Specialty Rx & Armada

Founded in 2004 by Lawrence and Robert Irene and their father, Sandy—the respective CEO, president and chairman—Armada Health Care has become a major company for comprehensive access to the specialty pharmacy market. Drug Store News spoke with the Short Hills, N.J.-based company that helps bring together and facilitate business between all players in specialty pharmacy, including providers, manufacturers, wholesalers, payers and patients.

Drug Store News: Who is Armada; where did you come from; and what are your roots?

Armada Health Care: Lawrence, Robert and Sandy Irene are all registered pharmacists and graduates of St. John’s University College of Pharmacy. They have been thought leaders and advocates for improvements in the healthcare industry for 30-plus years. Sandy Irene, Lawrence and Robert’s father, originally owned and operated several retail pharmacies. In 1978, Sandy Irene purchased a long-term care pharmacy, which eventually became the largest LTC pharmacy in the United States. Subsequently, Lawrence and Robert established, operated and eventually divested the largest LTC buying group in the country. Collectively, these past experiences gave the Irenes the impetus to establish a focused and dedicated organization for the specialty pharmacy channel. The result was the establishment of Armada Health Care in 2004.

DrSN: How is your company unique?

Armada: Armada Health Care is the largest national marketing organization focused on the specialty pharmacy channel. Armada has established itself as a market leader in specialty pharmacy channel management by developing programs that benefit specialty pharmacy providers, pharma/biotech manufacturers, payers and, most importantly, patients.

DrSN: What have been the latest developments at the company?

Armada: Armada’s latest developments include the expansion of the Armada Specialty Pharmacy Network, the establishment of the Armada Specialty Pharmacy Advisory Board and the continued development of unique programs for specialty pharmaceuticals.

DrSN: What is the Armada Specialty Pharmacy Network?

Armada: Armada Health Care developed the Armada Specialty Pharmacy Network in 2007 to create value-added services and programs for Armada member pharmacies and their patients. This membership, now the largest in the nation, includes thousands of independent, chain and specialty pharmacies. The ASPN network offers unparalleled access to virtually every specialty pharmacy product currently available.