With major advancements in medicine come new specialty drugs that change the way doctors treat patients with rare or complicated diseases. According to Healthcare Distribution Alliance’s 2023 Specialty Pharmaceutical Distribution Facts, Figures and Trends report, the US specialty pharmaceutical market grew 12% in 2022 and for the first time, specialty pharmaceuticals had a larger share (51%) of the market than traditional medicines. In 2023, nine out of the top 15 drugs by spending are specialty medications — prescription drugs used to treat complex, chronic conditions that oftentimes require special handling and administration. 

What is a specialty distributor?

Specialty distributors carry specialty pharmaceutical drugs between the manufacturer and the provider, whether it be a physician’s office, clinic, hospital, or specialty pharmacy. They understand the unique requirements of these drugs and provide tailored solutions to meet the needs of manufacturers and healthcare providers. Specialty distributors work closely with manufacturing partners to ensure timely and efficient distribution of these products. They will also have the knowledge and expertise to support beyond distribution in areas like financial services, data and market intelligence, inventory management, and regulatory compliance. 

At BioCareSD, specialty distribution means each product gets the individualized care it requires. BioCareSD’s ever-expanding portfolio includes specialty products for hematology, immunology, neurology, ultra rare, orphan, gene therapy, retina, and oncology. As is typically the case for many specialty medications, speed is crucial. BioCareSD understands the urgency behind every shipment and their wide-reaching distribution capabilities allow them to seamlessly partner with manufacturers nationwide to deliver crucial therapies to patients. 

The importance of expertise 

Specialty distributors are experts in what they do: handling complex medicines for healthcare partners and their critically ill patients. To do that successfully requires extensive knowledge and expertise. Each drug has its own set of unique, highly specialized handling instructions, which could be anything from temperature requirements to strict timing constraints. Additionally, many of these medications are required to be administered by a provider, meaning that they need to be delivered to specific locations at specific times. In short, the process of getting the drug from the manufacturer to the patient is very involved. 

Nevertheless, specialty distributors possess a profound understanding of these processes and are adept at minimizing risks throughout the distribution journey. Extensive distribution networks, seasoned team members, and established relationships are vital components contributing to the success of specialty distributors.

Expertise in action

With over four decades of industry experience and a seasoned team of experts, BioCareSD is dedicated to delivering optimal solutions for its manufacturing partners and their patients. As a testament to this commitment, consider a recent case where a pharmaceutical manufacturer sought urgent access delivery solutions for a complex product. Tasked with meeting stringent Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program mandates, along with a nationwide delivery window of just six hours, the manufacturer turned to BioCareSD for assistance.

Leveraging its wealth of expertise, BioCareSD took a comprehensive approach. Drawing upon historical data, the team identified key locations of usage and meticulously crafted a delivery network to ensure timely fulfillment within the stipulated timeframe. This intricate network accounted for various logistical challenges, including a 250-mile courier range, commercial air coverage, and ground traffic considerations.

Thanks to BioCareSD’s diligent efforts, the medication now boasts a remarkable 100% delivery rate within the six-hour window. Patients can rest assured knowing they receive the critical care they need precisely when they need it, underscoring BioCareSD’s unwavering commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical distribution.

BioCareSD’s wide-reaching distribution network enables us to overcome obstacles, ensuring the right products reach the right hands at the right time. Discover the difference an expert team can have on your specialty distribution needs.