Sharon Faust, Pharm.D., MBA

Direct-to-consumer drug programs hold the promise of cheaper GLP-1s and other drugs, but buying drugs outside insurance benefits may be more costly— and risky — in the long run.

Online drug platforms are expanding quickly, but lower sticker prices do not always mean lower total costs for employees or better coordination of care.

CivicaScript, a generic medication manufacturer, is modeling itself as public utility. It launched its first product, abiraterone 250 mg tablets, late last year and is gearing up to make its own low-cost insulin.