Could Amazon soon deliver prescriptions to Arizona users?

PHOENIX — Internet giant Amazon has already monopolized the home delivery service, but there is another industry the company may come for next: Pharmacies.

Amazon has been granted a wholesale pharmacy license in 12 states, including Arizona, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The company has received licenses from at least 12 state pharmaceutical boards: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Nevada and Oregon.

Amazon is also awaiting an application in Maine.

While it is unclear whether the company is actually planning to move into the prescription drug delivery business, the licenses suggest that the company could “distribute medical devices or medical gas” in at least one state.

“On the [Nevada] applications where it describes the types of products that will be handled by the wholesale firm, it lists ‘legend pharmaceuticals, supplies, or devices and hypodermic devices,'” the publication said.

Ana Gupte, an analyst for Boston-based Leerink Partners, told the Post-Dispatch that the move “strengthens our conviction on the likely entry into the drug supply chain.

“It is still not clear if (Amazon) will pursue a buy or partner with an existing (pharmacy benefit manager) or build such capabilities from within,” she said.

The announcement comes just days after the company unveiled the Amazon Key program, which would allow drivers to let themselves into customers’ homes in Phoenix when they are not there and drop off packages.

Amazon has already had a large stakehold in the Valley. Several Phoenix-area cities, including Mesa, Surprise and Chandler, have vied for the company’s affection in its search for a second headquarters.

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