Walgreens Expands Specialty Pharmacy Network to Meet Rising Demand for Complex Therapies

Walgreens Boots Alliance has expanded its specialty pharmacy network to cover 265 therapies, strengthening its role as a leading specialty pharmacy in the US. The company's independence allows it to work flexibly with insurers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, and other partners. Specialty medicine is a rapidly growing healthcare sector, and Walgreens employs a nationwide team of pharmacists, nurses, patient advocates, and insurance experts to support patients with unique conditions and complex treatment needs.

Title: Walgreens Boots Alliance Expands Specialty Pharmacy Network to 265 Therapies

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA) has announced a significant expansion of its specialty pharmacy network, covering 265 therapies and strengthening its position as a leading specialty pharmacy in the United States. The company's independence allows it to collaborate flexibly with insurers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, and other partners.

The expansion includes the addition of highly specialized medications such as Yeztugo (lenacapavir) from Gilead Sciences, Nemluvio (nemolizumab) from Galderma, and Imkeldi (imatinib) from Shorla Oncology. These medications are often complex, high-cost, and require special handling, making them suitable for Walgreens' specialized pharmacy services.

Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy is one of the largest independent specialty pharmacies in the country, not directly affiliated with a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). This independence enables the company to work with any payer, pharmaceutical company, provider, and care partner, enhancing its ability to expand its collaborations and meet the growing demand for complex therapies.

Specialty medicine is one of the fastest-growing segments in healthcare, with specialty drugs now representing about 75% of new drug developments. Walgreens employs a nationwide team of pharmacists, nurses, patient advocates, and insurance experts dedicated to supporting patients with unique health conditions and complex treatment needs. This team is equipped to handle the complexities of specialty medications, including those with unique storage, temperature, and handling requirements.

The expansion comes at a time when specialty medicine is becoming increasingly important in healthcare. The addition of these 265 therapies further solidifies Walgreens' role as a key player in the specialty pharmacy market, providing critical care and pharmacy services to millions of patients with rare disease states and complex, chronic conditions.

References:
[1] https://www.walgreensbootsalliance.com/news-media/press-releases/2025/walgreens-specialty-pharmacy-strengthens-market-position-through
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/walgreens-grows-specialty-pharmacy-network-144119149.html