Top Articles from Drug Channels: May 2012

Today’s post responds to reader requests for a monthly Drug Channels wrap-up. Every month, I’ll highlight the previous month’s five most frequently viewed and/or most interesting articles.

Here are the winners from May 2012. Below, I provide some additional comments and reflections on each article.

• Walgreens is Losing Its Battle with Express Scripts
• Express Scripts' George Paz Opines on Medco, Pharmacists, and Walgreen
• Oral Oncology Channel Battle: Payers vs. Providers
• Armada 2012: Reflections on the Evolving Specialty Marketplace
• Drug Channel Profits in the 2012 Fortune 500

Thanks to everyone who responded to the survey! If you haven’t done so, please take a moment to fill out the 2012 Drug Channels Reader Survey and tell me what you think about the site.

Walgreens is Losing Its Battle with Express Scripts
By a wide margin, my thoughts on the Express Scripts/Walgreens dispute were May’s most viewed article. Careful readers noticed that I did not opine on who is right or wrong in this dispute. I simply believe that Walgreens will be forced to concede, probably before the end of the year. There was also a lively back-and-forth in the comments. My POV generated some healthy off-line (and off-the-record) debate, too!

Express Scripts' George Paz Opines on Medco, Pharmacists, and Walgreen
This related article also generated a lot of readers and comments, due to the controversial comments from Mr. Paz and pharmacy owners’ general unhappiness with PBMs.

Oral Oncology Channel Battle: Payers vs. Providers
This article highlights the channel strategy challenges associated with oral oncolytics. Payers would prefer that a lot more volume goes through the specialty pharmacy channel. In contrast, oncology practice managers would prefer that more volume go through on-site provider dispensing. Strategic market analysis articles generate few comments, but are widely read because of the direct implications for biopharmaceutical manufacturers.

Armada 2012: Reflections on the Evolving Specialty Marketplace
Judging by web traffic, many people enjoyed reading my take on the key themes at the Armada meeting. I would like to hear other opinions on the stories and lessons from major industry events. Please drop me a line if you ever feel inspired enough to write up your observations and I’ll publish it as a guest post.

Drug Channel Profits in the 2012 Fortune 500
I always enjoy writing this annual financial comparison of drug channel participants. I aim to cut through the clutter and spin so we can all see the real facts. This effort was not appreciated by all, judging by some odd comments.

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I’ll monitor clicks and page-views for these monthly wrap-ups. If interest is strong, then it will become a regular feature.