Wellgistics Launches XRP Payments Across U.S. Pharmacies

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Wellgistics Health Inc., a Nasdaq-listed pharmaceutical distributor, has launched a blockchain-based payment system powered by the XRP Ledger (XRPL) for over 6,500 independent pharmacies in the United States. The company’s initiative aims to modernize healthcare finance by offering faster, more efficient transaction options within the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The newly introduced platform allows pharmacies to pay for inventory and manage transactions without delays typically associated with traditional banking methods. By using XRPL, Wellgistics is attempting to eliminate the need for credit card processing fees while enabling real-time settlement between pharmacies and drug distributors.

Integrated with RxERP, an enterprise resource planning system tailored for pharmaceutical logistics, the platform also allows for invoice tracking and inventory management through a single blockchain-supported infrastructure. Wellgistics says the system was developed to meet stringent compliance requirements, including HIPAA standards and anti-money laundering regulations.

The company is currently offering the payment solution in beta form, with pharmacy owners across its network invited to participate. CEO Brian Norton noted that independent pharmacy operators have responded positively, citing a growing openness to blockchain in an industry that has traditionally been slow to adopt digital financial tools.

Although Wellgistics has not disclosed whether participating pharmacies must directly hold XRP or can settle transactions via fiat conversions, the company confirmed that the infrastructure relies entirely on the open-source XRP Ledger. Ripple Labs, the blockchain’s primary contributor, continues to play a leading role in XRPL development, though this initiative is entirely operated by Wellgistics.

The launch follows Wellgistics’ May 2025 announcement that it would begin using XRP not only for operational payments but also as a reserve asset. Backed by a $50 million equity line of credit, the company aims to establish XRP as a key financial tool across its operations. Management has said that XRP could support “programmable liquidity” for its healthcare clients and suppliers.

Founded in 2016 and acquired by Danam Health in 2024, Wellgistics became a standalone Nasdaq-listed company earlier this year after completing an initial public offering in February. It currently provides pharmaceutical distribution, digital prescription routing, and artificial intelligence-powered hub services.

Despite its public listing, the company has faced market challenges. Since its IPO, shares have dropped over 80%, recently closing at $0.62 before seeing a slight uptick in after-hours trading. As of this week, the firm’s market capitalization stands at approximately $47 million.

Looking ahead, Wellgistics plans to extend its blockchain-based payment platform beyond pharmacies. The next phase may include direct integration with drug manufacturers, with trials also planned for patient-to-provider transactions. These could include shipments from pharmaceutical companies directly to patients under medical supervision, depending on regulatory clearance.

This effort positions Wellgistics as one of the first major players in U.S. healthcare to apply blockchain at this scale. As healthcare providers seek more efficient ways to manage payment infrastructure, Wellgistics is betting on XRPL to deliver real-time, low-cost solutions for an increasingly digital marketplace.