ATLANTA and PITTSBURGH — The Academy of Independent Pharmacy (AIP) and Aureus Health Services have partnered to provide specialty pharmacy services to independent retail pharmacies.

Under the arrangement, Aureus will provide back-office specialty pharmacy management services to AIP member pharmacies to support the needs of their expanding population of specialty patients and providers. Atlanta-based AIP represents 450 independent pharmacies across Georgia.

“AIP and its independent pharmacy members are extremely excited to partner with Aureus Health Services to provide specialty pharmacy services to our member pharmacies and their patients,” AIP vice president Jeff Lurey said in a statement. “Independent pharmacy has often been excluded from this market, and our partnership with Aureus will allow AIP members to once again provide these specialty pharmacy services and medications to their patients. We know the personalized care that can now be offered by our member pharmacies will greatly enhance the outcomes of our patients.”

The private-label program, operating under the name AIP Specialty RX, will offer patients the convenience of picking up their specialty medications at their local community pharmacy — the same pharmacy already providing these patients with traditional medications for conditions such as asthma, diabetes and hypertension.

AIP and Aureus noted that the specialty pharmacy market is growing rapidly, with specialty drugs expected to rise to 50% of the total drug spend by 2018 and eight of the top 10 drugs by sales projected be specialty medications by 2016.

“We are thrilled to partner with AIP and its pharmacies on this important initiative,” staed Michael Nameth, chief executive officer of Pittsburgh-based Aureus Health Services, a national specialty pharmacy and health services company. “Specialty patients require high-touch services and expertise that will enhance adherence to medications, leading to improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, this relationship is an example of Aureus’ commitment to provide specialty pharmacy solutions in the retail pharmacy sector.”