Pharma Pulse: Bipartisan 340B Law Introduced and Peak Rock's Specialty Pharmacy Bet

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast bringing you the latest insights shaping patient access, regulatory policy, and healthcare innovation. I'm your host, and let's get into today's headlines.

First up, a bipartisan push to rewrite the rules on one of the industry's most contested programs.

US Representatives Jake Auchincloss, Scott Peters, and Dr. John Joyce introduced the SECURE in 340B Act, the first comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to modernize the 340B Drug Pricing Program since its creation in 1992.¹ Reps. Nanette Barragán and Dan Crenshaw signed on as co-sponsors.

The bill would pause manufacturer rebate models for four years while lawmakers finalize a new patient definition and standards for contract pharmacies, data sharing, and transparency take effect. It would also set a statutory definition of a 340B "patient" based on existing federal guidance. The legislation also directs HRSA to use an independent, conflict-free clearinghouse to manage prescription-level data, verify claims and protect patient privacy, while expanding the agency's enforcement authority and adding new transparency requirements and federal guardrails.

Boston Medical Center Health System and the National Association of Community Health Centers came out in support, along with employer coalitions like the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. But the Community Oncology Alliance offered a pointed caveat, backing the transparency provisions while warning that any final bill needs to keep PBMs from operating as 340B contract pharmacies and stop hospital systems from capturing savings meant for patients.

Next, another sign that private equity's appetite for specialty pharmacy infrastructure isn't slowing down.

An affiliate of Peak Rock Capital completed its acquisition of Asembia.² Asembia provides patient support hub services, specialty distribution, pharmacy software, and GPO contracting for the specialty pharma industry, and it operates the largest specialty pharmacy conference in the country.

Peak Rock's Spencer Moore said the firm plans to pursue "complementary acquisitions" to support accelerated growth, so this may not be a one-and-done deal. Asembia co-founder and CEO Lawrence Irene said the partnership will support continued investment in growth, technology, and innovation as the company enters its next stage. Peak Rock CEO Anthony DiSimone called the deal part of the firm's broader strategy of backing founder-owned businesses with strong growth potential. Financial terms weren't disclosed.²

And finally, new benchmarking data that should reframe how supply chain and commercial teams talk about cold chain investment.

A new LogiPharma report puts numbers behind something supply chain leaders have been saying anecdotally for a while. Compared to three years ago, 54.2% of survey respondents reported improved transport risk management capabilities. Only 20% of respondents reported operating with shared workflows and integrated partner data environments, and only 3.3% described their organizations as operating through network-based collaboration and shared standards. Furthermore, disruption response remains heavily manual and reactive, with only 11.7% of respondents describing their intervention model as preventive and risk-prioritized, while 57% said product disposition and release following an excursion still takes between 7 and 14 days.³

Another major takeaway: Just 4% of respondents said they can redesign and approve alternative transport lanes within 24 hours, while most organizations continue to require 48 to 72 hours or longer.³

That's it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com. Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

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References

1. Office of Rep. Jake Auchincloss. Reps. Auchincloss, Peters, Joyce Unveil Landmark Bill to Improve Discount Drug Pricing Program. Published July 6, 2026. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-reps-auchincloss-peters-joyce-unveil-landmark-bill-to-improve-discount-drug-pricing-program
2. Peak Rock Capital. Peak Rock Capital Affiliate Completes Acquisition of Asembia. PR Newswire. Published July 2, 2026. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peak-rock-capital-affiliate-completes-acquisition-of-asembia-302816197.html
3. LogiPharma, SkyCell. Tool-Rich, Value-Constrained: Why Pharma Supply Chains Are Still Struggling to Translate Digital Maturity Into Resilience, Speed, and Control. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://wbresearch.foleon.com/report/tool-rich-value-constrained-logipharma-skycell-whitepaper/