FLINT, Mich. — Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. has entered an agreement to provide specialty pharmacy care services to Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy.

Diplomat said late Thursday that the partnership will enable Pharmaca to offer patients immediate access to specialty pharmacy services as well as leverage Diplomat’s extensive expertise in the growing sector for specialty medications.

The nation’s largest independent specialty pharmacy, Diplomat serves patients and physicians in all 50 states and focuses on medication management programs for people with complex chronic diseases, including oncology, immunology, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, HIV, specialized infusion therapy, and other serious or long-term conditions.

“Our pharmacy model has always emphasized the importance of providing our customers with expert service and a broad selection of health care options,” Stu Gratz, vice president of pharmacy at Boulder, Colo.-based Pharmaca, said in a statement. “By partnering with Diplomat, we are expanding our services even further, strengthening our ability to help those in need and positioning our pharmacy as a true full-service partner in health.”

Pharmaca operates 28 Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacies and two Pharmaca Wellness & Natural Beauty in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Through its integrative pharmacy model, the regional chain provides traditional pharmacy services alongside natural and complementary health solutions, including natural health and beauty products.

“Partnering with Pharmaca means more patients will have access to highly skilled teams of specialists who understand specialty patients’ unique needs,” stated Ela Lourido, senior director of retail specialty network for Diplomat. “At Diplomat, our retail specialty network offers a revolutionary partnership that bridges the gap between Pharmaca and the specialty market.”