There is a tremendous opportunity to use available data to improve health care, EY concludes, but life sciences companies must contend with siloed information and access issues, as well as shifts in who holds the most valuable data.

PBMs have become a central focus of the drug pricing debate, thanks in large part to the biopharma industry’s efforts to shine a spotlight on the role of rebates and middlemen in consumer costs. They were also a surprising focus on a hearing about health industry consolidation. 

The year 2015 could give 2014 a run for the money in terms of biopharma M&A deal value. From January through August, 18 deals were signed with an upfront value of more than $1bn, representing a total upfront value of $133bn.

There are lots of moving parts to reconcile before the PBM situation is settled for the combined Anthem-Cigna entity, and a decision is not expected until after the expected closing of the acquisition in the second half of 2016.