September 16, 2021

APC releases 2021 Snapshot of Pharmacy Compounding

At our virtual town hall Wednesday, APC released the results of the first-ever “Snapshot of Pharmacy Compounding in America 2021,” along with a detailed report, the “2021 National Pharmacy Compounding Demographics Study.”

The study was commissioned by APC and conducted by the Center for Business Research at the University of Mary Washington — the results are based on data compiled from more than 725 pharmacy compounding professionals across the country.

“Details about the wide use of pharmacy compounding have been hard to come by in recent years,” said APC Chief Executive Officer Scott Brunner, CAE. “This Snapshot provides some definition for the profession here and now — how it’s structured, what compounders are doing in their businesses, and yes, what are the challenges they’re facing. It’s a level of helpful detail that we’ve not had in several years.”

Some key statistics:

  • During the pandemic, 67 percent of compounding pharmacies have prepared hand sanitizer for consumer use.
  • 35 percent of compounding pharmacies are administering Covid-19 vaccines.
  • 43 percent are licensed in — and ship medications to — more than one state.
  • Almost 40 percent employ more than a dozen people.
  • 77% of owners say compounded hormones are the most common type of compounded preparation they dispense, followed by dermatology preparations and animal medication.
  • 87 percent of compounding pharmacies also do traditional, retail dispensing.

CBR’s Dr. Lance Gentry, PhD, said that “the data paints an inspiring story of American entrepreneurship overcoming obstacles. This study discovered how small entrepreneurs across America helped address the Covid-19 pandemic.”

APC leaders say they plan to share the report and Snapshot with state and federal regulators and lawmakers.

“Pharmacy compounding serves millions of patients in this country every day,” said APC President Michael Blaire of Scottsdale, Ariz. “It’s important that our elected officials and regulators understand the impact of pharmacy compounding in the American healthcare economy.”

You can download the full report, “2021 National Pharmacy Compounding Demographics Study” as well as the infographic, “Snapshot of Pharmacy Compounding in America 2021” and a video of the town hall meeting at A4PC.org/profile.

The Center for Business Research at the University of Mary Washington conducted the survey with assistance from APC supporters Letco, Medisca and PCCA.