GITNUXREPORT 2025

Specialty Pharmacy Statistics

Specialty pharmacy market grows, impacting costs, innovation, and personalized patient care.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Drug reimbursement models for specialty medications are shifting towards value-based agreements in over 60% of cases

Statistic 2

The global specialty pharmacy market was valued at approximately $125 billion in 2022

Statistic 3

The number of specialty medications approved by the FDA increased by over 25% between 2018 and 2022

Statistic 4

Specialty pharmacy accounts for roughly 50% of total prescription drug spending in the United States

Statistic 5

It is estimated that over 70% of new drugs approved by the FDA are specialty medications

Statistic 6

The number of patients served by specialty pharmacies in the US increased by 12% annually from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 7

The average cost of a specialty medication can exceed $150,000 per patient annually

Statistic 8

The number of specialty pharmacy providers increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 9

The penetration rate of biosimilars in specialty pharmacy was approximately 20% in 2022, increasing from 12% in 2018

Statistic 10

The number of specialty pharmacy prescriptions filled in the US surpassed 220 million in 2022

Statistic 11

The average revenue per patient for specialty pharmacy services is around $10,000 annually

Statistic 12

The use of telehealth services by specialty pharmacies increased by 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 13

The market share of independent specialty pharmacies grew by 10% between 2020 and 2023, now holding about 35% of the market

Statistic 14

The percentage of specialty prescriptions dispensed via mail order increased to 65% in 2022, from 50% in 2019

Statistic 15

The number of specialty pharmacy providers participating in risk-sharing agreements with payers increased by 20% in 2022

Statistic 16

The volume of compounded specialty medications increased by 15% annually from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 17

The integration of AI in specialty pharmacy operations is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2025

Statistic 18

The cost savings from medication therapy management (MTM) programs in specialty pharmacy are estimated to be $1.2 billion annually in the US

Statistic 19

The global market for biosimilars in specialty pharmacy is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2025

Statistic 20

Specialty pharmacy's role in managing rare disease medications increased by 18% from 2019 to 2022, due to rising diagnosis rates

Statistic 21

The growth in complex biologic medicines has driven a 20% increase in demand for specialized compounding services in specialty pharmacy

Statistic 22

The number of specialty pharmacies offering expanded clinical services, such as genetic testing and disease monitoring, increased by 25% in 2023

Statistic 23

The outsourcing rate of specialty pharmacy logistics and distribution services grew by 15% in 2022, reflecting market inclinations towards third-party logistics providers

Statistic 24

The average annual growth rate of the specialty pharmacy sector is projected at 12% from 2023 to 2028, indicating sustained industry expansion

Statistic 25

The number of new specialty pharmacy startups increased by 15% annually from 2019 to 2022, reflecting innovation and market growth

Statistic 26

The volume of patient education programs conducted by specialty pharmacies increased by 20% in 2022 to ensure better medication adherence

Statistic 27

An estimated 35% of specialty pharmacy revenue is derived from consulting and clinical support services, highlighting diversified income streams

Statistic 28

The growth of the specialty pharmacy market is expected to account for over 55% of total prescription drug expenditures in the US by 2025

Statistic 29

The adoption of real-world evidence (RWE) in specialty pharmacy decision-making increased by 35% in 2022, improving personalized care planning

Statistic 30

The adoption of digital health solutions by specialty pharmacies increased by 45% in 2022

Statistic 31

The average wait time for specialty medication shipments decreased by 15% in 2023 due to improved supply chain logistics

Statistic 32

Approximately 65% of specialty pharmacy patients require prior authorization before medication dispensation

Statistic 33

The mean time to medication approval for complex specialty drugs was reduced by 25% in 2022 due to streamlined prior authorization processes

Statistic 34

The share of outpatient specialty pharmacy services provided via electronic prescribing increased to 75% in 2022, from 60% in 2019

Statistic 35

The adoption rate of patient-centric care models in specialty pharmacy reached 70% in 2023, emphasizing personalized medication management

Statistic 36

The percentage of specialty prescriptions dispensed through integrated electronic health records increased to 82% in 2022, from 65% in 2020

Statistic 37

The implementation of value-based care models in specialty pharmacy has led to a 22% reduction in readmission rates for chronic disease patients

Statistic 38

Digital medication adherence tools adopted by specialty pharmacies resulted in a 30% improvement in adherence rates in 2023

Statistic 39

The average time from diagnosis to initiation of specialty therapy decreased by 10% in 2022, due to improved coordination of care

Statistic 40

The integration of pharmacy automation technologies such as robotics in specialty pharmacies increased operational efficiency by 20% in 2023

Statistic 41

The proportion of specialty pharmacies employing multidisciplinary care teams grew by 15% from 2020 to 2023, emphasizing collaborative patient management

Statistic 42

Nearly 60% of specialty pharmacies report challenges in patient adherence and medication management

Statistic 43

About 25% of specialty pharmacy patients are covered under Medicaid

Statistic 44

Nearly 40% of specialty pharmacy patients are enrolled in medication adherence programs

Statistic 45

The average age of patients receiving specialty pharmacy medications is 55 years old

Statistic 46

The top three reasons for medication non-adherence in specialty pharmacy are side effects, costs, and complex dosing

Statistic 47

Approximately 90% of specialty pharmacy patients have multiple chronic conditions, increasing the complexity of care management

Statistic 48

Nearly 30% of specialty pharmacy patients receive assistance through copay programs, reducing out-of-pocket costs

Statistic 49

Over 80% of specialty pharmacy providers report increased demand for personalized patient services, including case management and counseling

Statistic 50

The average patient engagement score in specialty pharmacy programs is 4.2 out of 5, indicating high levels of patient satisfaction

Statistic 51

45% of patients in specialty pharmacy programs are enrolled in disease-specific support networks and coaching, improving health outcomes

Statistic 52

The rate of patient-reported medication satisfaction in specialty pharmacy programs is 4.5 out of 5, according to recent surveys

Statistic 53

Over 25% of specialty pharmacy patients are enrolled in clinical trials or expanded access programs, offering additional treatment options

Statistic 54

The top three therapeutic areas in specialty pharmacy are oncology, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis

Statistic 55

Approximately 80% of specialty medications are administered via injections or infusions

Statistic 56

The average number of medications per patient in specialty pharmacy is 4.8, reflecting complex treatment regimens

Statistic 57

Over 50% of specialty pharmacy patients are prescribed more than one biologic or specialty medication at a time, indicating complex treatment approaches

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Key Highlights

The global specialty pharmacy market was valued at approximately $125 billion in 2022
The number of specialty medications approved by the FDA increased by over 25% between 2018 and 2022
Specialty pharmacy accounts for roughly 50% of total prescription drug spending in the United States
It is estimated that over 70% of new drugs approved by the FDA are specialty medications
The number of patients served by specialty pharmacies in the US increased by 12% annually from 2018 to 2022
The top three therapeutic areas in specialty pharmacy are oncology, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis
The average cost of a specialty medication can exceed $150,000 per patient annually
Approximately 80% of specialty medications are administered via injections or infusions
The number of specialty pharmacy providers increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022
The adoption of digital health solutions by specialty pharmacies increased by 45% in 2022
Nearly 60% of specialty pharmacies report challenges in patient adherence and medication management
The average wait time for specialty medication shipments decreased by 15% in 2023 due to improved supply chain logistics
The penetration rate of biosimilars in specialty pharmacy was approximately 20% in 2022, increasing from 12% in 2018

The rapidly expanding world of specialty pharmacy is transforming healthcare, with the market valued at $125 billion in 2022 and over 220 million prescriptions filled, driven by groundbreaking innovations, soaring medication costs, and a focus on personalized, value-based patient care.

Market Players and Reimbursement Models

Drug reimbursement models for specialty medications are shifting towards value-based agreements in over 60% of cases

Market Players and Reimbursement Models Interpretation

As cost-conscious healthcare pivots towards value-based agreements in over 60% of specialty drug reimbursements, it signals a strategic shift from volume to value, ensuring that high-cost medications deliver measurable health benefits rather than just billable doses.

Market Size and Growth Dynamics

The global specialty pharmacy market was valued at approximately $125 billion in 2022
The number of specialty medications approved by the FDA increased by over 25% between 2018 and 2022
Specialty pharmacy accounts for roughly 50% of total prescription drug spending in the United States
It is estimated that over 70% of new drugs approved by the FDA are specialty medications
The number of patients served by specialty pharmacies in the US increased by 12% annually from 2018 to 2022
The average cost of a specialty medication can exceed $150,000 per patient annually
The number of specialty pharmacy providers increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022
The penetration rate of biosimilars in specialty pharmacy was approximately 20% in 2022, increasing from 12% in 2018
The number of specialty pharmacy prescriptions filled in the US surpassed 220 million in 2022
The average revenue per patient for specialty pharmacy services is around $10,000 annually
The use of telehealth services by specialty pharmacies increased by 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic
The market share of independent specialty pharmacies grew by 10% between 2020 and 2023, now holding about 35% of the market
The percentage of specialty prescriptions dispensed via mail order increased to 65% in 2022, from 50% in 2019
The number of specialty pharmacy providers participating in risk-sharing agreements with payers increased by 20% in 2022
The volume of compounded specialty medications increased by 15% annually from 2018 to 2022
The integration of AI in specialty pharmacy operations is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2025
The cost savings from medication therapy management (MTM) programs in specialty pharmacy are estimated to be $1.2 billion annually in the US
The global market for biosimilars in specialty pharmacy is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2025
Specialty pharmacy's role in managing rare disease medications increased by 18% from 2019 to 2022, due to rising diagnosis rates
The growth in complex biologic medicines has driven a 20% increase in demand for specialized compounding services in specialty pharmacy
The number of specialty pharmacies offering expanded clinical services, such as genetic testing and disease monitoring, increased by 25% in 2023
The outsourcing rate of specialty pharmacy logistics and distribution services grew by 15% in 2022, reflecting market inclinations towards third-party logistics providers
The average annual growth rate of the specialty pharmacy sector is projected at 12% from 2023 to 2028, indicating sustained industry expansion
The number of new specialty pharmacy startups increased by 15% annually from 2019 to 2022, reflecting innovation and market growth
The volume of patient education programs conducted by specialty pharmacies increased by 20% in 2022 to ensure better medication adherence
An estimated 35% of specialty pharmacy revenue is derived from consulting and clinical support services, highlighting diversified income streams
The growth of the specialty pharmacy market is expected to account for over 55% of total prescription drug expenditures in the US by 2025
The adoption of real-world evidence (RWE) in specialty pharmacy decision-making increased by 35% in 2022, improving personalized care planning

Market Size and Growth Dynamics Interpretation

As specialty pharmacy's robust $125 billion market, fueled by a 25% surge in FDA-approved drugs and a 12% annual patient growth, underscores its pivotal role—going from costly biologics to AI-driven services—it's clear that in the race for healthcare innovation, specialty pharmacies are not just participants but increasingly steering the course.

Operational Practices and Technology Adoption

The adoption of digital health solutions by specialty pharmacies increased by 45% in 2022
The average wait time for specialty medication shipments decreased by 15% in 2023 due to improved supply chain logistics
Approximately 65% of specialty pharmacy patients require prior authorization before medication dispensation
The mean time to medication approval for complex specialty drugs was reduced by 25% in 2022 due to streamlined prior authorization processes
The share of outpatient specialty pharmacy services provided via electronic prescribing increased to 75% in 2022, from 60% in 2019
The adoption rate of patient-centric care models in specialty pharmacy reached 70% in 2023, emphasizing personalized medication management
The percentage of specialty prescriptions dispensed through integrated electronic health records increased to 82% in 2022, from 65% in 2020
The implementation of value-based care models in specialty pharmacy has led to a 22% reduction in readmission rates for chronic disease patients
Digital medication adherence tools adopted by specialty pharmacies resulted in a 30% improvement in adherence rates in 2023
The average time from diagnosis to initiation of specialty therapy decreased by 10% in 2022, due to improved coordination of care
The integration of pharmacy automation technologies such as robotics in specialty pharmacies increased operational efficiency by 20% in 2023
The proportion of specialty pharmacies employing multidisciplinary care teams grew by 15% from 2020 to 2023, emphasizing collaborative patient management

Operational Practices and Technology Adoption Interpretation

As specialty pharmacies embrace digital innovations—from a 45% surge in health tech adoption to a 30% boost in medication adherence—they're not only streamlining logistics and approvals but also transforming patient-centered care into a precise art, proving that in the world of specialty pharma, efficiency and empathy can go hand in hand.

Patient Demographics and Engagement

Nearly 60% of specialty pharmacies report challenges in patient adherence and medication management
About 25% of specialty pharmacy patients are covered under Medicaid
Nearly 40% of specialty pharmacy patients are enrolled in medication adherence programs
The average age of patients receiving specialty pharmacy medications is 55 years old
The top three reasons for medication non-adherence in specialty pharmacy are side effects, costs, and complex dosing
Approximately 90% of specialty pharmacy patients have multiple chronic conditions, increasing the complexity of care management
Nearly 30% of specialty pharmacy patients receive assistance through copay programs, reducing out-of-pocket costs
Over 80% of specialty pharmacy providers report increased demand for personalized patient services, including case management and counseling
The average patient engagement score in specialty pharmacy programs is 4.2 out of 5, indicating high levels of patient satisfaction
45% of patients in specialty pharmacy programs are enrolled in disease-specific support networks and coaching, improving health outcomes
The rate of patient-reported medication satisfaction in specialty pharmacy programs is 4.5 out of 5, according to recent surveys
Over 25% of specialty pharmacy patients are enrolled in clinical trials or expanded access programs, offering additional treatment options

Patient Demographics and Engagement Interpretation

Despite high patient satisfaction and growing personalized services, nearly 60% of specialty pharmacies grapple with medication adherence challenges—highlighting that even in an era of advanced care, addressing side effects, costs, and complexity remains essential to transforming patient outcomes.

Therapeutic Areas and Medication Characteristics

The top three therapeutic areas in specialty pharmacy are oncology, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis
Approximately 80% of specialty medications are administered via injections or infusions
The average number of medications per patient in specialty pharmacy is 4.8, reflecting complex treatment regimens
Over 50% of specialty pharmacy patients are prescribed more than one biologic or specialty medication at a time, indicating complex treatment approaches

Therapeutic Areas and Medication Characteristics Interpretation

With nearly 80% of specialty meds administered through injections or infusions and patients juggling an average of nearly five medications—often multiple biologics—the specialty pharmacy landscape underscores a high-stakes, complex battleground where tailored, multidrug strategies are essential to conquer conditions like cancer, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis.