As GLP-1 Drugs Take Off, Walmart Expands Specialty Pharmacy Delivery

Walmart is expanding its capacity to deliver specialty medications such as insulins and GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound, alongside other prescription drugs requiring refrigeration and reconstitution, to its same-day delivery options.

This strategic initiative holds significance as specialty pharmacies are emerging as crucial components within the U.S. healthcare system, particularly with the influx of high-cost biotechnological medications. These medications often necessitate specialized administration, unique packaging requirements, refrigeration, and tailored patient instructions, making them more complex than traditional oral medications available at local pharmacies or through mail order.

In fact, Walmart has stated that refrigerated and reconstituted medications constitute approximately 30% of the company’s pharmacy sales. By enhancing its specialty pharmacy capabilities and integrating refrigeration into its logistics, Walmart can offer delivery for 90% of all prescriptions. The company’s annual pharmacy sales in the U.S. exceed $32 billion, according to various estimates.  

Walmart proudly claims to be “the first retailer to deliver refrigerated and reconstituted prescriptions alongside groceries and everyday essentials in a single, convenient online order.”

In contrast, an Amazon Pharmacy representative stated that the e-commerce giant “has shipped refrigerated medications since its 2020 launch.” They emphasized that “Amazon Pharmacy presents a comprehensive range of prescription medications, including refrigerated options such as insulin and GLP-1 drugs,” along with both brand-name and generic medicines, in addition to biologics and injectable treatments.

On the other hand, Walgreens and CVS Health have established their capabilities in delivering specialty medicines for years, and there are various grocery store chains which operate specialty pharmacies offering delivery services, as well.

While Walmart did not disclose the financial investments involved in enhancing these capabilities for specialized medication delivery, they emphasized their commitment to customer-centered service.

Kevin Host, senior vice president of pharmacy at Walmart, remarked, “We continue to unlock new levels of convenience while broadening access to critical medications. By incorporating refrigerated prescriptions into our pharmacy delivery services, we stay true to our commitment to our customers and strive for seamless experiences within the communities we serve.”

Beyond merely convenience for customers, there are significant financial incentives for Walmart and other retail pharmacy competitors to broaden their specialty pharmacy services. Specialty medications currently dominate the market as the highest sellers and constitute a principal factor contributing to rising healthcare costs.

Notably, GLP-1 medications for weight management, including Wegovy, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Ozempic, and Zepbound, are cited as the leading contributors to employer health expense growth, contributing an additional 1% to overall premium costs for 2025, based on data released last year by the consultancy Aon.

Moreover, specialty medications now account for more than half of all prescription drug spending in any health plan, whether employer-sponsored or governmental. Many employer clients report that specialty costs can represent 60% or more of their total medication expenditures, especially with the increased adoption of GLP-1 prescriptions.