Tech-enabled pharmacies are reshaping care. Here’s how to approach the trend

AI-driven telepharmacy, automated workflows, and hybrid ‘tech + touch’ models are cutting processing times and boosting adherence (Issue #336, 1,220 words, 6 minutes)

Jul 15, 2025

Good morning, and welcome to the NPC Healthbiz Weekly e-newsletter from the National Pharmaceutical Congress and Chronicle Companies.

In shopping centres across the country, a quiet transformation is underway. Digital pharmacies—once a niche concept—are steadily reshaping how millions access prescriptions and clinical advice, blending technology with everyday convenience. With the global online pharmacy market projected by SNS Insider to grow at a compound annual rate of 17.35% and reaching US$472.09 billion by 2032, the familiar corner drugstore is beginning to look very different.

A recent article from the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy outlines how pharmacists are using AI, telepharmacy, wearable devices, and remote monitoring to support more personalized and accessible care. Also, research published in Preventing Chronic Disease notes that in rural or underserved regions, telepharmacy systems, bolstered by mobile health tools, ensure continuity when community sites aren’t available. Virtual consultations, online prescription fulfillment, and medication delivery services reduce geographic and mobility barriers for patients, ensuring continuity of care for those with chronic conditions or limited transportation options.

According to Shift Posts, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital health platforms might redefine pharmacy workflows and patient engagement. AI-powered clinical tools are supporting medication management, automating prior authorizations, and enhancing decision-making, freeing pharmacists to focus on clinical care and patient counselling. An article on Wolters Kluwer Health emphasizes that by offloading repetitive dispensing tasks to automation and AI, pharmacists are reclaiming time for remote consultations, precision drug alerting, and clinical interventions.

Neighborhood pharmacy outlets are being reimagined in the Age of AI

Patient experience has also seen marked improvements related to digital innovation. Spanish pharmaceutical company Laboratorios Rubió reports that prescription processing times have been reduced by up to 40%, and medication adherence rates have increased by over 28% when patients access medications and support through digital channels. The company also notes that digital pharmaceutical platforms support real-time consultations, secure messaging, and access to educational resources, all of which contribute to high patient satisfaction rates.

But challenges persist. MD for Lives notes that data privacy concerns, regulatory variability, and disparities in digital literacy can hinder adoption and trust in digital pharmacy models. CVS Health shared in their 2024 Rx Report that a tech-enabled pharmacy experience, powered by people, is key to the future of pharmacy. The company emphasizes that while digital tools enhance convenience and access, in-person interactions remain vital, with 70% of patients and 95% of pharmacists saying face-to-face engagement is important to care and outcomes. They note that pharmacies that integrate digital solutions while preserving personal connections are better positioned to meet these evolving patient expectations.

Additional reading:

THIS WEEK 07/15/25

Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma entered an exclusive global license and transfer agreement to commercialize and advance the development of spesolimab (Spevigo) for the treatment of several autoinflammatory diseases, including generalized pustular psoriasis.
Novartis announced the successful conclusion of negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance on the public reimbursement of secukinumab (Cosentyx) for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
The U.S. FDA approved KalVista Pharmaceuticals’ sebetralstat (Ekterly), a plasma kallikrein inhibitor, for treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema in patients 12 years of age and older.
Health Canada authorized Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide injection (Zepbound KwikPen) for chronic weight management, as an adjunct to diet and exercise, for adults living with obesity or overweight issues who also have at least one weight-related medical condition such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

Call for nominations for the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame, which honours individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the field of healthcare marketing in Canada. Established to recognize professionals whose work exemplifies leadership, integrity, and impact, the Hall of Fame highlights those who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the humane principles inherent in our profession and made a lasting impact on others.

Inductees will be honoured at the 23rd Annual Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame Ceremony, held during the 19th National Pharmaceutical Congress on November 4, 2025.

To view past recipients and submit a nomination, visit the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame.

This is an opportunity to recognize excellence in healthcare marketing and celebrate those who have shaped the profession.

NOW, LISTEN UP: Developing Disease-Modifying Therapeutics for ALS at Neuropeutics

In Season 14 of the NPC Podcast, Marc Shenouda, CEO and Co-Founder of Neuropeutics Inc., gives insights into targeted therapeutics for neurodegenerative disease, winning the AbbVie Biotech Innovator’s Award, and earlier detection for ALS.. Hear him in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea, and Mark McElwain.

HEALTHBIZ REWIND

This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. You can listen to the podcast here.

Christine Lennon
General Manager and Board Member
Incyte Biosciences
Montreal
Season 01, episode 05
Listen to this episode here

Have you developed new ways of learning or operating that you believe should continue in the post-Covid world? (This episode was recorded in August 2020)

Incyte is a company about 18 years old, and their first and second discoveries are already available in Canada. They’ve licensed these to other companies as they learn to grow. Ruxolitinib, known as Jakavi, is an Incyte discovery and was licensed to Novartis outside of the U.S. Baricitinib is also an Incyte discovery. The Incyte innovations have been in Canada. What’s significant now is that Incyte will begin bringing their own drugs or drugs they’ve licensed into Canada themselves. It’s about continuing to listen and adapt.

The economy has taken a big hit. Managing to keep a job, educate your kids, take care of elders, or just get by without a job is tough. That’s where relying on others and the goodwill of the community becomes essential. As they say, ‘It takes a village,’ and that’s true now more than ever.

We need to be gracious and accept help. Within the Canadian community, people have been extremely helpful. Many reached out just to say, ‘We’re happy to see this expansion and another company investing in Canada. Let us know how we can help,’ and that support is greatly appreciated.

It’s great to see companies investing in Canada, and that includes clinical trials. Ensuring that hospitals, teaching institutions, and patients have access to approved medicines and clinical trials is a key part of entering any country, especially Canada, which has excellent academic institutions and is an ideal environment for clinical trials. The collaboration with physicians, caregivers, and patient associations is a crucial part of our approach here.

NEXT WEEK

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