Top 5 Stories in Pharmacy From 2025

Pharmacy had a big year in 2025. This year’s top stories highlight new therapeutics, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, and direct-to-consumer models.

Here are the most-read Drug Topics stories of 2025.

Hair Loss Therapy Shows Potential for Regeneration in Phase 2 Trial

According to the article from Drug Topics, Pelage Pharmaceuticals has announced positive Phase 2a clinical trial results for PP405, a novel topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Unlike existing treatments that target secondary factors like hormones, PP405 reactivates dormant hair follicle stem cells to trigger natural regeneration. In a study of 78 patients, 31% of men with significant hair loss experienced a greater than 20% increase in hair density after just eight weeks, compared to 0% in the placebo group. The therapy was well-tolerated with no systemic absorption and successfully induced new growth in previously bald areas. Pelage plans to begin Phase 3 trials in 2026.

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs Provides More Cost Savings for Dermatology Prescription

Based on the article from Drug Topics, a study published in JMIR Dermatology reveals that the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (CostPlus) offers significantly higher savings for dermatology medications compared to GoodRx. Researchers found the average cost per medication through CostPlus was $17, nearly half of GoodRx’s $31.21 average. The CostPlus model utilizes a transparent 15% markup and a $5 pharmacy fee, bypassing traditional middlemen like PBMs to negotiate directly with manufacturers. This approach provides substantial relief for uninsured patients or those with high-deductible plans, offering a disruptive, cost-effective alternative to traditional prescription drug distribution.

“In 2022, entrepreneur Mark Cuban launched the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (CostPlus)—a public benefit corporation with a vertically integrated supply chain—to address rising pharmaceutical costs,” wrote the authors of the study.¹ “CostPlus offers medications for a 15% markup and a $5 pharmacy fee, allowing for significant cost savings. Studies have found that pharmacy coupon websites can lead to significant savings for patients within dermatology, with GoodRx providing some of the highest rates of saving.”

As a Result of PBM Reform, CVS Will Close Over 20 Pharmacies in Arkansas

CVS Health is set to close all 23 of its pharmacy locations in Arkansas following the signing of HB1150, a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacy storefronts. The law aims to eliminate conflicts of interest where PBMs—which act as middlemen in drug pricing—favor their own pharmacies over independent competitors. Although state officials and independent pharmacists praise the move for promoting fair competition and transparency, CVS warns that the closures will "take away access to pharmacy care" and result in significant job losses. This state-level reform is being watched closely as a potential precursor to federal action.

“I don’t think that PBMs should be allowed to own pharmacies in any way. I think that if you are a PBM, your job is to be a fiduciary of making sure that a health plan, a union’s plan, an employer’s plan spend[s] as little as possible on drugs while making sure that people are able to get the drugs that they need. If you are also a pharmacy, a pharmacy’s shareholder value perspective is to sell as many drugs as possible at the highest price possible. The opportunities for a PBM to manipulate pricing and where drugs go to—for their own benefit—is just far too tempting for anybody,” said Benjamin Jolley, PharmD, a third-generation pharmacist and independent pharmacy operator in Salt Lake City, Utah.

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation for Potential Bird Flu Vaccine

The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to ARCT-2304, an investigational self-amplifying mRNA (sa-mRNA) vaccine developed by Arcturus Therapeutics to protect against H5N1 bird flu. Utilizing specialized "STARR" technology, the vaccine is designed to replicate within host cells, allowing for a significantly lower dose than traditional mRNA vaccines while maintaining a robust immune response. A Phase 1 clinical trial is currently evaluating safety and efficacy in adults, with interim data expected in the second half of 2025. Developed in collaboration with BARDA, this candidate is a key component of pandemic preparedness as H5N1 continues to impact poultry and dairy herds.

CVS Caremark Makes Wegovy Preferred Weight-Loss Medication

Effective July 1, 2025, CVS Caremark designated Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) as the preferred GLP-1 medication for weight loss on its largest commercial template formularies. This strategic move, announced in May 2024, effectively removes Eli Lilly’s rival drug, Zepbound (tirzepatide), from the PBM's preferred list. CVS Caremark, the largest pharmacy benefit manager in the US, stated that the decision was driven by the ability to negotiate a lower net cost for clients while maintaining clinical integrity, noting that Wegovy is currently the only drug in its class with FDA approval to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. The change requires many patients currently using Zepbound to transition to Wegovy, though CVS noted that existing prior authorizations would be transferred and that patients with specific medical needs could still request coverage exceptions.

REFERENCES

1. Youn CG, Kim JY, Yang VB, et al. Improving affordability in dermatology: cost savings in Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company versus GoodRx. JMIR Dermatol. 2024 Dec 13;7:e64300. doi: 10.2196/64300.