Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBA) subsidiary, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, has been chosen as the exclusive distributor for Mycovia Pharmaceuticals’ VIVJOA (oteseconazole). With this partnership, Walgreens specialty pharmacy patients gain exclusive access to over 240 limited distribution drugs available through Walgreens specialty pharmacy, further enhancing Walgreens’ Specialty Pharmacy business.
VIVJOA, the first FDA-approved medication to reduce the recurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) in postmenopausal women or those not of reproductive age, is a notable addition to Walgreens’ pharmaceutical offerings. Alongside VIVJOA, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy and select community-based specialty pharmacies offer other limited-distribution medications like Augtyro (repotrectinib) for non-small cell lung cancer and Regeneron’s Eylea HD Injection for various eye conditions.
Walgreens management emphasizes the careful attention and control offered by Walgreens specialty pharmacists in handling VIVJOA, showcasing the company’s dedication to patient care and supporting clinicians in initiating therapies promptly. With the inclusion of VIVJOA, Walgreens’ specialty pharmacy now boasts one of the largest collections of exclusive limited distribution pharmaceuticals among specialty pharmacies in the United States.
Industry Outlook
According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the specialty pharmaceuticals market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 35.4% from 2022 to 2027. Factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic and rare diseases, increased research and development activities, and new drug launches are expected to drive market growth. Furthermore, strategic initiatives by key market players are poised to contribute to the expansion of the specialty pharmaceuticals sector.
Other Pharmacy Developments
In December 2023, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy announced its distribution partnership with Tarsus Pharmaceuticals to distribute XDEMVY, an FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis, a prevalent eyelid disease affecting millions of patients in the United States.
Additionally, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, U.S. Pharmacy comp sales surged by 9.2%, driven by factors like brand inflation, mix impacts, and script growth. Recently, Walgreens introduced a user-friendly digital tool, Rx Savings Finder, aimed at helping customers find lower prices on prescription medications through free third-party discount cards.
Price Performance
Over the past year, WBA shares have declined by 33.9%, in contrast to the industry’s 3.4% fall.
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