Dallas Entrepreneur Seeks to Build Nationwide Compounding Pharmacy Network

Qualthera, a new company founded by entrepreneur Donald Prentiss, has made its first acquisition—Central Drug in Victoria, Texas—and set its sights on Dallas for its second. Prentiss sees an opportunity in the shifting pharmacy landscape, where changes, including downsizing by large chains, have created service gaps that independent pharmacies could fill.

A Dallas entrepreneur has launched a new company that aims to build a nationwide network of patient-centered compounding pharmacies—and announced its first acquisition.

Entrepreneur Donald Prentiss’ new company, Qualthera, said it has acquired Central Drug, based in Victoria, Texas. Terms of the deal, which was completed last month, were not disclosed.

“With Qualthera, we’re committed to bringing back quality, patient-centered care,” Prentiss said in a statement. “Our acquisition of Central Drug is the first step in building a trusted network of compounding pharmacies that prioritize personalized service, and we see this as a real opportunity to make a difference in communities nationwide.”

He added that he wants the company’s next acquisition to occur in Dallas, to strengthen and further solidify the company’s presence in Texas.

Prentiss has extensive experience in scaling healthcare operations and ensuring rigorous regulatory standards. With a track record of designing and growing large compounding facilities, he’s collaborated with regulatory bodies to implement best practices centered on quality and safety, the company said.

Central Drug was a natural choice for its first acquisition, Qualthera added. Its strategic location—positioned between the metro areas of Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi—was a significant factor, as were the pharmacy’s strong compliance record and commitment to customer service since the 1950s.

Elevating the reputation of independent pharmacies

With recent shifts in the pharmacy landscape, where large chains are downsizing and leaving service gaps, Prentiss said he sees an opportunity for Qualthera to restore and elevate the reputation of independent pharmacies nationwide.

Prentiss said that by building a network of channel partners, including healthcare providers, hospitals, and direct-to-consumer health platforms that share Qualthera’s commitment to personalized, high-quality care, Qualthera will continue fostering strategic partnerships.

Those alliances will enable the seamless integration of compounded medications into patient care plans, ensuring continuity from diagnosis to treatment, the company said.

Over the next five to 10 years, Qualthera said it wants to establish a presence in all 50 states and become a household name in the compounding pharmacy industry.