Vizient recently released its Summer 2025 Spend Management Outlook, forecasting an increase in pharmaceutical prices by 3.35% in 2026. This rise is expected to be driven by higher usage of GLP-1 therapies, specialty medications, and high-cost cell and gene therapies by healthcare providers. Additionally, supply chain costs for products, materials, and services are projected to increase by 2.41%, with IT services, capital equipment, and surgical supplies leading the surge.
The outlook provides a comprehensive analysis of product cost inflation for the upcoming year and highlights ongoing market challenges, including the evolving impact of U.S. tariffs. The projections for supply chain categories outside of pharmacy took into account the established tariffs as of April. Vizient continues to monitor pending and potential tariffs to collaborate with suppliers and providers to mitigate any adverse effects.
Specialty therapies, particularly CAR-T cellular therapies, are reshaping the dynamics of the pharmacy market. CAR-T therapies like Carvykti and Yescarta are becoming dominant drivers of inpatient drug spend across all acquisition channels. These treatments are typically obtained through direct-from-manufacturer purchasing models, which adds operational and cost pressures on healthcare organizations and clinical teams. Health systems need to be well-equipped to deliver these therapies, manage their financial impact, and navigate complex acquisition and reimbursement processes.
The spend on GLP-1 tirzepatide has surged significantly among Vizient pharmacy program participants, with a 167% increase in 2024 compared to 2023. This rise in GLP-1 agents is influencing healthcare facilities to potentially witness a decline in certain associated procedures while preparing for an increase in surgeries linked to medication side effects. Additionally, autoimmune and inflammatory therapies have outpaced oncology as the top therapeutic class, accounting for a considerable portion of total wholesaler-based pharmacy spend among Vizient program participants.
Indirect spend categories like non-clinical goods and services are also expected to rise by 3.34%, with IT services prices projected to increase by 5.5%. Moreover, food prices are anticipated to go up by 3.31%, influenced by factors such as rising labor costs, diseases affecting poultry and cattle, and weather-related events. These changes are likely to impact procurement strategies for health systems in the coming year significantly.
In conclusion, the healthcare supply chain is poised to experience continued cost pressures in 2026, driven by various factors such as the increase in pharmaceutical prices, the surge in specialty therapies, and the rise in indirect spend categories. Healthcare providers need to adapt their strategies to navigate these challenges effectively and ensure the sustainability of their operations.
– Key Takeaways:
– Pharmaceutical prices are projected to increase by 3.35% in 2026.
– Specialty therapies like CAR-T cellular therapies are becoming dominant drivers of inpatient drug spend.
– Indirect spend categories and food prices are expected to rise, impacting procurement strategies for healthcare systems.
– Healthcare providers must be prepared to manage the financial impact of emerging therapies and navigate complex acquisition processes.
Tags: formulation, biotech
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