Drug Channels: Express Scripts, CVS Caremark and Walgreens top players in specialty pharmacy

PHILADELPHIA — Drug Channels on Tuesday sized up the specialty pharmacy market. Last year specialty drugs accounted for 22% of all pharmacy revenue, and 63% of the specialty business is dispensed by three companies: Express Scripts, CVS Caremark and Walgreens. According to Drug Channels estimates, the specialty pharmacy market generated $63.2 billion in 2013. 

"Walgreens has become the third-largest specialty pharmacy by acquiring other specialty pharmacies," noted Drug Channels author Adam Fein, president Pembroke Consulting, notably BioScrip, Medmark and Schraft's, among others. 

"[And] Diplomat continues to be one of the fastest-growing companies in the specialty market," Fein observed. "Diplomat has also expanded its reach with its Retail Specialty Network program for such retailers as Fred’s, Safeway and Target."