"Specialty pharmaceuticals" refer to expensive injectable and infusion therapies used to treat patients with chronic or life-threatening diseases, such as cancer and hemophilia. Drug examples include LHRH agonists and hemostatics*.

Expensive

• In 2002, approximately $35 billion was spent on specialty pharmaceuticals in the U.S.
• Specialty pharmacy costs per patient range from $10,000- $250,000 per year.

Small, but growing market

• In 2005, there were approximately 197 specialty pharmacy drugs in the market.
• Approximately 800 specialty pharmaceuticals are in development.
• By 2010, 325-400 specialty pharmaceuticals could reach the marketplace.

Often require special handling (e.g., temperature control)

"Last hope for lymphoma, $28,000 a dose."
-Lucette Lagnado

* LHRH is luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and is used to treat prostate cancer. Hemostatics are for the treatment of hemophilia.
Source: Adapted from Health Affairs, from Variability and Growth in Spending for Outpatient Specialty Pharmaceuticals., Mullins, CD et al., 24, 4, 2005, Aon Healthcare (2005), CareMark (2005), Disease Management (2005), Lagnado, L. (2003)