Bigger, broader Medco to emerge with Accredo

Medco Health Solutions, Franklin Lakes, N.J., will acquire specialty drug distributor Accredo Health, Memphis, Tenn., in a $2.2 billion deal expected to close mid-year, pending regulatory approval. The new company, with $4 billion in annual revenue, would be the nation's most comprehensive pharmacy benefits provider, offering a broad spectrum of services for patients with chronic conditions, as well as the nation's largest specialty pharmacy business. Medco said it would manage Accredo as an independent business to take advantage of the company's established relationships. Accredo distributes drugs to treat such diseases as hemophilia, immunodeficiency disorders, pulmonary arterial hypertension, multiple sclerosis and growth hormone deficiency. -- by Cinda Becker