Life sciences organizations face mounting competition in the specialty pharmaceutical space. The specialty drug market surged from $92.5B in 2023 to $129.2B in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly $965.5B by 2030 — a compound annual growth rate of 39.8%. That growth is no surprise given that specialty therapies already represent approximately 75% of the 7,000 drugs currently under development. As the pipeline and market expand, organizations must increasingly focus on hub model design to maintain control, quality and experience in their patient support programs (PSPs).
A key part of that strategy is choosing the right PSP model. Outsourced, insourced and hybrid models each offer advantages — and potential challenges. Increasingly, many life sciences organizations are turning to hybrid approaches to balance control, efficiency and scalability.
Choosing the Right Model
- Outsourced models are well-suited for organizations without significant internal resources. By relying on a PSP partner’s breadth of expertise and advanced technology, brands can deliver comprehensive access, affordability and adherence services without the need to build and support internal infrastructure.
- Insourced models are viable for organizations that have both the technology and talent needed to fully manage patient support. These organizations value closer control of the patient and healthcare provider (HCP) experience, direct access to data and analytics, and ownership of compliance responsibilities.
- Hybrid models combine elements of both. They may be structured by role delineation — for example, the life sciences organization manages patient- and HCP-facing interactions while the PSP handles back-end payer services — or through technology integration, such as leveraging a PSP’s advanced CRM via API connections. Hybrid models work well for organizations that want more control while still benefiting from a PSP’s specialized expertise.
Why Hybrid and Insourced Models Are Growing
Life sciences organizations increasingly want more visibility into patient interactions and ownership of data quality. Having real-time insights into data allows them to better analyze patient journeys and make informed decisions. At the same time, building and maintaining technology infrastructure — such as CRMs, phone systems and compliance safeguards — can be complex and resource-intensive. For this reason, many insourced programs still function as hybrids, with PSP partners stepping in to provide scalable technology integration, back-end services or surge staffing support when needed.
Questions to Ask When Considering Your Hub Model
When evaluating outsourced, insourced or hybrid models, life sciences organizations should ask:
- How can technology and data be integrated and configured to support each model?
- Is the PSP able to recognize and support the model that’s in the best interest of my patients and/or my program’s goals? And what experience does the PSP have in managing and transitioning between models?
- How does the PSP support immediate technology needs, such as engagement site integrations or API connections, when internal infrastructure cannot adapt quickly?
- Which model is best aligned with the therapies in our current portfolio — and what flexibility exists for future launches?
Explore the Right Balance of Tech + Talent
No matter the model, the most successful programs balance technology with human expertise. Advanced e-services like benefit verification, prior authorization and enrollment tools streamline processes and improve accuracy. While case managers and clinical staff ensure that patient and HCP interactions reflect empathy, expertise and brand values.
Every organization’s patient support needs are unique, and whether outsourced, insourced or hybrid, the right hub model can propel life sciences organizations to stand out in an increasingly competitive market and better serve their patients.
Connect with AssistRx today to explore the right balance of tech and talent — and discover the hub model that will best support your patients, HCPs and brand goals.