. He can be reached at nsaraceno@mjhlifesciences.com.

Nicholas Saraceno, Editor

Consistent Cash-Pay Options Could Transform Access to Obesity Medications

, Derrick Gastineau, Head of Marketing with Currax Pharmaceuticals, emphasizes the importance of pricing consistency in improving access, affordability, and long-term adherence to obesity treatments, particularly with FDA-approved oral weight loss drugs. He explained that one of the primary frustrations patients face is the unpredictability of out-of-pocket costs. This uncertainty can deter patients from initiating treatment altogether, as they may lack confidence in their ability to sustain the therapy financially over the long term.

Gastineau noted that consistency in pricing addresses this barrier by offering patients a predictable and manageable financial pathway to care. Programs designed to provide reliable cash-pay options, such as those facilitated through mail-order pharmacies, help patients integrate treatment costs into their budgets with greater confidence. This assurance is particularly important in the case of chronic conditions like obesity, where ongoing treatment is essential to achieving meaningful health outcomes.

By stabilizing the cost of therapy, such programs not only improve access but also support adherence. Patients are more likely to stay committed to their medication regimen when they know that affordability will not suddenly become an obstacle. This has significant implications for long-term health benefits, as consistent therapy can lead to better outcomes and reduced overall healthcare costs.

Gastineau highlighted that obesity, like many chronic diseases, requires a long-term treatment approach. Ensuring patients have uninterrupted access to affordable medication is therefore a critical factor in driving sustainable health improvements. In this context, consistent cash-pay programs are not merely financial tools but essential components of chronic disease management.

Ultimately, Gastineau framed the issue as one of equity and sustainability: when patients can rely on steady, affordable access to medications, they are more empowered to take charge of their health and achieve lasting results in managing obesity.

He also described what makes treatment options an attractive alternative from both a clinical and patient experience standpoint; how marketers can effectively communicate the safety and regulatory advantages of approved therapies over compounded or off-label treatments in the weight management space; and what needs to be done to combat bad actors in the sector?

How could a consistent cash-pay option for an FDA-approved oral weight loss drug improve access, affordability, and long-term adherence in obesity care?

 Consistency is the key word in that question. We've heard resoundingly from patients that uncertainty around out-of-pocket prices for medications—particularly when we're talking about obesity medications—is one of the biggest frustrations, and sometimes can even be a barrier from a patient even starting a medication if they aren't confident that they're going to be able to afford it and stay on therapy long term. 

By providing programs like this, as well as our Cure Access program that we offer via our mail- order pharmacies that we work with, that provides patients with the reassurance that they're going to have access to the medication at a consistent, affordable price that fits into their life and their individual financial situation, and that's critical when it comes to chronic diseases like obesity, where continuing treatment is critical for the long-term health and outcomes for the patient.

Videos

In the first part of his Pharma Commerce video interview, Derrick Gastineau, head of marketing with Currax Pharmaceuticals explains how predictable, affordable pricing models for FDA-approved oral weight loss drugs can reduce barriers to care, improve long-term adherence, and support better outcomes for patients managing chronic obesity.

Mark Kunar of DHL Supply Chain North America (left) and Drew Kronick of SDS Rx (right). Image Credit: DHL Supply Chain


DHL Supply Chain has officially agreed to purchase SDS Rx, a provider of final-mile delivery and specialized healthcare transportation services for long-term care and specialty pharmacies, radiopharmacies, and health system networks.

The closing of the deal is subject to regulatory approvals, but SDS Rx will be incorporated into DHL Supply Chain North America’s Life Sciences & Healthcare division, with local leadership teams continuing to oversee day-to-day operations.

Strengthening healthcare supply chain capabilities

As a result, DHL grows its life sciences and healthcare (LSHC) capabilities, especially across this specific supply chain, expanding upon its existing healthcare logistics portfolio under DHL Health Logistics.

Handling specialized healthcare deliveries from over 200 US locations, SDS Rx is expected to bolster DHL’s healthcare transportation network with last-mile logistics services, while enhancing the logistics provider’s same-day and expedited delivery options at the same time.

"The life sciences and healthcare sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11% through 2030. Specialty pharmacy already accounts for approximately 50% of total prescription drug spending in the US, and the number of patients served by specialty pharmacies grew by 12% between 2018 and 2022,”

 noted Mark Kunar, CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America. “The increasing demand for specialty pharma and healthcare solutions presents significant opportunities for DHL to leverage its scale, expertise, and commitment to operational excellence. With this acquisition, we are expanding our healthcare logistics capabilities, attracting a new segment of healthcare customers, and reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in building resilient and connected healthcare supply chains.”

Meeting rising demand for specialty pharma logistics

When it comes to significance of the partnership, Drew Kronick, SDS Rx’s founder, CEO, and managing partner of SDS Rx, emphasized the company’s patient-first mission, stating that, "Our mission is to enhance the quality of patient care with every delivery. As the demand for last-mile delivery in healthcare continues to grow, we understand the importance of aligning with a partner who shares our patient-first commitment. Partnering with DHL represents a meaningful step forward, combining our strengths to improve the precision, reliability, and speed of delivery to patients most in need."

 Long-term care, specialty pharmacies, radiopharmacies, and health system networks

 SDS Rx operations to merge into DHL’s Life Sciences & Healthcare division

Expanded same-day and expedited delivery options

DHL’s broader healthcare expansion strategy

The SDS Rx deal represents the second healthcare acquisition for the company this year—the first came in June, in its purchase of CRYOPDP, the specialty courier business of Cryoport, a provider of temperature-controlled supply chain solutions for the life sciences sector.

That partnership allows the companies to now collaborate on a multitude of ventures, by combining Cryoport's specialized supply chain solution know-how with DHL's health logistics services that it has at its disposal. That end product comes via the combination of specialized pharma logistics and services to the life science and healthcare market sector that continues its upward trajectory.

"Our strategic partnership and this transaction mark a significant step that contributes to the continued evolution of our industry and aligns with Cryoport's long-term strategic vision,” stated Jerrell Shelton, CEO of Cryoport. “With this partnership, we are enhancing our core capabilities as we develop a strong global partner network. We believe this partnership with DHL will enhance our positioning in the Asia Pacific (APAC) and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions, where it will reshape our competitive profile.

“It provides for greater opportunities to offer highly targeted, top-tier services in these regions in response to growing market demand. Most importantly, it allows us to intensify our focus on advancing our Life Science Services platform globally, particularly in the rapidly growing regenerative medicine market. This strategic partnership and divestiture of CRYOPDP delivers a healthy capital infusion, improves our growth trajectory and places us in a solid position to reach our goal of sustainable, long-term profitability."

1. DHL Agrees to Acquire SDS Rx Expanding Its Life Sciences and Healthcare Capabilities. DHL. September 9, 2025. Accessed September 12, 2025. 

https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/dhl-agrees-to-acquire-sds-rx-expanding-its-life-sciences-and-healthcare-capabilities.html

2. Saraceno N. DHL Officially Obtains CRYOPDP. 

 June 12, 2025. Accessed September 12, 2025. 

https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/dhl-officially-obtains-cryopdp

Articles

DHL Supply Chain has agreed to acquire SDS Rx, a provider of specialized healthcare transportation services, to enhance its life sciences and healthcare capabilities. This acquisition will integrate SDS Rx into DHL's North American Life Sciences & Healthcare division, expanding its healthcare logistics portfolio. The deal aims to strengthen DHL's last-mile logistics services and meet the growing demand for specialty pharma logistics. This acquisition follows DHL's earlier purchase of CRYOPDP, furthering its strategy to expand healthcare logistics and enhance its global presence in the life sciences sector.

The deal will integrate SDS Rx’s specialized delivery network of US locations into DHL’s Life Sciences & Healthcare division, strengthening same-day and final-mile services as demand for specialty pharma and patient-centered logistics continues to rise.

DHL Supply Chain Acquires SDS Rx, Expanding Last-Mile Healthcare Logistics

 podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re looking at potential new trade restrictions on China-discovered treatments, fresh clinical data on Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine, and Samsung Biologics’ US expansion amid tariff uncertainty.

According to reports, the White House is 

 that would impose strict restrictions on treatments discovered in China. The policy is intended to reduce US reliance on Chinese innovation and bolster domestic biopharma capabilities. If enacted, the order could have sweeping implications for global drug development partnerships, supply chains, and access to innovative therapies. Industry observers are watching closely as the draft takes shape.

 show the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine continues to elicit robust immune responses in high-risk adult populations, including older adults and those with chronic conditions. The findings reaffirm the vaccine’s role in protecting vulnerable groups, even as overall uptake has slowed. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining vaccination coverage as COVID-19 transitions into an endemic phase with ongoing seasonal risks.

Lastly, in manufacturing news, Samsung Biologics has signed a 

as pharmaceutical companies brace for potential tariff increases. The agreement expands Samsung’s presence in the American market while helping partners secure supply chain stability. With trade and tariff uncertainty looming, such deals highlight how CDMOs are positioning themselves as strategic partners for companies looking to safeguard US market access.

From trade policy shifts to strong vaccine data and global manufacturing strategies, these stories illustrate how politics, science, and economics continue to shape the pharmaceutical industry.

. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit 

Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

Podcasts

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers reports of a White House executive order to restrict treatments discovered in China, new data showing robust immune responses from Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine in high-risk adults, and Samsung Biologics’ latest US manufacturing deal amid tariff uncertainty.

Pharma Pulse: White House Eyes China Drug Restrictions, Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Data Strong, and Samsung Biologics Secures US Deal

Harnessing Tech to Build Resilient Hospital Supply Chains

Drug shortages continue to create significant financial and operational strain on hospitals, impacting both patient care and workforce efficiency. In a video interview with 

, Boyede Sobitan, global healthcare strategy lead, and Annika Matas,senior director of product management and business operations, supplies and sensors—both with Zebra Technologies—they describe how hospitals are increasingly forced to adapt to these challenges, often in unsustainable ways.

From a patient care perspective, the absence or delay of critical medications forces hospitals into difficult positions. Some have had to borrow drugs from neighboring institutions just to meet immediate needs. This creates not only logistical hurdles but also ethical concerns about equitable access to treatment.

Operational inefficiencies compound the problem. Sobitan noted that hospital staff sometimes misplace or unintentionally withhold highly sought-after drugs, leading to further shortages within the facility. Additionally, issues such as hospital diversions can exacerbate availability challenges, reducing reliability in already stressed systems. These situations underscore the importance of better inventory management and stronger oversight practices.

The impact extends beyond patient-facing concerns. Matas highlighted that nursing staff, whose primary role is to deliver direct patient care, often become entangled in logistical work. Nurses are spending increasing amounts of time tracking down medications, coordinating with pharmacy teams, or delaying procedures until necessary drugs arrive. This redirection of focus not only reduces staff efficiency but also heightens burnout risks in an already overstretched workforce.

Indirect costs quickly add up. Delayed treatments, longer hospital stays, and disruptions in surgical schedules strain financial resources and diminish overall hospital productivity. Ultimately, drug shortages create a ripple effect: patients experience delays in care, frontline staff face increased stress and inefficiencies, and hospital systems bear additional financial burdens.

Addressing these issues requires more robust supply chain solutions, improved communication between pharmacy and clinical teams, and greater systemic efforts to mitigate shortages before they impact patient safety and operational stability.

They also dive into the ways RFID and RTLS technologies can provide real-time visibility into medication inventory for hospital pharmacy teams; factors should hospitals consider when evaluating or implementing these systems to manage their medication inventory; the role these technologies could play in strengthening hospital supply chain resilience against future disruptions; and much more.

What role could these technologies play in strengthening hospital supply chain resilience against future disruptions?

 Coming out of COVID, we don't know where those supply chain disruptions are going to happen. The ability to know [is important]. I can see this expand into more regional opportunity where, let’s say I'm in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health is going to require hospitals to have this so that, when there's an emergency, we know who we need to go to, who has different supplies. 

There's a centralized, more government stakeholder opportunity. Now, this is just me riffing right now. There's nothing that's been stated on paper that I'm aware of at least, of going there, but I definitely think the more this technology is utilized in the way intended, I think that that localization or regionalization of that data, along with having that regional visibility, is going to come become more and more prominent.

Hospitals right now report how many available beds they have, how many ICU beds, how many ventilators they have. It’s logical to then assume that they're going to then require from a state or city level how many IV bags of this you have in case we have an emergency, so we know how we're then routing patients and routing resources for regional disasters.

In the final part of his Pharma Commerce video interview, Boyede Sobitan, Zebra Technologies’ global healthcare strategy lead, details how in a post-COVID landscape, technologies that track and regionalize hospital inventory could become critical tools for state and local health departments, ensuring visibility, preparedness, and smarter resource allocation during future disruptions.