utah-society-of-health-system-pharmacists-14

USHP Winter Newsletter 2026

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:41:53 GMT

Get to Know President Conor Hanrahan

A Message From the President

Dear USHP Members,

As we begin 2026, I'm energized by the momentum we've built together and the ambitious goals ahead of us. In my October message, I shared our updated strategic priorities centered on Advocacy, Collaboration, Education, and Innovation. Today, I want to highlight some specific initiatives our committees are undertaking this year to bring these priorities to life.

In advocacy , we're taking concrete action to expand health-system pharmacy practice. Our Advocacy Committee is working to advance at least one Pharmacy Practice Act or regulatory change during the legislative session—likely related to pharmacist law examination—and we're evaluating dedicated lobbying support to strengthen our voice at the Capitol.

Our commitment to collaboration is reflected in several member-focused initiatives. The Membership Committee is planning three diverse networking opportunities throughout the year—mixing professional development, social connection, and community service. We're also exploring the creation of specialty sections or forums (such as ICU, Oncology, or Informatics) to support more structured collaboration among practitioners with shared interests.

Education remains at the heart of what we do. I'm particularly excited about our Programming Committee's launch of quarterly virtual "Book Club" sessions starting in April. These 60-minute discussions will explore topics relevant to pharmacists, technicians, and students alike—from leadership and clinical pearls to ethics and wellness. We're also hoping to create a new Utah MPJE Resource Hub by Match Day to support new practitioners entering our state, gathering the best preparation resources from across our residency programs.

Finally, innovation drives us forward. Our Technician Committee is pioneering outreach to technician schools with live presentations and a recorded video about the vital role of pharmacy technicians, while developing technician-specific continuing education programs and relaunching the technician track at our annual meeting.

I encourage you to engage with these initiatives as they unfold throughout the year. Attend a Book Club session, join a networking event, or reach out to a committee if you're interested in contributing. This is your organization, and your voice matters.

Thank you for all you do for patients, for our profession, and for our community.

With gratitude,
Conor Hanrahan, PharmD, MHA, MS, BCPS, CPHQ
President, Utah Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Committee Introductions

New Drug Update

Suzetrigine

by Katie Anderton, PharmD Candidate 2028

On January 30, 2025, the FDA approved suzetrigine (Journavx™; Vertex Pharmaceuticals, formerly VX-548), a first-in-class non-opioid analgesic for the treatment of moderate to severe pain in adults [1,2]. The mechanism of action for this new drug is a voltage-gated sodium channel blocker (NaV1.8), a channel expressed in peripheral sensory neurons but not the brain [1,3]. This article will highlight the efficacy, safety, and important clinical insights related to suzetrigine.

History

Prior to the approval of suzetrigine, the most recent non-opioid medication approved for pain management by the FDA was celecoxib, approved over 20 years ago in 1998 [5]. Targeting selective sodium channels was not a novel idea for the development of suzetrigine; it has been proposed as a mechanism in the pharmacy world since the early 2000s [6]. With the continuation of the opioid epidemic, suzetrigine’s approval offers a potential non-addictive solution for pain management.

Efficacy and Safety

The efficacy of suzetrigine for moderate-to-severe pain has been studied in the NAVIGATE 1 and NAVIGATE 2 trials [3]. In these phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trials (NAVIGATE 1, NAVIGATE 2), adults ages 18-80 years with moderate-severe pain post bunionectomy or abdominoplasty were given suzetrigine (100 mg, then 50 mg every 12 hours) to determine the primary outcome of time-weighted sum of pain intensity difference over 48 hours (SPID48) compared to placebo [7]. Secondary endpoints included SPID48 when comparing suzetrigine (100 mg, then 50 mg every 12 hours) to hydrocodone-bitartrate acetaminophen (HB/APAP; 5/325 mg every 6 h) following either a bunionectomy or abdominoplasty over 14 days [7]. Both trials were statistically significant for the primary outcome, showing that suzetrigine was superior to placebo [1,7]. Neither of these studies were statistically significant for the secondary endpoint of suzetrigine being superior to HB/APAP [7].

A limitation of the study was that participants were allowed to receive ibuprofen for additional pain management, of which ~80% required this additional supplementation. However, an imputation analysis of suzetrigine's effect without ibuprofen was included to estimate the true effect of suzetrigine. These studies showed that suzetrigine is well tolerated, with minimal side effects [7]. The most common side effects in patients treated with suzetrigine include itching, muscle spasms, increased creatine phosphokinase levels, and rash [1,7]. However, it is unclear if more side effects will appear as this medication is utilized more in practice or for longer-term pain control.

Dosing and Administration

The recommended dosing is a 100mg loading dose followed by 50mg every 12 hours after.1 The onset of suzetrigine is between 2-4 hours, supporting that the timing of this medication is crucial and may not be used for breakthrough pain [1]. Suzetrigine has not been studied for its effect after 14 days, thus supporting the manufacturer's and FDA's recommendations to use for a short duration, as consistent with patient goals [1,2]. Suzetrigine is to be stored at room temperature (68°F to 77°F) [1].

Other Considerations

Use of suzetrigine in combination with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (including grapefruit-containing foods or drinks) is contraindicated due to the risk of elevated plasma concentrations and associated adverse effects. Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors also increase exposure and require a dose reduction of suzetrigine [1,2]. Conversely, strong CYP3A4 inducers may lower plasma concentrations of suzetrigine, resulting in treatment failure. In addition, suzetrigine may impact the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives containing progestins other than levonorgestrel or norethindrone; for this reason, patients should use backup contraceptives while taking suzetrigine and for 28 days after. Currently, the cash price for suzetrigine is approximately $15 per tablet, which is considerably higher than other analgesics [5].

Summary

The approval of a first-in-class medication marks an important development in pain management. With increasing clinical experience, the incorporation of suzetrigine as a non-addictive analgesic may warrant further consideration; however, its use may be limited by a lack of robust outcomes data and high acquisition price.

References

1. FDA. Journavx Package Insert. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published January 30, 2025. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/219209s000lbl.pdf

2. FDA. FDA Approves Novel Non-Opioid Treatment for Moderate to Severe Acute Pain. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published January 30, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-novel-non-opioid-treatment-moderate-severe-acute-pain

3. Vertex Announces FDA Acceptance of New Drug Application for Suzetrigine for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain | Vertex Pharmaceuticals Newsroom. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Newsroom. Published 2024. https://news.vrtx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vertex-announces-fda-acceptance-new-drug-application-suzetrigine

4. Keam, S.J. Suzetrigine: First Approval. Drugs 85, 845–851 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-025-02178-w

5. Kramer KJ. Suzetrigine – A Novel Analgesic Emerges. Anesth Prog. 2025;72(2):63-64. Published 2025 Jun 9. doi:10.2344/Editorial_72_2

6. Eagles DA, Chow CY, King GF. Fifteen years of NaV 1.7 channels as an analgesic target: Why has excellent in vitro pharmacology not translated into in vivo analgesic efficacy?. Br J Pharmacol. 2022;179(14):3592-3611. doi:10.1111/bph.15327

7. Bertoch T, D'Aunno D, McCoun J, et al. Suzetrigine, a Nonopioid Na V 1.8 Inhibitor for Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Acute Pain: Two Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trials. Anesthesiology. 2025;142(6):1085-1099. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000005460

Announcements

Congratulations to new Utah House of Delegates elected!

Jeff Olson and Stephanie Barrus were just elected for a two-year term, while Shannon Inglet is embarking on her second year.

Kristi Smith and Teshia Sorensen are our alternates.

The House of Delegates is the ultimate authority over ASHP professional policies, which express the Society's stance on important issues related to pharmacy practice and medication use in society. Our own delegates represent pharmacy practice in the state of Utah.

See www.ushp.org/delegates for more info.

The USHP Intern Application is Now Open! See flyer below for more information:

Thank you for tuning in to this newsletter. My goal is to provide you with brief updates of events in the practice of pharmacy in Utah as well as other pertinent information from Colleges of Pharmacy and at a national ASHP level. I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved as the intern this year and look forward to the upcoming projects I will be involved in.

Warmly,

Katie (Anderton) Linton

2025-2026 USHP Intern

USHP Summer 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 16:20:47 GMT

president

message

Upcoming

events

advocacy &

HOD Update

Announcements

Message from the President

Jenny Bishop - Current USHP President

I’m honored to introduce myself as your current USHP President. I’ve been a pharmacist at St. Mark’s Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare’s Mountain Division, for nearly 14 years and am proud to be a graduate of Roseman University. While I’ve spent most of my professional life rooted in one facility, it’s USHP that has broadened my horizons. Through this organization, I’ve connected with incredible pharmacists across hospitals, clinics, and health systems, deepening both my knowledge and sense of community.

Since 2017, I’ve had the privilege of growing with USHP—starting on the Communications Committee, later joining the Programming/Resident CE-Series Committee, and contributing as Webmaster beginning in 2023. My board service began with a term as Secretary (2020–2022), followed by President-Elect (2023–2024), and now the honor of serving as President. Each step has been truly rewarding, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved—much of it quietly, but with real impact.

Over the past year, we’ve represented health-system pharmacists at Utah’s colleges of pharmacy, legislative day at the capitol, ASHP events, and through partnerships with statewide professional organizations. Most recently, our focus has turned to refining USHP’s mission, values and strategic goals for the next five years—setting the stage for continued growth, advocacy, and innovation. We’ve also refreshed our website to better reflect our vision and improve communication—take a few moments to explore the updates, and while you’re there, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to stay connected.

Stay tuned for a retrospective on our accomplishments over the past five years—it’s been an incredible journey, and I look forward to growing together in the year ahead.

Warmly,

Jenny Bishop, PharmD, BCPS

President, Utah Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Upcoming Events

We’re Your Pharmacist Campaign:

ASHP recently launched are campaign called “We’re Your Pharmacist” that includes patient resources to help them understand the role of pharmacy in their health. See the link below for more information:

Link: https://www.yourpharmacist.org/

Advocacy: Utah Pharmacy Legislation Session Update

The 2025 Utah Legislative session wrapped up in March and brought several new laws impacting pharmacy practice. The USHP Advocacy Committee tracked multiple bills during the session and continues to monitor their implications for our members statewide.

Senate Bill 312

Pharmacy Practice Amendments

This annual update to the Pharmacy Practice Act includes several important changes:

Pharmacist Provider Recognition: Insurers may now recognize pharmacists as health care providers for consultations and prescriptions of nebulizers, spacers and diabetic supplies. Additionally, provider recognition extends to conditions previously included in the pharmacy practice act: post-exposure HIV prophylaxis, pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis, self-administered hormonal contraceptives, smoking cessation, naloxone, and fluoride.
Streamlined Audits: Pharmacy audit requests must now specify a range of prescription numbers and a corresponding date range.
Charitable Prescription Drug Recycling: Expanded to include Class B pharmacies, allowing them to re-dispense unused, unexpired medications to patients in need.

Senate Bill 69

Medication Amendments (340B Protections)

This bill introduces several protections for 340B program participants. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are now prohibited from the following:

Restricting 340B Participation : Preventing pharmacies from contracting with 340B entities or vice versa.
Limiting Drug Distribution : Imposing restrictions on how 340B drugs are acquired, dispensed, or delivered, unless federally required.
Mandating Specific Suppliers: Requiring 340B entities to use specific suppliers to access 340B pricing.
Compelling Data Submission: Demanding claim or utilization data from 340B entities as a prerequisite for drug acquisition or delivery, unless federally mandated.

Note that a pharmaceutical company has filed a lawsuit against Utah’s Attorney General, claiming this bill violates federal law. USHP will continue monitoring the case and potential impacts.

SENATE Bill 146

Glucagon Amendments

Standing Prescriptions for Schools: Schools can now obtain glucagon kits under a standing prescription
Wider Access: Schools may stock and administer glucagon without a patient-specific prescription. Qualified adults are permitted to administer as needed.

stay informed

USHP will continue advocating for pharmacy professionals in Utah.

For questions or to get involved in advocacy efforts, contact the USHP Advocacy Committee advocacy@ushp.org

HOUSE BILL 81

Fluoride Amendments

Statewide Ban: Prohibits the addition of fluoride to public water systems in Utah, ending community water fluoridation.
Pharmacist Guidance Coming: The Utah Board of Pharmacy is developing guidelines for pharmacists prescribing fluoride tablets, rinses and topicals.
 Pending FDA Action: The FDA recently proposed reviewing oral fluoride preparations for safety and efficacy, with potential market removal by October 2025.

HOUSE BILL 257

Pharmacy Benefit Amendments

Rebate Use Requirements: Health benefit plans must apply manufacturer rebates to reduce patient out-of-pocket costs, lower premiums or enhance benefits.
 Fair Pharmacy Participation: Plans may not restrict or condition a pharmacy’s participation in their network, ensuring pharmacies have the freedom to choose which networks they join

House of Delegates Update

Hello USHP Members!

The 77 ^th Annual Session of the ASHP House of Delegates recently concluded at the recent Pharmacy Futures Meeting in Charlotte, NC. It was a busy session that included robust discussion on several important policies. Some of the more notable policies related to payment for pharmacist services; promotion of interstate pharmacist licensure; affirmation of pharmacy’s role in cellular and gene therapy management; improvements in the transfer of controlled substances; ensuring accurate height and weight measurements needed for drug dosing; and recommended improvements to how drug moieties and complexes are named/categorized.

These and other policies express the Society's stance on important issues, drive advocacy efforts, and promote unity across our profession. An official summary of the Annual Proceedings of the ASHP House of Delegates will be published in the coming weeks, so check the ASHP website for details later this summer. In the interim, a brief slide decks summary may be accessed here and list of all currently active ASHP Policy Positions can be accessed here . We encourage all USHP members to review these policies and support the important work that ASHP does for the pharmacy workforce.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss these policies in more depth, please feel free to reach out to one of your State Delegates.

Sincerely,

Conor Hanrahan, PharmD, MHA, MS, BCPS, CPHQ

AVP, Medication Policy and Stewardship

Intermountain Health, Enterprise Pharmacy Services

President-Elect

Utah Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Krystal Moorman-Bishir, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP

Associate Professor (Lecturer)

Assistant Dean, Experiential Education

College of Pharmacy

The University of Utah

Shannon Inglet, PharmD, BCPS

Medication Use and Optimization Pharmacist

Intermountain Health, Pharmacy Services

State Delegates from left to right: Conor Hanrahan, Linda Tyler (ASHP Past-President), Shannon Inglet, Krystal Bishir

Exciting Announcements!

Congratulations to Jeffery Olsen as a recipient of the 2025 ASHP Fellow award!

The ASHP Practitioner Recognition Program recognizes pharmacists who have excelled in pharmacy practice and distinguished themselves through service and contributions to ASHP.

From the Editor

Warmly,

Katie (Anderton) Linton

2025-2026 USHP Intern

Technology issue?

Contact the USHP Technology Team if you have any questions

 webmaster@ushp.org 

Website

Have you logged in to your USHP profile to make sure your contact information is up to date?

JOIN A COMMITTEE

Share your skills and enhance your network - join a USHP committee today!

Explore committees

We need your input!

webmaster@ushp.org (USHP Webmaster) — Tue, 13 May 2025 20:14:11 GMT

Help shape the FUTURE of USHP!

We’re updating our strategic plan for the next five years — and we want YOUR voice in it!

Whether you’re a pharmacist, technician, or student, your perspective matters. Help guide the future of our profession by sharing your insights and ideas.

Is only takes a minute and you could win one of two $25 amazon gift cards!

Any pharmacy personnel in Utah can take the survey - no need to be a USHP member!

New Website

webmaster@ushp.org (USHP Webmaster) — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:50:45 GMT

Big news: USHP has a brand-new website!

We are excited to welcome you to our updated online home , bult to make everything smoother, faster, and easier for you.

Action Item:

Since this is a whole new platform, you'll need to create a new password the first time you visit, using the same email as the previous site.

We can't wait for you to experience all the improvements, whether you're signing up for events, checking out CE opportunities, or staying up to date on advocacy efforts, or finding a committee to participate with, it's all just a few clicks away.

If you have any questions, please email webmaster@ushp.org .

See you online!

USHP Board & Technology Team

New Mission and Vision Statement

webmaster@ushp.org (USHP Webmaster) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:08:11 GMT

The USHP Board has updated our mission and vision statement!

Exciting news! After thoughtful discussion and careful consideration, our Board has officially updated our mission and vision statements to better reflect our values, goals, and the impact we strive to make.

Why the Change?

As our organization continues to evolve, we recognize the importance of ensuring our mission and vision remain aligned with our purpose and the needs of those we serve. These updates provide clarity, focus, and inspiration as we move forward, reinforcing our commitment to advancing pharmacy practice, supporting our members, and improving patient care.

Our Updated Mission Statement

To advance the profession of health-system pharmacy in the state of Utah by promoting excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, and innovation

This mission reinforces our dedication to elevating pharmacy practice and highlights the vital role our organization plays in shaping the profession. It serves as a guiding principle for every decision we make and every initiative we pursue.

Our Updated Vision Statement

USHP inspires health-system pharmacists and technicians to be leaders in advancing pharmacy practice, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare

This vision reflects our aspirations for the future—empowering pharmacy professionals to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact on healthcare and the individuals we serve.

What’s Next?

With these refined statements, we are more committed than ever to making a meaningful impact. Whether through advocacy, education, networking, or innovation, we are here to support our members and drive progress in pharmacy practice.

We invite you to be part of this journey —become a member or serve on a committee to make an even greater impact while expanding your network. Together, we can continue shaping the future of health-system pharmacy in Utah.

Thank you for being part of our mission. Here’s to an exciting future!

Jenny Bishop, PharmD, BCPS

President, USHP

utah-society-of-health-system-pharmacists-14

USHP Winter Newsletter 2026

Get to Know President Conor Hanrahan

A Message From the President

Committee Introductions

New Drug Update

Suzetrigine

Announcements

USHP Summer 2025 Newsletter

president

﻿ message

Upcoming

﻿ events

advocacy &

﻿ HOD Update

Announcements

We’re Your Pharmacist Campaign:

stay informed

Congratulations to Jeffery Olsen as a recipient of the 2025 ASHP Fellow award!

Technology issue?

Website

JOIN A COMMITTEE

We need your input!

Help shape the FUTURE of USHP!

New Website

Big news: USHP has a brand-new website!

Action Item:

New Mission and Vision Statement

The USHP Board has updated our mission and vision statement!

Why the Change?

Our Updated Mission Statement

To advance the profession of health-system pharmacy in the state of Utah by promoting excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, and innovation

Our Updated Vision Statement

USHP inspires health-system pharmacists and technicians to be leaders in advancing pharmacy practice, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare

What’s Next?

message

events

HOD Update