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Amazon Business might shelve plans to sell drugs to hospitals

This doesn't necessarily mark the end of retail giant's push into health care.

Patrick Holland Managing Editor
Patrick Holland has been a phone reviewer for CNET since 2016. He is a former theater director who occasionally makes short films. Patrick has an eye for photography and a passion for everything mobile. He is a colorful raconteur who will guide you through the ever-changing, fast-paced world of phones, especially the iPhone and iOS. He used to co-host CNET's I'm So Obsessed podcast and interviewed guests like Jeff Goldblum, Alfre Woodard, Stephen Merchant, Sam Jay, Edgar Wright and Roy Wood Jr.
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Amazon might not be pursuing drug sales to hospitals after all.

Ben Fox Rubin/CNET

Last fall, public records showed that Amazon was approved to distribute pharmaceuticals in 12 states. In reaction, the stocks for several pharmaceutical distribution and health care companies fell. But it seems that the e-commerce company might not be going ahead with drug sales afterall.

As reported by CNBC, Amazon Business -- which sells large-quantity orders to businesses -- has halted plans to sell drugs directly to hospitals. The article suggests that the challenges of getting into the pharmaceutical space may have been the issue.

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It's worth noting that Amazon Business currently offers health care products, including medical supplies -- just not drugs.

An Amazon spokesperson said the company doesn't comment on "rumors or speculation."