Walmart, Biologics and Avita Care Solutions Headline Recent Specialty Pharmacy Activities

Walmart recently announced the launch of four new HIV-focused specialty pharmacies of the community, and a nationwide pharmacy training program. With more than 4,600 pharmacies in the U.S. and 90% of the U.S. population located within 10 miles of a Walmart, the company has an opportunity to reach people who might not otherwise have access to or seek out HIV care.

Last year Walmart launched its first three Specialty Pharmacies of the Community (SPOCs) to help customers with all aspects of care, including industry leading clinical programs, pharmacy services provided by HIV-trained pharmacists, enhanced care coordination, healthy lifestyle recommendations and emotional support services from our Community Health Workers.

In Q1 of 2023, Walmart will add four new HIV-focused SPOCs in the following locations:

• Store 2003: 979 Route 1 North Brunswick, NJ 08902
• Store 2547: 41 Anawana Lake Rd Monticello, NY 12701
• Store 3795: 2100 88th St North Bergen, NJ 07047
• Store 5095: 495 Flatbush Ave Hartford, CT 06106

Also, in partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the company is making a training program available to all Walmart pharmacists and Walmart Health team members. The program, designed by Duke University, will equip pharmacists and clinicians to support patients with or at risk of HIV through clinical and culturally relevant education to enable compassionate care that can overcome stigma and social barriers.

Biologics announced it is the exclusive pharmacy and hub (Reata REACH) for SKYCLARYS. SKYCLARYS is the first and only treatment for patients with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older. The FDA granted Orphan Drug designation to omaveloxolone on February 28, 2023.

Biologics was recently selected by Lilly as a specialty pharmacy provider for JAYPIRCA™ (pirtobrutinib) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy including a BTK inhibitor.

Also, Biologics was selected by Stemline Therapeutics Inc., as a limited distribution network specialty pharmacy provider for ORSERDU™ (elacestrant).

Biologics by McKesson is an independent specialty pharmacy with more than 25 years of experience connecting patients to life-changing medications in oncology and other complex therapeutic areas.

Avita Care Solutions, a national health care services organization committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and inclusive health care solutions to underserved communities, has acquired three San Antonio, Texas-based specialty pharmacies.

The purchase of Lifecare Pharmacy’s Laurel Heights, Pavilion, and Empire locations doubles Avita’s presence in the area. Acquiring the three Lifecare locations broadens Avita’s ability to offer compassionate, comprehensive, and culturally competent LGBTQ+, HIV, PrEP, and sexual wellness care to its San Antonio patients and covered entity partners.

Avita, earlier this year, acquired Q Care Plus, a community-focused care management solution that offers stigma-free access to telehealth, in early January. That initiative followed on the heels of the formation of AvitaCare Atlanta, the organization’s new Atlanta medical and primary care center and pharmacy formerly owned by AbsoluteCare.

Avita Care Solutions is committed to promoting health equities by providing comprehensive, compassionate, and inclusive health care and pharmacy services to underserved communities. Avita’s community care management strategy enables patients and covered entities to remove barriers across the care continuum by providing pharmacy services, program administration, digital health, and delivery of clinical care for more than 145,000 patients and 320+ covered entities at 65+ locations.

Takeaway: Specialty pharmacy market leaders continue to consolidate and strengthen and expand their pharmacy reach and drug contracts