Walgreens is partnering with DoorDash and Uber Health to deliver Paxlovid, an oral antiviral therapy for COVID-19, to underserved communities.

Through the partnership, eligible patients who live in disadvantaged communities as measured by the CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index can receive free delivery for their Paxlovid prescriptions on Walgreens.com or through the Walgreens app.  

The collaboration, which will launch in the coming weeks, is a response to a White House call to action to manage COVID-19 over the winter months and urge Americans to get vaccinated. 

“As part of our continued efforts to help make sure no community is left behind, we are proud to partner with the White House and Walgreens to provide free delivery of Paxlovid to those most in need,” Caitlin Donovan, general manager of Uber Health, said in a statement. "This partnership is yet another way in which Uber's technology can help Americans recover from the pandemic and make lifesaving healthcare more accessible."

THE LARGER TREND

Uber has previously worked with Walgreens on the Vaccine Access Fund, which aimed to connect people with rides to COVID-19 vaccination sites. 

The rideshare and delivery company's health arm, Uber Health, was introduced in 2018. It has also partnered with companies like digital prescription platform NimbleRx, senior assistance company Papa and direct-to-consumer virtual care company Hims & Hers.

DoorDash has also worked with Walgreens on health-related initiatives, announcing a deal to deliver over-the-counter medications and other health, wellness and convenience products in 2020. 

Meanwhile, Walgreens has been expanding its reach in tech-backed and home-based care. Last month, the pharmacy retail giant wrapped up the majority share acquisition of CareCentrix, a home-centered platform that coordinates care to the home for health plans, patients and providers.

During a recent earnings call, CEO Roz Brewer said Walgreens is past its peak acquisition stage at this point, but its next deal will probably "look something like a tech asset."