What are Specialty Drugs? Specialty drugs are a category of drugs created through advances in research, technology, and design. They are made up of complex molecules and include bioengineered proteins and blood derivatives.

Specialty drugs target and treat specific complex conditions or illnesses such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.

Specialty drugs require patient-specific dosing and careful clinical management. Patient compliance support and education are essential for successful therapy. In addition, the drugs often require refrigeration and tight cold chain management. Because specialty drugs require special handling including cold chain management, they are not dispersed through a traditional retail pharmacy. 

Many specialty drugs are administered to the patient by injection or infusion in the physician’s office. Some patients self-inject their medications, while others receive them at a physician office or outpatient clinic or through a home care service. Several newer specialty drugs, particularly those for oncology patients, are taken orally.