Walgreens recently announced a significant expansion of its specialty pharmacy services by launching a new business unit dedicated to bringing cell and gene therapies directly to U.S. patients. This move comes as chronic diseases continue to rise, necessitating specialized medications that require careful handling and distribution.
Impact of Specialty Pharmacies
Specialty pharmacies have become a crucial player in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly for patients with chronic, rare, or complex conditions like cancer, Crohn’s disease, and HIV. These pharmacies not only provide essential medications but also offer counseling and financial assistance to support patients in managing their treatments.
As part of its efforts to enhance specialty pharmacy services, Walgreens is opening a licensed facility in Pittsburgh dedicated to services for cell and gene therapies. This 18,000-square-foot center will help drugmakers and healthcare providers navigate the complex supply chain for these treatments and address patient needs effectively.
Rise of Cell and Gene Therapies
The decision to launch cell and gene therapy services comes in response to an increase in approvals for these innovative treatments in both the U.S. and the European Union. These therapies, which target a patient’s genetic source or cells, have the potential to cure or significantly alter the course of a disease. Health experts anticipate that cell and gene therapies may eventually replace traditional lifelong treatments for chronic conditions.
Future Outlook for Cell and Gene Therapies
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved seven cell and gene therapies last year, including groundbreaking treatments for diseases like sickle cell disease. The FDA projects that it will review and approve between 10 and 20 of these therapies each year by 2025, indicating a growing market for these advanced treatments.
Walgreens’ newly launched business unit aims to become the largest independent provider of specialty pharmacy services, generating approximately $24 billion in revenue from this segment. Unlike some competitors, Walgreens’ Specialty Pharmacy business is not partnered with a pharmacy benefit manager, giving the company the flexibility to contract directly with payers and pharmaceutical manufacturers to streamline the delivery of specialized medications to patients.
Under the new unit, patients of AllianceRx and Walgreens’ community-based pharmacies will benefit from enhanced resources and support. These resources include clinicians with disease expertise, nutritionists, and nurses who work closely with patients to ensure they receive the best possible care throughout their treatment journey. Additionally, Walgreens’ community-based specialty pharmacies are strategically located near medical facilities, allowing for faster access to specialty drugs and essential services like injection training and side-effect management.
Commitment to Specialized Care
Walgreens boasts a team of over 1,500 specialty pharmacists, 5,000 patient-advocacy support team members, and dedicated specialty pharmacy teams focused on delivering high-quality care to patients. With a portfolio of more than 1,300 specialty drugs, including 240 “limited distribution” drugs, Walgreens is well-positioned to meet the unique needs of patients requiring specialized medications.
Walgreens’ expansion of specialty pharmacy services to include cell and gene therapies demonstrates its commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive care to patients with complex medical conditions. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities, expert clinicians, and strategic partnerships, Walgreens is poised to lead the way in delivering cutting-edge treatments to those who need them most.