leadership transitions and evolving industry guidance, combined with more competition and choice for healthcare providers, adds another layer of complexity. Specialty pharmaceutical manufacturers must deliver patient services that address clinical, financial, and logistical challenges simultaneously.
Strategic Solutions for 2026
1. Workflow Transformation & AI-Powered Innovation Artificial intelligence is accelerating change in healthcare.. To use its full potential, organizations must first improve basic operations. They must fix data infrastructure and processes before implementing automation. When done right, AI can make a big difference in patient services. It can improve access, efficiency, and quality. At UBC, we use AI to predict access barriers, tailor patient care, and use resources wisely—all while keeping the human touch that patients need.
2. Evolving Patient Services & Digital Innovation
Patient service programs are evolving to bridge gaps and empower all stakeholders. By combining digital technologies with high-touch interpersonal support, organizations can enhance patient engagement and outcomes. The future lies in blending innovation with empathy to connect the patient and product journey—improving patient outcomes by meeting patients where they are. This hybrid approach ensures that technology amplifies rather than replaces the personalized support that drives adherence and persistence.
3. Deep Experience & Strategic Partnerships
UBC leverages deep experience in early program planning, continuous learning, and strategic execution to optimize outcomes and avoid pitfalls. Our partnerships, such as with Datavant, enable advanced insights engines that illuminate the patient journey—supporting compliance and data-driven decision-making. Our inclusive approach ensures that no patient is left behind in their health journey, that data isn’t trapped in silos, and that a holistic and unified view of the patient experience is leveraged to drive meaningful outcomes.
UBC’s commitment to patient-first solutions
At UBC, we advocate for a patient-first approach, prioritizing life-sustaining work and inclusive, personalized support. The future of healthcare depends on our ability to build connected, intuitive, and scalable patient access solutions that transform complexity into clarity and empower every stakeholder along the way. Our patient support programs are designed to meet the changing needs of patients and specialty product launches. They focus on high-quality patient engagement and treatment follow-up as the foundation of effective patient access services.
Our comprehensive suite of patient services includes:
● Financial assistance and copay support programs
● Prior authorization and benefits investigation
● Adherence and persistence support
● Patient education and training
● Specialty pharmacy coordination
● Data analytics and insights
Looking Ahead
As the US healthcare system continues to evolve, so must our strategies. By addressing key challenges, leveraging innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and proven experience, we can drive meaningful change for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Ready to transform your patient access strategy for 2026? Let’s work together to simplify the patient and & product journey and ensure that every patient receives the support they need in 2026 and beyond.
Contact UBC to learn how our patient access solutions can optimize your specialty product launch and improve patient outcomes.
About UBC
United BioSource LLC (UBC) is the leading provider of evidence development solutions with expertise in uniting evidence and access. UBC helps biopharma mitigate risk, address product hurdles, and demonstrate safety, efficacy, and value under real-world conditions. UBC leads the market in providing integrated, comprehensive clinical, safety, and commercialization services and is uniquely positioned to seamlessly integrate best-in-class services throughout the lifecycle of a product.
About the Author
Dana Edwards, Vice President, Patient Access & Strategic Engagement
Dana Edwards serves as the Vice President, Patient Access & Strategic Engagement at UBC. She brings more than 20 years of experience in executing patient service and market access strategies to this role. Ms. Edwards is a strategic advisor to pharmaceutical and biotech leaders on the design and implementation of patient service programs that synchronize the right people, services, and technology for their unique patient population and therapy.
