Specialty Pharmacy

What will retail pharmacy look like in 2027? Predicting the future is always iffy, but it’s certain that it will involve a lot of “C” words. Among them are connectivity; computing or, more accurately, the use of supercomputers in advanced diagnosis, medication therapy and drug development; collaboration; clinical care; and cost-saving imperatives.

FLINT, Mich. — Diplomat Pharmacy has joined the ranks of pharmacy chains providing naloxone to its patients without requiring a prescription. The company on Tuesday announced that it would be offering the opioid overdose antidote at its Flint retail pharmacy.

“Protecting the health and safety of our patients is what we do,” Diplomat EVP operations Gary Rice. “We are committed to providing access to lifesaving medication like naloxone in the communities we serve.”

WASHINGTON — The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy on Monday launched a new resource hub built around educating patients and pharmacists about the impact the organization sees direct and indirect remuneration, or DIR, fees having on specialty pharmacies and the patients they serve.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The first drug for ALS approved in 22 years is now available. Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America this week announced the introduction of its Radicava (edaravone), an intravenous treatment for ALS that the Food and Drug Administration approved on May 5.

HERTFORDSHIRE, England, PITTSBURGH and TORONTO — Mylan has launched three generics for treating HIV in Canada. Among the three launches is the company’s generic of Gilead’s Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, 200 mg/300 mg), as well as generics of Atripla (efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, 600 mg/200 mg/300 mg) and Viread (tenofovir disoproxil, 300 mg).

FLINT, Mich. — Diplomat Pharmacy is transitioning into new leadership as it moves into the last half of its fiscal year. Alongside its Q2 earnings report, the company on Monday appointed Joel Saban president, effective Aug. 7, as Paul Urick departs the company to pursue other interests. Urick will stay on as president emeritus during a 90-day transition period.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Gilead Sciences’s Epclusa single-tablet hepatitis C treatment this week got approval from the Food and Drug Administration for an expanded indication. The drug is now approved for use in patients with hepatitis C that are co-infected with HIV.