Our Experts

Carly Nicholas

Senior Market Research Analyst

Expertise: Payer Market Research, Policy and Regulation, Industry Trends

Carly Nicholas is a senior market research analyst who works on the MMIT Indices team. Over the years, Carly has conducted market research for a wide span of treatment areas and access management topics. She currently conducts research for the Rapid Event Primer, a monthly report that provides high-level insights on specific market access events or trends. Carly earned her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Marketing and Autism Behavioral Studies at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

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Insights by Carly Nicholas

Article | August 7, 2025

Impact of the New Administration on Vaccine Policy and Access

Manufacturers should be prepared for a period of uncertainty and potential disruption in vaccine policy. The recent overhaul of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) signals a shift that could affect vaccine recommendations, public trust, and payer coverage decisions.

Article | May 29, 2025

The Impact of Expedited Approvals on Payer Coverage

To speed patient access to potentially life-saving therapies, the FDA established expedited approval pathways for selected drugs that fill unmet needs or treat serious conditions. For patients in need, these pathways serve an essential purpose. But many payers and providers are concerned that expedited pathways do not require sufficient safety and efficacy data.

Article | February 21, 2024

Payers Troubled by Rise of Alternative Funding Programs

For the past few years, the industry has grappled with the rise of a controversial new pharmacy benefits strategy: alternative funding. Alternative funding programs (AFPs), also known as specialty carve-out programs, are intended to reduce the cost of specialty drugs for both patients and payers.

Article | September 28, 2023

How Are Payers Responding to ADHD and Chemo Drug Shortages?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, drug shortages, caused by increased demand, supply chain difficulties, and supplier issues have plagued payers and patients alike, making it harder for patients to access the therapies they need and causing delays in treatment. Drug shortages hit a record five-year high in 2022, according to a U.S. Senate report.

Article | August 3, 2023

Why Payers Are Split on Working With Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company

Dallas Mavericks owner and venture capitalist Mark Cuban is taking aim at drug prices with his discount prescription drugs startup, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. However, payers are divided on whether they want to work with the company, according to new MMIT research.

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