Size of Phoenix pharmacy compounding facility has nearly doubled

Photo: Nadia/Adobe Stock

Covetrus has expanded its’ pharmaceutical compounding facility in Phoenix, Arizona, nearly doubling its’ footprint to 50,000-sq ft. The expansion's goal is to increase the company’s pharmacy capabilities for producing compounded products for use in veterinary clinics and in the homes of pet owners across the country, from a centralized location.¹

A provider of animal health technology and services, Covetrus has made pharmaceutical compounding an important part of its’ portfolio. According to the company, it recognizes that customized medications can enhance pet well-being, while offering a variety of flavor and dose form options.¹

"Through our expanded facility, we are not only extending our product portfolio to meet the needs of veterinarians and pet parents, but also contributing to the local Arizona economy. We are committed to fostering growth and training among the local pharmacy programs, while delivering exceptional products to the pets we serve," Abby Kaplan, senior vice president, compounding at Covetrus, said in a news release.¹

The expansion news follows the October 2024 announcement by the US Attorney’s Office of Covetrus’ $1,125,000 settlement over allegations that the company violated the Controlled Substances Act and other related United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations. Covetrus and the DEA entered a 1-year Memorandum of Agreement as part of the settlement that requires the company to keep improving its suspicious order monitoring system, while allowing the federal agency to freely inspect and monitor it, as well as employee training, and overall compliance with federal, state, and local controlled substance statues and regulations.²

The expanded pharmacy compounding space features modern, automated equipment and enhanced facilities that meet the industry's regulatory compliance standards, according to Covetrus. The facility now allows capability for more products and customization, and allows for improved supply reliability.¹ 

In addition to the Phoenix facility expansion, Covetrus opened a new, 80,000 sq-ft distribution center in Grimes, Iowa, earlier this year that employs more than 40 individuals. Aimed at serving veterinarians and practices throughout the Midwest region, the facility provides access to more than 5000 products used by veterinary teams that care for large and small animals.³

“When it comes to providing veterinarians with the supplies and solutions they need to thrive, Covetrus is there for them,” Todd Worthington, senior director of operations and logistics at Covetrus, said in a news release.³ “Whether the veterinarian is treating large animals, such as horses, or small ones like dogs and cats, the products they need can be found at Covetrus.”

Like the Grimes distribution center, the expansion of the new facility in Phoenix has created new jobs and is projected to contribute positive economic benefit to the local community. Additionally, Covetrus is investing in pharmacy schools and students in the Phoenix area.¹

First, 2 of Covetrus’ compounding supervisors are working with students at local pharmacy schools. Matthew Cheung, PharmD, is as an adjunct associate professor for the Midwestern University College of Pharmacy in Glendale, Arizona, and co-advises the school's Compounding Club. Courtney Morales is introducing students to the practice of pharmacy compounding through externships at the Covetrus facility, while serving as a preceptor in the pharmacy technician training program at GateWay Community College in Phoenix.¹

The company is also providing opportunities to pharmacy students for hands-on experience with technology and practices used in its’ expanded compounding facility. Several pharmacy programs in the Phoenix area offer a strong pipeline of graduating students, according to the company.¹

References

1. Covetrus unveils newly expanded state-of-the-art pharmaceutical compounding facility in the Phoenix area. News release. Covetrus. December 10, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covetrus-unveils-newly-expanded-state-of-the-art-pharmaceutical-compounding-facility-in-phoenix-area-302326365.html?tc=eml_cleartime.
2. McCafferty C. Animal health company agrees to $1.1M settlement for lapses in opioid oversight and recordkeeping. dvm360. https://www.dvm360.com/view/animal-health-company-agrees-to-1-1m-settlement-for-lapses-in-opioid-oversight-and-recordkeeping
3. Covetrus opens new state-of-the-art distribution center to meet growing demand for products and services. News release. Covetrus. May 2, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024. https://covetrus.com/covetrus-opens-new-state-of-the-art-distribution-center-to-meet-growing-demand-for-products-and-services/