Pharma Pulse: AbbVie Boosts Domestic API Manufacturing, Supermarkets Lead in Pharmacy Satisfaction, and GLP-1 Coverage Tightens

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce 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 covering three key developments—from major manufacturing investments to a shake-up in pharmacy customer satisfaction rankings, and shifting insurance coverage for GLP-1 drugs.

AbbVie has announced a $195 million investment to expand active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing in the United States. The move aims to strengthen domestic supply chain resilience and reduce reliance on overseas sourcing—an increasingly critical priority for both industry and policymakers. This expansion is expected to boost AbbVie’s capacity to produce high-demand active pharmaceutical ingredients for its branded and pipeline products, while supporting US-based jobs in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.

In other news, a new survey on pharmacy customer satisfaction reveals that mail-order services and supermarket pharmacies are now outpacing traditional chain pharmacies in patient experience. Consumers cite convenience, better pricing, and shorter wait times as top drivers of satisfaction. This trend could influence prescription fulfillment patterns, with more patients turning to alternative pharmacy channels—particularly as health systems and retailers explore new distribution models.

Lastly, as demand for GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and obesity continues to surge, insurance companies are re-evaluating coverage policies. Some payers are introducing stricter criteria—or even dropping coverage—due to escalating costs and long-term budget concerns. This shift raises questions about patient access and affordability, especially as GLP-1s remain among the most expensive chronic-use therapies on the market. Experts warn that without broader cost-containment strategies, many patients may be forced to discontinue treatment, potentially undermining clinical outcomes.

From bolstering US manufacturing capacity to responding to changing consumer preferences and navigating the economics of GLP-1 coverage, these stories highlight the evolving forces shaping pharma and healthcare delivery.

That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com.

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

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