Walgreens, a leading healthcare provider, is expanding its specialty pharmacy services to include cell and gene therapies, amidst their growing prominence in treating chronic diseases. As part of this expansion, the company is launching a new business unit dedicated to specialty pharmacy, which will encompass its subsidiary AllianceRx and become part of its core U.S. retail pharmacy division. Walgreens is also establishing a new facility in Pittsburgh exclusively for cell and gene therapy services.
The move towards cell and gene therapies underscores the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for specialized treatments. Specialty pharmacies play a crucial role in providing medications that require meticulous handling, storage, and distribution, particularly for patients with complex conditions like cancer, Crohn’s disease, and HIV. Walgreens’ expansion into this area is designed to meet this growing demand.
The Pittsburgh facility will serve as a hub for drugmakers and healthcare providers to navigate the intricacies of cell and gene therapy supply chains and address patient needs. With the launch of its new business unit, Walgreens becomes the largest independent provider of specialty pharmacy services, with approximately $24 billion in revenue from this segment. Notably, the company’s Specialty Pharmacy business operates independently from pharmacy benefit managers, allowing for greater flexibility in contracting with payers.
In addition to cell and gene therapies, Walgreens’ specialty pharmacies provide a comprehensive range of services, including access to expert clinicians, nutritionists, and nurses. The company’s community-based pharmacies are strategically located near medical office buildings and health systems, ensuring prompt access to specialty drugs and services like injection training and side-effect management. Walgreens boasts over 1,500 specialty pharmacists, 5,000 patient-advocacy support team members, and dedicated specialty pharmacy teams, underscoring its commitment to providing personalized and specialized care.
The expansion of Walgreens’ specialty pharmacy services aligns with the growing demand for cell and gene therapies. Their commitment to providing expert care and a wide range of services positions them as a key player in the evolving healthcare landscape.
