Independent Pharmacy: Power, Policy & Patient Care | TWIRx

October 23, 2026Sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative and YARAL Pharma

This week on TWIRx: peptide compounding policy, a new hepatitis B treatment, specialty pharmacy growth, a rare-disease breakthrough, and pharmacy workforce pressure — followed by three conversations focused on the future of independent pharmacy.

TWIRx NEWS

1. FDA Moves Peptide Policy to White House Review

The FDA has submitted an Interim Access Policy for Compounding Using Certain Peptides for White House review. No final policy has been announced.

Why it matters: A temporary pathway could move some patients away from gray-market peptide sellers and toward licensed pharmacies, while raising ongoing questions about safety and evidence.

TWIRx angle: Is regulated compounding safer than leaving patients to buy peptides online?

2. FDA Approves GSK’s Hibsago for Chronic Hepatitis B

FDA approved Hibsago, bepirovirsen, for certain adults with chronic hepatitis B.

In Phase III studies, about 19% of eligible treated patients achieved functional cure after therapy stopped.

Why it matters: This could move hepatitis B treatment beyond long-term viral suppression toward sustained disease control for some patients.

3. Carelon Specialty Pharmacy Helps Drive Growth