SHORT HILLS, N.J., Feb. 2, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Coalition of Specialty Pharmacies (NCSP) announced plans to hold its strategic planning meeting this March in Las Vegas. The meeting will coincide with the 5th Annual Specialty Pharmacy Summit hosted by Armada Health Care. The election of an executive Board will take place and be announced. Charter members include Accredo Health (Medco), Aetna Specialty Pharmacy, Armada Health Care, BioScrip, CVS Caremark, CuraScript, Prescription Solutions and Walgreen's Specialty (Medmark/Optioncare). These Specialty Pharmacies and Armada recognized the need for a multi-lateral approach to addressing common issues confronting the segment.
The NCSP was established as the first national organization dedicated to represent a broad coalition of Specialty Pharmacy providers on matters of significant import to the profession. The National Coalition's charter members encompass a diverse spectrum, including some of the nation's largest Specialty Pharmacies. Delegates from the national firms are joined by Armada, as representative of independent Specialty Pharmacies, in addressing issues relevant to the segment's continued growth and stability. Advocacy and defense of Specialty Pharmacy positions will be advanced and communicated via Professional, Industry and Legislative channels in a cogent, unified manner. Topical issues may include class of trade designation, reimbursement, and synergistic alliances with compatible industry and patient advocacy groups.
A 2009 strategy meeting is planned in Las Vegas immediately preceding the 5th Annual Specialty Pharmacy Summit. The catalyst for the Coalition's choice of venue was the challenge issued by Armada CEO Lawrence Irene to its membership -- to proactively chart a course for the emerging SP segment of the pharmacy industry.
Although The National Coalition of Specialty Pharmacies' meeting will immediately precede the Armada Specialty Summit, it is anticipated that the NCSP will utilize the Summit as a forum for discussing its strategic and tactical plans. Specialty Pharmacy stakeholders and key decision makers of the industry, payor and distribution segments attending the Summit are expected to express and maintain high interest in the Coalition's initiatives and actions.
About the 2009 Armada Specialty Pharmacy Summit
In early 2005, Armada Health Care recognized the need to organize and host the industry's first national Specialty Pharmacy Business Summit. Since then, the annual Summit attendance has grown nearly 30 fold and has become the premier showcase for the Specialty Pharmacy industry. The upcoming 2009 Specialty Business Summit venue will offer every attendee a genuine opportunity to learn more about the current specialty pharmacy segment. Meeting participants will also gain insight into future developments in this market so as to transfer today's specialty healthcare trends into tomorrow's successful business opportunities. The 2009 Summit will include: Specialty Pharmacy providers, pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers, national distributors, payors and many other key industry advocates and professionals. For more information, please visit the Summit website at www.armadasummit.com.