Interest in Cancer Drug Repository Program Grows

July 23, 2024

The State Department this month announced a significant increase in participation in the Cancer Drug Repository Program.

State leaders have been working to increase participation in the program, which allows participating pharmacies to accept cancer drugs donated by other pharmacies, health care facilities, drug manufacturers, and wholesale drug distributors, and dispense them to qualifying individuals.

“Increasing the number of pharmacies participating in this program means many more Pennsylvanians now have access to safe and affordable cancer drugs,” said Al Schmidt, commonwealth secretary.

Here’s what you need to know:

• How it works:  A pharmacy, health care facility, drug manufacturer, or wholesale drug distributor may donate legally obtained cancer drugs to an approved participating pharmacy if the drug meets the legal requirements.
• Patient access:  To receive a donated drug, patients must be diagnosed with cancer, not possess or have limited prescription drug coverage related to treatment of the patient's cancer, not meet the eligibility requirements under the state Medical Assistance Program, and meet the financial eligibility requirements of the program.
• Request for participation:  In March, the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs contacted pharmacies licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy and encouraged all licensed facilities to consider joining the program.
• Where to apply:  Licensed pharmacies interested in applying can learn more online.
• Quotable:  “We want to thank the pharmacies that have made the decision to join this program, and we encourage all licensed pharmacies to consider participating, further increasing access to these lifesaving medications,” Schmidt said.

Additional information about the program and a state release highlighting the uptick in participation are available online.