Independent Pharmacy: Power, Policy & Patient Care | TWIRx

October 23, 2026 Sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative and YARAL Pharma This week on TWIRx: peptide compounding policy, a new hepatitis B treatment, specialty pharmacy growth, a rare-disease breakthrough, and pharmacy workforce pressure — followed by three conversations focused on the future of independent pharmacy. TWIRx NEWS 1. FDA Moves Peptide Policy to White House Review The FDA has submitted an Interim Access Policy for Compounding Using Certain Peptides for White House review. No final policy has been announced. Why it matters: A temporary pathway could move some patients away from gray-market peptide sellers and toward licensed pharmacies, while raising ongoing questions about safety and evidence. TWIRx angle: Is regulated compounding safer than leaving patients to buy peptides online? 2\. FDA Approves GSK’s Hibsago for Chronic Hepatitis B FDA approved Hibsago, bepirovirsen, for certain adults with chronic hepatitis B. In Phase III studies, about 19% of eligible treated patients achieved functional cure after therapy stopped. Why it matters: This could move hepatitis B treatment beyond long-term viral suppression toward sustained disease control for some patients. 3\. Carelon Specialty Pharmacy Helps Drive Growth Elevance Health reported $19.3 billion in quarterly Carelon revenue and about $900 million in operating gain, citing CarelonRx growth and improved specialty-pharmacy profitability. Why it matters: Specialty pharmacy continues to become a major earnings and strategic growth engine inside vertically integrated healthcare organizations. 4\. Positive Phase III Results for Bitopertin Disc Medicine reported positive Phase III results for bitopertin in rare disorders where exposure to light can cause severe pain. Patients experienced improved light tolerance and fewer phototoxic reactions. Why it matters: This could meaningfully improve daily life for patients whose disease forces them to avoid sunlight. 5\. Pharmacy Technicians Describe Growing Pressure A widely discussed Reddit thread featured pharmacy technicians describing prescription backlogs, nonstop phones, frustrated patients, and inadequate staffing. Important disclaimer: These are anonymous accounts and cannot be independently verified. TWIRx angle: Are pharmacy teams being asked to do more without enough staffing and infrastructure? FEATURED CONVERSATIONS Mark Kinney — IPC IPC is expanding its Government Relations team as independent pharmacies face major federal and state issues involving PBM reform, reimbursement, rural access, and patient choice. Discussion focus: Why IPC is investing more heavily in advocacy and what pharmacy owners should expect heading into 2027. Shelley Bailey — IPC Rural Health and Independent Pharmacy Independent pharmacies often serve as critical healthcare access points in rural communities. Discussion focus: - Pharmacy closures and rural access - Chronic disease management - Pharmacist clinical services - Reimbursement and provider opportunities - Why rural pharmacies should be treated as healthcare infrastructure Kelli Stovall, IPC + Brandon Haag, Tenovi Remote Monitoring Beyond the Pharmacy Counter IPC and Tenovi are partnering to give independent pharmacies access to RPM and RTM technology, including blood pressure monitors, scales, smart pillboxes, and inhaler sensors. The goal is to support: - Medication adherence - Hypertension and chronic disease management - Weight management - Respiratory care - Cash-pay and reimbursable clinical services Big question: Can remote monitoring help independent pharmacies improve patient care while creating sustainable new revenue? Closing Independent pharmacy’s future increasingly depends on three things: A stronger voice. A broader clinical role. Sustainable new economic models that keep care local. TWIRx is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative and YARAL Pharma. Independent Pharmacy: Power, Policy & Patient Care | TWIRx