By Dr. Jay Bhaumik
Originally featured in the Dallas Business Journal
The rising cost of medicine has sparked intense debate across the health care landscape. As drug prices climb, patients and providers are often caught in the middle—struggling to balance innovation with accessibility.
In my recent article, I discussed the many factors that drive pharmaceutical pricing, from the billions spent on R&D to regulatory compliance, manufacturing logistics, and the influence of middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). While these costs are real, they often leave patients with fewer, more expensive options.
But there is hope—and it comes in the form of compounding pharmacies.
The Hidden Hero in Health Care
Compounding pharmacies like Texas Star Pharmacy are filling a critical gap in modern medicine. While major pharmaceutical companies must set broad pricing strategies to recoup massive development costs, compounding pharmacies operate with a different mission: customizing medications to meet individual needs affordably and safely.
This personalized approach does more than just tailor doses—it helps address the challenges created by mass-market drug production. For example:
- Unavailable or discontinued drugs can be recreated based on physician specifications
- Allergen-free or dye-free alternatives can be made for sensitive patients
- Unique dosages and delivery forms (like creams, lozenges, or liquid versions for children or the elderly) can be compounded to suit individual tolerances and preferences
A More Responsive System
Unlike large-scale manufacturers, compounding pharmacies have less dependence on global supply chains or face billion-dollar R&D overhead. That means they can respond to patient needs faster, innovate at a local level, and often deliver affordable options without sacrificing safety or efficacy. Compounding pharmacies offer transparency, flexibility, and a genuine patient-first approach.
A Vital Part of the Health Care Ecosystem
Let’s be clear: innovation in medicine is critical. We need companies that push the boundaries of science. But we also need alternatives that restore balance—and that’s where pharmacies like Texas Star Pharmacy come in.
If we want a health care system that truly puts patients first, we must support both ends of the spectrum: cutting-edge pharmaceutical development and the accessibility and customization offered by compounders.
Because in the end, no one should be forced to choose between their health and financial stability.
About the Author
Dr. Jay Bhaumik is an accomplished CEO with over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, leading Texas Star Pharmacy to multiple accolades, including top 100 fastest growing healthcare company in the country according to the Inc. Magazine, and Top 10 Compounding Pharmacies. His insights have been featured in the Dallas Business Journal and other leading publications.