Four Things To Know About Limited Distribution Drugs

May 05, 2021

Why Manufacturers Choose AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy As Their Limited Distribution Partner

Part of being diagnosed with a rare disease or chronic condition is understanding that sometimes the prescribed medicine may be hard to access. This article helps explain limited distribution drugs, their unique and specific requirements, and why manufacturers continue to choose AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy as a limited distribution partner.

1. Understanding Limited Distribution Drugs

Limited distribution drugs (LDDs) are medications to which only a handful of pharmacies have access. Because these medications are considered very high touch and have special requirements, manufacturers may choose to limit the distribution of the drug to only a few pharmacies.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers choose a distribution model based on product needs as part of their larger commercialization strategy and in preparation for a successful product launch, says Tracey James, RPh, senior vice president, pharmacy services, at AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy. “There are several reasons a manufacturer may choose a limited distribution model, but we usually see this type of model with high-priced specialty products that have more complex regimens and/or requirements,” she says. “Often, these drugs are developed to treat conditions affecting a much smaller or specific patient population. Thus, these products – and patients – require a much higher level of oversight.”

James says selecting a limited distribution model allows the manufacturer to ensure safe and timely distribution of its product to smaller patient populations—while ensuring a more consistent patient experience.

2. Limited Distribution Drugs Have Special Requirements

Because LDDs require a higher level of oversight, it’s no surprise these medications come with specific requirements. These range from special storage of the medicines; to having clinical programs in place to help patients stay on therapy; and to being able to help the patient with financial assistance to afford the drug. Some of the special requirements of limited distribution drugs AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy is able to provide include:

• Special handling/shipping/storage. AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy is the only pharmacy to use a patented process for shipping temperature-sensitive medicine. This means patients receive their medicine delivered at the correct temperature.

• Dosing/administration. Our team members assist with dose titration or adjustment, as well as training patients how to administer self-injections of the medicine.

• Clinical programs. These programs may include side effect management, clinical counseling, nursing support, and adherence programs, all designed to help the patient achieve the best possible outcomes. At AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, all patients are enrolled in our Connected Care clinical management programs and receive counseling about their prescribed therapy.

• Monitoring requirements. LDDs have several monitoring requirements including risk evaluation mitigation strategies (REMS), pharmacovigilance, adverse event reporting, training, and internal and external auditing.

• HIPAA-compliant data reporting and analytics. Providing data and reporting while protecting the identity of the patient can potentially improve utilization of the drug and the experience for the patient.

• Financial assistance coordination. Specialty medication can be expensive. We have specialists who provide information on financial assistance programs available to eligible patients. Over the past two years, we’ve connected eligible patients to more than $604 million in financial assistance.*

3. AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy Has Leading LDD Access

AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy has access to more than 200 limited distribution drugs, including 40 narrow networks and nine exclusive networks.

Joel Wright, chief executive officer of AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, adds that while the FDA’s approval of these medications supports the specialty pharmacy’s purpose of providing hope and care for better tomorrows, access to medication is just part of its treatment approach. “Our pharmacists use an integrated care management program to deliver comprehensive and collaborative care for patients throughout their care journey.”

4. What Makes Us An Attractive Partner For Manufacturers

Manufacturers choose AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy as a limited distribution drug partner because they value our ability to support patients throughout their treatment, says Wright.

“They know we are committed to providing a personalized care approach, tailored to meet the individual needs of patients,” he says. “Many patients have already traveled a long and tumultuous path, while others may have just received a life-changing diagnosis. We work to alleviate some of the burden and ensure a seamless treatment experience – one where patients aren’t alone as they continue along their treatment journey.”

*January 2019 - December 2020 combined across all disease states for AllianceRX Walgreens Pharmacy data.