Qian Zhan Wang·2025-08-20 09:15Core Viewpoint - The pharmaceutical distribution industry is categorized into three main business models: wholesale, retail, and various new distribution models, each with distinct characteristics and profit margins [1]. Group 1: Wholesale Model - The wholesale model, also known as the distribution model, involves selling pharmaceuticals and medical devices in bulk to entities that directly interact with consumers, such as medical institutions and retail pharmacies [3]. - The wholesale model can be further divided into categories such as hospital direct sales, commercial allocation, and third terminal distribution, with the third terminal being a key focus for internet healthcare companies [3]. Group 2: Retail Model - The retail model involves retail pharmacies purchasing pharmaceutical products from manufacturers or other distribution companies and selling them to individual consumers for profit [4]. - Although the retail model is smaller in scale compared to wholesale, it offers higher profit margins, and can be subdivided into single-store and chain models, with chain models further categorized into direct-operated and franchise operations [4]. Group 3: Internet Retail Model - The internet pharmaceutical new retail model encompasses various internet hospitals and pharmaceutical e-commerce platforms that conduct diagnosis and drug sales through online channels, including B2B, B2C, and O2O models [6]. Group 4: Third-Party Cold Chain Logistics - The pharmaceutical distribution industry is expected to build a modern smart pharmaceutical supply chain service system during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, focusing on enhancing networked, scaled, and specialized levels for safer and more efficient logistics [10]. - Third-party cold chain logistics provide significant advantages, such as reducing upfront investment for pharmaceutical companies, ensuring temperature control during transport, and optimizing the pharmaceutical supply chain through integrated information management [11].