– PHARMACIST FINANCE WEEKLY –
PHARMACIST
FINANCE
WEEKLY
The Essential Newsletter for Pharmacy Professionals|Your weekly dose of business insights, market intelligence, and career opportunities
ISSUE #1 | June 28th, 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This week: Trump announces 59% drug price cuts causing global pharma stock declines, FTC reveals $7.3 billion in PBM markups from real court filings, and 2,700 pharmacy closures create access crisis. Plus, healthcare AI funding hits $1.68 billion in just six weeks of 2025.
BUSINESS STRATEGY SPOTLIGHT
Insights from Bloomberg & Healthcare Dive
Healthcare AI Investment Reaches New Heights
Real investment data shows healthcare AI startups secured nearly $1.68 billion in just the first six weeks of 2025, with major rounds including $275 million for Innovaccer and $141 million for Hippocratic AI. The global AI healthcare market reached $29.01 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit $504.17 billion by 2032.
Key Insight:
McKinsey’s latest survey found 85% of healthcare leaders are exploring or have adopted generative AI capabilities, with early use cases focusing on administrative efficiency and clinical productivity.
Sources: STAT News, Crunchbase, Fortune Business Insights, McKinsey
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Updates from American Society of Health-System Pharmacists & Federal Sources
ASHP Honors 23 New Fellows in 2025
On June 5, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists honored 23 members as 2025 Fellows, including 19 who serve hospitals. This recognition comes as the profession faces significant workforce challenges.
Workforce Crisis Deepens
IQVIA reports 2,700 pharmacy closures in the last two years, with 16 million Americans now living in “pharmacy deserts” according to a 2024 NIH study. Pharmacy school enrollment continues declining as high-stress environments drive pharmacists from retail positions.
Sources: Becker’s Hospital Review, IQVIA/AMCP 2025, NIH Study 2024
MARKET WATCH
Intelligence from Bloomberg, Healthcare Dive & Federal Trade Commission
Trump Drug Pricing Shakes Markets
President Trump’s announcement of 59% drug price cuts caused pharmaceutical stocks to tumble globally. The administration is also targeting the $10 billion annual pharma advertising market with new restrictions.
By the Numbers:
- $51 billion – Projected annual cost increase from 25% pharma tariffs (Ernst & Young)
- $7.3 billion – Excess revenue from PBM drug markups (FTC findings 2017-2022)
- 30+ states – Adopted PBM oversight measures in 2025
Sources: Bloomberg, Ernst & Young, Federal Trade Commission
CLINICAL CORNER
Breakthrough Pain Management on Horizon
Suzetrigine, a first-in-class non-opioid pain medication, is potentially up for FDA approval in January 2025. This could address the needs of 21% of adult Americans who live with chronic pain, according to a 2023 NIH study.
Sources: Sedgwick, NIH Study 2023
REGULATORY RADAR
Updates from FDA & Federal Sources
This Week’s Real Updates:
- Trump Administration: Executive order “Lowering Drug Prices By Once Again Putting Americans
First” issued April 15, 2025 - FTC: Released second interim report showing PBM markups of hundreds to thousands of percent on
specialty drugs - States: Iowa joins 30+ states adopting PBM oversight legislation in 2025
Sources: Becker’s Hospital Review, Federal Trade Commission
CAREER & COMPENSATION
Insights from Bureau of Labor Statistics & Industry Reports
Current Salary Intelligence:
- $136,030 – Median annual pharmacist salary (BLS 2025)
- $168,650+ – Top 10% of pharmacists earn
- West Coast states – Highest paying regions for pharmacists
- Specialty pharmacy – Growing career opportunity in health systems
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, TheStreet
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark Your Calendar:
- June 30-July 2: ASHP Summer Meeting, Denver
- July 8: FDA Webinar – “Drug Shortage Updates”
- July 15: Virtual Summit – “AI in Pharmacy Practice”
- July 22: Healthcare Innovation Conference
FUN FACT OF THE WEEK
Women in Pharmacy Leadership: In just 65 years, pharmacy transformed from 8% female (1960) to over 60% today – making it one of the fastest gender-transforming professions in healthcare. Current pharmacy school classes are 70%+ women, positioning the profession for continued female leadership growth.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: PHARMACIST FINANCE
Navigate Healthcare’s Financial Evolution
As regulatory changes reshape drug pricing and AI transforms pharmacy practice, your personal financial strategy needs to evolve too. Pharmacist Finance helps you capitalize on industry growth while building long-term wealth.
Our ACTS Process:
- Articulate your financial goals and vision
- Consider all available options and strategies
- Take decisive action with personalized guidance
- Systematically review and refine your plan over time
Ready to Align Your Career Growth with Financial Success?
Schedule your complimentary consultation and discover strategies tailored to pharmacy’s evolving landscape.
- Contact: aconway@cambridgesecure.com
- Learn More: https://pharmacistfinance.com/#about
STAY UP TO DATE –
Pharmacist Finance Weekly delivers curated insights from leading business and professional publications to keep pharmacy professionals informed on industry trends, career opportunities, and financial strategies.
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