Drug Channels delivers timely analysis and provocative opinions from Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., the country's foremost expert on pharmaceutical economics and the drug distribution system. Drug Channels reaches an engaged, loyal and growing audience of more than 100,000 subscribers and followers. Learn more...
Today’s guest post comes from Mike Cohn, Vice President, Network Operations at CoverMyMeds.
Mike shares key takeaways on patient access and affordability from CoverMyMeds’ 2025 Medication Access Report. He focuses on the systemic fragmentation that exists across payers, providers, and pharmacies. Mike explains how these silos delay treatment and lead to increased out-of-pocket costs.
To learn how a more connected, patient-centered solution can bridge silos and align clinical and financial realities, register for CoverMyMeds’ free June 12th webinar: Dimensionalization of the Patient Journey.
Two weeks ago, Senator Bill Cassidy—now chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP)—dropped a must-read, eyebrow-raising report on the out-of-control 340B Drug Pricing Program. (Link below.)
The report reveals previously confidential information showing how billions are funneled to health systems and pharmacies—with manufacturers unable to follow the flow.
Below, we use these new disclosures to illustrate the 340B program’s hidden prescription economics for 340B contract specialty pharmacies operated by CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance.
As you can see, the program’s participants earn substantial margins, while plans and third-party payers foot the bill.
Join Claritas Rx experts as they lead you through methods intended to optimize patient care coordination, featuring an in-depth real-world case study that demonstrates the impact of these approaches. You will also acquire insights into streamlining patient journey processes with AI.
During this webinar, you will learn:
Key strategies to boost fill rates by 20% and improve patient adherence in specialty pharma operations
How to leverage advanced AI solutions to transform and streamline your patient journey processes
Insights on elevating care standards and maximizing outcomes for success in specialty pharma
Register today to take the lead in achieving success in specialty pharma.
When: May 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT)
The content of Sponsored Posts does not necessarily reflect the views of HMP Omnimedia, LLC, Drug Channels Institute, its parent company, or any of its employees. To find out how you can publish an event post on Drug Channels, please contact Paula Fein(paula@DrugChannels.net).
Today’s guest post comes from Kristine McGaughey, Vice President, Implementation at ConnectiveRx and Sam Blake, SVP, Hub Product at ConnectiveRx.
Sam and Kristine discuss the importance of the first 24 hours of a patient’s engagement with a hub services program. They outline five reasons why two components—patient enrollment and successful benefits verification—dictate the effectiveness of a patient support program.
Spring has officially arrived at Drug Channels' worldwide headquarters in beautiful downtown Philadelphia. (Photo proof at right.) So, scurry over to this month’s curated crop of noteworthy news:
Amazon Pharmacy is still coming for retail pharmacy
Express Scripts revives its long-lost drug trend report
Prior authorization gold cards: Progress or peril?
Today’s guest post comes from Scott Hughes, Vice President of Strategy of CareMetx.
In this latest analysis from CareMetx, Scott explores how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is reshaping Medicare patients’ access to critical medications across three high-impact therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, and endocrinology. Drawing on fresh 2025 plan data, he highlights the emerging barriers faced by patients, the shifting demands on providers, and the strategic implications for drug manufacturers.
After a blockbuster inaugural event and tremendous feedback from attendees, we’re excited to announce that the Drug Channels Leadership Forum (DCLF) returns on March 16–18, 2026, at the Turnberry Resort & Spa in Miami. This one-of-a-kind, off-the-record event convenes senior leaders across the drug channel to address today’s most pressing industry issues.
“I’d recommend the DCLF to anyone in the drug industry in the US. It's a great opportunity to bring together all constituents and members and have a frank sharing of ideas.”
— Timothy Folts, Finance Director of Gross-to-Net Strategy, GSK
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
DCLF is an invite-only, strategic gathering for leaders across the drug channel ecosystem, including:
Pharmaceutical manufacturers
PBMs, health plans, and employers
Health systems and physician practices
Pharmacies and wholesalers
Policymakers
“The thing that I think sets it apart is the fact that there are so many different parts of the industry that are represented here.” — Jeanine Robertson, Director of Pharmacy Network Relations, Liviniti
WHAT TO EXPECT
Expect bold, candid discussions—not just presentations. We’re enhancing the 2026 agenda with new formats and even more opportunities for direct, high-impact exchanges among attendees.
Here’s a glimpse of what made the 2025 event such a success:
Provocative panels with C-suite executives
Off-the-record insights and open Q&A sessions
No exhibit hall, no press, no distractions—just substance
✅ 92% of 2025 attendees said they'd return!
“Sometimes you go to events like this and the chat on stage is completely pre-scripted. But we're not seeing that today, which has really added a robustness and flavor to the overall discussion.” — Jason Dombi, Senior Vice President of Strategic Solutions, Cencora
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM DCLF 2025
Relive the #DCLF2025 energy and hear testimonials directly from participants.
Today, we dive deeper. Drawing from DCI’s new 2025 Economic Report on U.S. Pharmacies and Pharmacy Benefit Managers, we explore how pharmaceutical manufacturers structure their specialty pharmacy networks—and how smaller, independent pharmacies have emerged as dominant players in exclusive networks.
In DCI’s latest analysis, we find specialty pharmacies affiliated with the largest PBMs still play an outsized role in limited networks. But like a certain striped-hatted cat, smaller pharmacies unaffiliated with PBMs show up where few expect them. They dominate exclusive networks and maybe even cleaning up any messes left by Things 1, 2, and 3.
Read on for DCI’s updated profile of specialty networks—and consider why smaller players are showing the good tricks that they know.
As you might expect, we'll be showing up in true Drug Channels style. Be sure to swing by booth #1601 for fun, flair, and pharma-frivolity:
Ask Adam Anything (#AAA). Join DCI president Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., for a special live session during the opening reception on Monday, April 28, at 4:00 p.m. Bring your phone—selfies encouraged!
Spin the Drug Channels Wheel O’ Fun and win fabulous prizes!
Today’s guest post comes from William Grambley, Chief Product Officer at AssistRx.
William discusses four specific use cases for how AI can create efficiencies and improve patient support programs for both healthcare providers and patients. He provides three considerations that life sciences organizations should evaluate when adopting AI in their patient support programs.
Drug Channels Institute’s (DCI’s) latest analysis reveals that PBM-affiliated specialty pharmacies continue to dominate the dispensing of specialty drugs.
DCI has identified nearly 1,900 dispensing locations with specialty pharmacy accreditation. Below, we share DCI’s latest analysis of the top 15 specialty pharmacies, including updated market shares and revenue estimates.
As in prior years, pharmacies linked to the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accounted for two-thirds of prescription revenues from pharmacy-dispensed specialty drugs. We also explore how these pharmacies contribute to PBMs’ profitability—and spotlight the growing influence of provider- and health system-owned dispensing channels.
Once again, “specialty” mostly means affiliated with a PBM.
In today’s fast-moving pharmaceutical marketplace, insight is everything. Whether you're building trust with customers, launching new products, or guiding internal teams, understanding the economic forces that shape drug distribution, reimbursement, and pricing is essential.
At Drug Channels Institute (DCI), we know how critical this knowledge is—and how hard it can be to find credible, up-to-date training that fits into a busy professional’s schedule. That’s why we created our DCI eLearning Modules: a suite of six interactive, expertly narrated courses that deliver must-know insights in 45 minutes or less.
These modules were built from the ground up for pharmaceutical professionals—from seasoned experts to newcomers looking to understand the industry's complex web of relationships. Each course distills our signature Drug Channels expertise into engaging, bite-sized lessons that are ideal for:
Sales and field teams: seeking clearer context for their customer conversations
Market access, training, and internal strategy groups: who need to understand payer and channel dynamics
Any professional: ready to level up their understanding of pharmaceutical economics
Each module features:
Interactive graphics and animations for improved retention
Expert voice-over narration to guide you through complex topics
References to key DCI reports for optional deep dives
iPad compatibility for learning on the go
The modules are available only via a site-wide license, giving your entire organization access through your internal learning platform. We also offer licenses to our secure hosted learning environment—no internal setup required! (Sorry, individual licenses are not currently available.)
What You’ll Learn: A Snapshot of Each Module
1. Follow the Dollar: How Funds Flow in the Distribution and Reimbursement Channels
This foundational course breaks down the financial and product flows in U.S. pharmaceutical distribution. You'll learn how money and medicines move between manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, PBMs, and payers—and how each relationship affects costs and outcomes.
2. The Economics of Retail, Mail, and Specialty Pharmacies
Gain a clear-eyed view of how different pharmacy channels generate revenue and manage costs. Understand reimbursement dynamics, cost estimation methods, and how profitability varies across drug types and dispensing models.
3. The Business of Specialty Pharmacy
Specialty drugs are revolutionizing care—and reshaping the pharmacy business. This module explores how these products are distributed, covered by insurance, and supported through value-added services.
4. The Economics of Provider-Administered Specialty Drugs
Navigate the unique dynamics of provider-administered drugs, from buy-and-bill systems to ASP reimbursement. Understand how coverage types, care sites, and financial relationships affect access and profitability.
5. Understanding Pharmacy Benefit Managers
PBMs wield enormous influence—but many professionals may not fully understand their true impact. Learn how PBMs operate, where they make money, and how they interact with manufacturers, payers, and pharmacies.
6. Pharmaceutical Wholesalers: Business Strategies and Financial Economics
Take a deep dive into how wholesalers operate, generate profits, and provide critical services. You’ll come away understanding the difference between full-line wholesalers and specialty distributors—and why that matters for your strategy.
Bottom line: If you or your team work in any part of the pharmaceutical value chain, DCI’s eLearning modules will make you smarter, faster. They’re the shortest path to mastering the industry's most important (and most misunderstood) topics.
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