Podcast
#59: From 2025 to 2026: How the drug landscape is changing
Duration: 17 Minutes
Jul 22, 2026
The latest episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes explores how the overdose crisis has evolved from 2025 to 2026 and what these changes mean for laboratories and healthcare providers.
Host Josh Casey is joined by Vonda McAllister, Director of Global Product Management at QuidelOrtho, to discuss emerging drug trends, new ADLM guidance for toxicology testing and the growing challenges posed by counterfeit medications, polysubstance use and novel synthetic opioids.
This episode reinforces an important message: as the drug landscape continues to change, healthcare organizations must adapt testing strategies, strengthen collaboration and ensure clinicians have timely, actionable information to support patient care.
Disclaimers:
This educational podcast activity is brought to you by QuidelOrtho Corporation., and is not certified for continuing medical education. QuidelOrtho Corporation sponsors the program, and the speaker must present information following applicable FDA requirements.
About our Speaker:
About our Speaker:
Vonda McAllister
Director of Global Product Management
QuidelOrtho
Vonda's diagnostic experience spans from R&D and program management to marketing. Now a member of the Point of Care business unit, she previously managed the Triage™ portfolio of assays and the clinical labs team for North America. Vonda is currently focused on supporting the global regions with our PlGF tests, that is, placental growth factor, and toxicology assays, as well as expanding the Triage toxicology and women's health testing portfolio. She also serves as global leadership co-chair for the QuidelOrtho Women's Leadership Network.
Vonda's diagnostic experience spans from R&D and program management to marketing. Now a member of the Point of Care business unit, she previously managed the Triage™ portfolio of assays and the clinical labs team for North America. Vonda is currently focused on supporting the global regions with our PlGF tests, that is, placental growth factor, and toxicology assays, as well as expanding the Triage toxicology and women's health testing portfolio. She also serves as global leadership co-chair for the QuidelOrtho Women's Leadership Network.
Key Takeaways:
- What recent overdose mortality trends reveal about progress against the opioid epidemic
- Why counterfeit medications containing fentanyl remain a major public health concern
- How polysubstance use is changing overdose presentations and complicating treatment decisions
- The growing attention on emerging synthetic opioids, including nitazenes
- Key recommendations from the new ADLM guidance on laboratory testing for drugs of misuse
