Walgreens recently announced a new initiative to directly collaborate with drug manufacturers in bringing cell and gene therapies to patients in the United States. The company revealed plans to set up a new business unit solely focused on expanding its specialty pharmacy services. This move signifies Walgreens’ commitment to catering to the rising demand for specialized medication handling, particularly in the treatment of chronic, rare, or complex conditions.
As the prevalence of chronic diseases continues to escalate, specialty pharmacies have emerged as critical players within the U.S. healthcare ecosystem. These pharmacies play a crucial role in providing specialized medications that require meticulous handling, storage, and distribution. With a primary focus on patients dealing with complex ailments like cancer, Crohn’s disease, and HIV, specialty pharmacies offer invaluable counseling and financial assistance to support individuals undergoing costly treatments.
Walgreens is making significant investments aimed at transforming and enhancing its specialty pharmacy services. One such investment includes the establishment of a newly licensed facility in Pittsburgh exclusively dedicated to catering to the needs of cell and gene therapies. This state-of-the-art facility spanning 18,000 square feet will provide critical support to drug manufacturers and healthcare providers in navigating the intricate supply chain associated with these advanced treatments.
The decision by Walgreens to venture into the realm of cell and gene therapy services comes at a time when there has been a notable surge in the approval of such treatments, both in the U.S. and the European Union. These revolutionary therapies, characterized by their one-time administration and high cost, hold the potential to target an individual’s genetic makeup or cells, thereby offering a curative or transformative approach to managing diseases. Health experts envision cell and gene therapies gradually replacing conventional lifelong treatments for chronic illnesses.
By launching the specialty pharmacy-dedicated business unit, Walgreens has reinforced its position as the largest independent provider of specialty pharmacy services, boasting an estimated $24 billion in revenue from this segment. Notably, the company has opted not to partner with a pharmacy benefit manager, thereby granting it the flexibility to engage dynamically with various payers. This strategic decision enables Walgreens to collaborate directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers to streamline product dissemination and enhance patient treatment initiation.
Patients affiliated with AllianceRx and the company’s extensive network of nearly 300 community-based pharmacies stand to benefit significantly from the resources made available through the newly launched business unit. By leveraging a team of skilled clinicians, nutritionists, and nurses, Walgreens aims to augment the level of care provided to patients by their designated specialty pharmacists. Furthermore, the strategic placement of community-based specialty pharmacies near medical facilities ensures rapid access to specialty drugs, complemented by essential services like injection training and side-effect management.
Walgreens prides itself on its robust workforce encompassing over 1,500 specialty pharmacists, 5,000 patient-advocacy support team members, and dedicated specialty pharmacy teams. The company offers an extensive array of specialty drugs, including 240 “limited distribution” medications, a testament to its commitment to ensuring access to vital treatment options for patients requiring specialized care.
Overall, Walgreens’ strategic expansion into the realm of cell and gene therapy services and its concerted efforts to bolster its specialty pharmacy segment underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering superior patient care and contributing to the advancement of precision medicine in the healthcare landscape.
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