How a Capstone Project on a Cardiovascular Drug Shaped My Career Aspirations

During my Master’s program in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, I had the opportunity to work on a capstone project that turned out to be more than just a graduation requirement - it became a moment of realization about the kind of work I want to do in the world of healthcare.

My project focused on Camzyos (mavacamten), a first-in-class therapy approved for the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) a rare but serious condition that affects the heart muscle, often leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and even sudden cardiac death. While the drug itself is scientifically fascinating, what truly captured my attention was the bigger picture—how innovation, access, economics, and ethics come together in today’s healthcare landscape.

I started by reviewing major clinical studies like EXPLORER-HCM and VALOR-HCM, which showed that Camzyos significantly improves patients’ quality of life. Patients who had been struggling with everyday tasks experienced reduced symptoms, improved heart function, and in some cases, avoided the need for invasive surgical procedures. The potential impact of this therapy on real people’s lives was incredibly motivating.

But then came the challenge: the price tag. Camzyos costs around $89,000 per year, which raised important questions. Is the drug affordable for the average patient? Will insurers cover it? Is the cost justified by its outcomes?

To answer these, I built a cost-effectiveness model using clinical trial data and real-world economic inputs. I calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), which came out to over $576,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY)—well beyond traditional thresholds for what is considered a cost-effective intervention. That number stuck with me. It was more than a statistic, it was a signal that even the most promising treatments can fall short of reaching the people who need them most.

This project helped me see the importance of balancing clinical innovation with economic feasibility and health equity. I also explored how conditions like HCM may be underdiagnosed in women and racial minorities, highlighting another layer of healthcare disparity that often goes unaddressed in early drug development.

Beyond the research itself, this experience gave me hands-on skills in data analysis, literature synthesis, evidence interpretation, and health outcomes modeling using tools like SAS and SPSS. I translated complex findings into actionable insights, creating visual presentations that could easily be understood by non-technical audiences something that’s essential when engaging with policy makers, payers, or health systems.

Most importantly, this work sparked something in me. I realized that I want to be part of the teams and conversations that drive evidence-based decision-making in healthcare whether it’s assessing a new therapy’s value, designing strategies for patient access, or helping stakeholders make informed choices. My passion lies in connecting clinical research with real-world impact, making sure that life-changing innovations don’t just exist, but are actually accessible, sustainable, and equitable.

As I move forward in my career, I’m drawn to roles in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), market access, or healthcare strategy, where I can use my background to support smarter, data-driven decisions that truly benefit patients. The Camzyos project wasn’t just a study, it was a turning point that helped me see the kind of contribution I want to make in the healthcare field.

It reminded me why I pursued this degree in the first place, to be part of a future where medicine is not only advanced but also affordable, inclusive, and thoughtful.

Bio: My name is Kranthi Reddy Challa, and I hold a Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, with a strong background in health economics, outcomes research, and policy evaluation. Beyond academics, I volunteer with the NeuroHealthAlliance, where I write and edit articles on mental health, neurological diseases, and the economic burden of care, raising awareness and promoting equitable healthcare. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to advancing evidence-based, accessible, and patient-centered solutions in healthcare.