Walgreens is expanding its specialty pharmacy services in the United States by directly collaborating with drugmakers to provide cell and gene therapies to patients. This initiative involves the creation of a new business unit within its specialty pharmacy segment, including its subsidiary AllianceRx, under the core U.S. retail pharmacy division. This expansion aims to address the growing demand for specialty pharmacy services, particularly as chronic diseases become more prevalent.
Specialty pharmacies play a crucial role in delivering medications that require specialized handling, storage, and distribution, catering to patients with chronic, rare, or complex conditions like cancer, Crohn’s disease, and HIV. These pharmacies offer counseling and financial assistance to support patients undergoing costly treatments.
As part of its transformation efforts, Walgreens is establishing a licensed facility in Pittsburgh dedicated to cell and gene therapies. This 18,000-square-foot center will assist drugmakers and healthcare providers in navigating the intricate supply chain for these treatments and managing patient needs.
The decision to venture into cell and gene therapy services follows a surge in approvals for these innovative treatments in the U.S. and the European Union. These therapies, which target genetic sources or cells to cure or significantly alter disease courses, are expected to replace traditional lifelong treatments for chronic diseases.
With approximately $24 billion in revenue from its specialty pharmacy segment, Walgreens aims to become a leading independent provider of specialty pharmacy services. Notably, the company’s specialty pharmacy business is not affiliated with a pharmacy benefit manager, offering flexibility in contracting with payers and direct partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Through its community-based specialty pharmacies, Walgreens provides timely access to specialty drugs, injection training, and side-effect management, leveraging its extensive network of specialty pharmacists and patient-advocacy support teams. Additionally, Walgreens offers a wide range of specialty drugs, including limited distribution drugs that are typically exclusive to select pharmacies.
Overall, Walgreens’ expansion into cell and gene therapy services signifies a commitment to enhancing patient care and accessibility to innovative treatments in the evolving landscape of specialty pharmacy.
