Vertical integration across insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, specialty pharmacies and healthcare providers continues to reshape the U.S. drug supply chain, according to a Drug Channels report released April 14.
Here are four notes from the report:
- Control across drug channels persists: Large healthcare companies are maintaining or expanding control across insurance, PBMs, specialty pharmacies and care delivery, influencing pricing, patient access and sites of care.
- Hospitals gain share in specialty pharmacy: Health systems now account for nearly one-third of accredited specialty pharmacy locations, with growth tied to 340B policy changes and partnerships with PBM-owned platforms.
- Deal activity signals continued expansion: Evernorth invested $3.5 billion in Shields Health Solutions and now owns 100% of CarepathRx, while UnitedHealth Group acquired CPS Solutions, expanding payer reach into provider-facing services.
- Some firms begin to unwind strategies: Select companies are divesting assets or outsourcing operations, reflecting evolving market dynamics and increased regulatory scrutiny.
