Walgreens Launches Specialty Pharmacy for Gene & Cell Therapy Services

The latest venture is establishing a dedicated 18,000-square-foot center in Pittsburgh, explicitly designed to offer gene and cell therapy services.

In a bid to cater to the burgeoning demand for innovative healthcare solutions, US-based Walgreens has forayed into gene and cell therapy services by launching a Specialty Pharmacy.

This initiative is part of the company's broader strategy to consolidate its specialty pharmacy segment assets under the newly integrated business unit, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. 

The unit, which encompasses former entities such as AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, operates within the Walgreens US retail pharmacy segment.

Sharing thoughts, Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, Walgreens said, "The launch of our specialty pharmacy is the latest initiative aimed at expanding the role our pharmacy teams play in patients' lives and bringing their clinical expertise to help payers, providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and partners deliver critical healthcare." 

About Walgreen Specialty Pharmacy 

As part of its newly integrated business unit, Walgreens has established a dedicated 18,000-sq ft Pittsburgh center specifically to provide gene and cell therapy services. 

Further, by uniting pharmacy teams and distribution networks across various stakeholders, including providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, health plans, and payers, Walgreens seeks to drive cost savings and efficiencies. At the same time, ensuring patients have access to specialized treatments.

The introduction of gene and cell therapy services comes at a time when advancements in medical science are unlocking new possibilities for treating rare and hereditary diseases. 

With the recent FDA approvals of breakthrough gene therapies for conditions such as sickle cell disease, the demand for specialized treatments is rising. Walgreens aims to meet this demand by offering state-of-the-art services and capabilities tailored to emerging therapies.

Speaking about the company's integrated model, Gates said, "Our model enables more comprehensive care to help payers better manage specialty drug costs." 

Commitment to Patient Care

Walgreens' Specialty Pharmacy service is backed by over 1, 500 specially trained pharmacists, 5,000 patient advocacy support team members, and Specialty360 teams dedicated to supporting all specialty conditions and therapies. 

The company's community-based specialty pharmacies, strategically located near medical facilities, aim to provide patients with expedited access to specialty medications and essential support services.

"Our pharmacists are right there to guide and care for patients throughout their healthcare journey," Gates noted. 

With a focus on innovation and patient-centric care, Walgreens aims to continue to play a vital role in advancing the accessibility and delivery of specialized medical treatments across communities.