WASHINGTON — Specialty distributors are managing unprecedented operational and logistical demands as specialty medicines continue to dominate the U.S. pharmaceutical market, according to new benchmarking data released by the HDA Research Foundation.
The 17th edition of Specialty Pharmaceutical Distribution: Facts, Figures and Trends shows that in 2024, specialty distributors served more than 32,800 provider locations and fulfilled nearly 4,900 orders per day. Specialty products now account for more than half of all U.S. pharmaceutical spending, underscoring the segment’s growing influence on patient access and care delivery.
Independent physician-owned and operated clinics represented the largest share of specialty distributor sales in 2024 at a weighted average of 38.3 percent. Hospitals accounted for 36.2 percent and specialty pharmacies for 15.6 percent.
“The Foundation’s recent edition of the Specialty Pharmaceutical Distribution Facts, Figures and Trends highlights how specialty distributors are indispensable partners in the healthcare supply chain, helping complex, high-value therapies reach patients safely, efficiently and reliably,” said Perry Fri, president of the HDA Research Foundation.
Based on a survey of HDA-member specialty distributors conducted between January and April 2025, the report incorporates updated IQVIA data and new qualitative insights from manufacturers and distributors. Interviewees emphasized the need for early, customized launch planning for advanced and ultra-specialty therapies, with narrow distribution networks expected at launch before broadening to meet patient access requirements.
Respondents also cited significant new investments in cold chain and cryogenic storage, specialized transportation and white-glove handling. Hub services are becoming more complex as manufacturers look to strengthen reimbursement support, patient navigation and wraparound services, including travel and lodging coordination.
IQVIA reported that specialty medicine sales climbed 12 percent in 2024 to $417 billion, driven largely by immunology and oncology — which together accounted for 70 percent of total growth. Operational data from the report illustrate the scale and sophistication of distributor activity, including:
• An average of 2.8 lines per order and 14,762 lines picked per day
• A weighted average of 22.2 days of inventory on hand
• Average annual spending of $15.6 million on packing materials
• Sustainability measures such as reuse of insulated boxes by 75 percent of distributors and reuse of ice packs by 50 percent
The full 2025 Specialty Pharmaceutical Distribution: Facts, Figures and Trends report is available as a complimentary download at HDA.org. The publication is supported by gold sponsors Eisai, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson; silver sponsors Regeneron and Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.; and bronze sponsors Two Labs Pharma Services.
