UnitedHealth Group, OptumRx Acquire Specialty Pharmacy, Infusions Provider Diplomat

UnitedHealth Group’s pharmacy care services business, OptumRx, will combine with the newly acquired specialty pharmacy, infusion services provider, Diplomat, according to an announcement made earlier this week.

The $300 million acquisition will fold Diplomat’s services into OptumRx’s offerings, including its management of specialty medications for patients with complex diseases like cancer, hepatitis, HIV, and multiple sclerosis. Most notably, the combining of the two pharmacy management services will bring Diplomat’s extensive specialized infusion treatment services to UnitedHealthcare members.

“With its focus in specialty and infusion services, Diplomat has a proven track record of solving the unique challenges facing patients with complex health care needs,” said John Prince, chief executive officer of OptumRx in a press release. “This combination will expand the innovative specialty pharmacy and infusion solutions OptumRx can offer to the consumers and clients we serve, helping ensure people get the right medications and services at the right time, in the right setting.”

Both companies states that this combination of companies will help support improved outcomes and reduced prescription drug costs for members.

“Since co-founding the company in 1975 with my father, I have had the honor of helping to transform Diplomat into a specialty pharmacy services leader,” said Diplomat co-founder and chairman emeritus Philip R Hagerman, RPh in a press release. “This combination will create significant value for Diplomat’s specialty pharmacy consumers and clients, and I look forward to the combined companies’ future success.”

According to the press release, “Mr Hagerman and certain persons and entities affiliated with Mr Hagerman own approximately 23% of the outstanding common stock of Diplomat, and have agreed to tender their shares in connection with the offer.”

—Edan Stanley

Reference:
UnitedHealth Group. Diplomat, OptumRx Combining to Advance Access to Specialty Pharmacy Care and Infusion Services, Improve Health Outcomes [press release].  https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2019/2019-12-9-optumrx-diplomat-combination.html. Published December 9, 2019. Accessed December 10, 2019.