LINTHICUM, Md., and PITTSBURGH — Care Pharmacies Cooperative Inc. has partnered with Aureus Health Services Inc. to launch the Care Pharmacies Specialty Network.

The companies said Thursday that under the partnership, Aureus will provide specialty pharmacy management services to Care’s member pharmacies, as well as resources to support the needs of their specialty patients and providers.

Care Pharmacies has retail and specialty pharmacy locations in 10 states and the District of Columbia.

“We looked at a number of potential partners to assist us in providing a higher level of care to our specialty patients and Aureus was the best.  Aureus’ highly trained support team and comprehensive care management model offers a level of support and expertise required to ensure the very best outcomes for our customers,” Care Pharmacies chief executive officer Michael Wysong said in a statement.

Care Pharmacies and Aureus cited the rapid growth of the specialty drug market. By 2016, eight of the top 10 medications by revenue will be specialty drugs, and by 2018 specialty medications are forecast to account for 50% of the total drug spend, they reported.

“We are very excited to partner with Care and their unique network of pharmacies,” stated Michael Nameth, CEO of Pittsburgh-based Aureus. “The Care Pharmacies Specialty Network will provide a convenient and valuable choice for specialty patients, and this partnership will further enhance the support and services needed to improve patient care.”