Amazon is hiring more healthcare leaders — and expanding its drug and medical supply distribution — in what may be the company's first step into the pharmacy business, reports CNBC.
Here are four things to know.
- Amazon has hosted an annual meeting at its Seattle-based offices for several years to discuss the company's potential step into the pharmacy industry, two sources familiar with the matter told CNBC.
- The sources — who note the business venture is not yet confirmed — said Amazon is participating in discussions with industry experts and looking to hire a new general manager to lead the initiative, according to the report.
- Another source told CNBC the company is hiring more employees from the pharmaceutical industry. Two months ago, Amazon hired Mark Lyons — a former manager of pharmacy services at Premera Blue Cross — as the company's senior manager of pharmacy benefits. Mr. Lyons will build an internal pharmacy benefits manager for Amazon employees, which could later be expanded, according to the report.
- Amazon recently started offering medical supplies and equipment to U.S. customers. The company also broadened its Prime Now delivery service to include drugs and cosmetics, according to the report. The company declined CNBC's request for comment.