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XRP Payments Transform U.S. Pharmacy Operations

Kelly Cromley
wellgistics

The healthcare sector in the United States has witnessed its largest deployment of cryptocurrency payments to date, as Wellgistics Health introduced an XRP-powered system designed to streamline pharmacy transactions. The launch on August 13, 2025, marked a significant step in integrating blockchain technology into pharmaceutical supply chains, with more than 6,500 independent pharmacies now able to process drug purchases through the XRP Ledger.

The initiative, developed in partnership with pharmacy software provider RxERP, enables near-instantaneous payments between pharmacies and suppliers. Where traditional systems require one to three days for bank wires or transfers to clear, blockchain settlement takes only seconds. Industry experts have emphasized that this speed can ease cash flow constraints faced by smaller pharmacies, allowing them to restock shelves without waiting for delayed transfers.

Reducing costs for independent pharmacies

One of the most significant advantages highlighted by Wellgistics is cost reduction. Conventional wire transfers cost between $10 and $30 per transaction, while XRP transfers cost less than a fraction of a cent. For independent pharmacies already operating under slim margins, these savings accumulate quickly and contribute to improved financial stability.

Wellgistics’ leadership has suggested that pharmacy owners have shown strong interest in blockchain adoption. They argued that independent operators are often more forward-looking than expected and have recognized how such technology can reshape the industry once implemented at scale.

Compliance and industry requirements

The blockchain program has also been designed to comply with key healthcare regulations. All transactions are processed in accordance with HIPAA privacy standards and anti-money laundering frameworks, while the XRP Ledger ensures each payment is permanently recorded. This immutable record allows for transparent audits and strengthens accountability in a heavily regulated sector.

Traditional payment delays have long created problems for independent pharmacies, often leaving them unable to replenish drug inventories quickly enough to meet patient demand. The new blockchain-based system removes this obstacle by enabling instant payment and immediate reordering. The 24/7 functionality means pharmacies can continue transacting outside of standard banking hours, including weekends and holidays.

Wellgistics’ blockchain strategy

The company has pursued blockchain aggressively in recent months. In May 2025, Wellgistics announced it would both integrate XRP into its payments and hold the asset as part of its treasury strategy. A $50 million credit line was secured to fund blockchain infrastructure, while SEC filings indicated plans to expand the role of XRP into treasury management and capital raising.

Despite these efforts, Wellgistics’ financial performance has struggled. Since its listing on NASDAQ under the ticker WGRX earlier this year, following a spin-off from Danam Health, its share price has fallen by more than 80%, closing recently at $0.62. Nevertheless, the company continues to expand its blockchain initiatives in pursuit of long-term industry transformation.

Growing adoption of crypto in healthcare

Blockchain applications in healthcare are steadily gaining traction. According to Grand View Research, the global blockchain healthcare market was valued at $7.04 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $214.86 billion by 2030. Other companies have also moved toward digital assets. Prenetics Global Limited disclosed a $20 million Bitcoin purchase earlier this year, while Basel Medical Group announced plans to acquire $1 billion in Bitcoin for reserves.

Wellgistics’ adoption of XRP places it among firms using digital assets for both payments and balance sheet strategies. The company is already exploring expansion beyond pharmacies, with plans to onboard pharmaceutical manufacturers for direct blockchain transactions. This would reduce reliance on intermediaries in drug distribution. Additional future phases include direct-to-patient programs that would ship medications to homes while coordinating logistics among manufacturers, pharmacies, and physicians.

Early results and outlook

The payment program is currently operating in beta mode as pharmacies complete onboarding and training. Observers of the initiative have described it as practical utility for XRP and evidence that blockchain adoption is moving beyond theory into real-world execution.

Wellgistics has effectively created the first large-scale cryptocurrency payment network in American healthcare. By offering instant settlement, reduced costs, and regulatory compliance, the system has the potential to reshape how money moves across one of the most complex industries in the economy. If successful, it may encourage wider adoption of blockchain solutions across the healthcare sector, signaling a broader shift toward digital financial infrastructure.

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