Aureus, CARE Pharmacies form partnership

CARE Pharmacies Cooperative Inc. and Aureus Health Services Inc. have formed a partnership to facilitate specialty pharmacy management, the companies announced Thursday.

According to the announcement, specialty drug production and their overall use is expected to increase to up to 50 percent of all medications used by 2018.

"We are very excited to partner with CARE and their unique network of pharmacies," Aureus CEO Michael Nameth said. "The CARE Pharmacies Specialty Network will provide a convenient and valuable choice for specialty patients and this partnership will further enhance the support and services needed to improve patient care."

The joint services of both companies will aim to meet demand of a growing need for specialty medication. In this partnership, Aureus will provide management services to CARE Pharmacies in order to supply and meet needs of specialty patients. In 2016 it is expected that of the 10 highest earning drugs, eight will be specialty drugs.

"We looked at a number of potential partners to assist us in providing a higher level of care to our specialty patients and Aureus was the best," CARE CEO Mike Wysong said. "Aureus' highly trained support team and comprehensive care management model offers a level of support and expertise required to ensure the very best outcomes for our customers."