Express Scripts, a full service pharmacy benefits manager, has been benefitting from industry consolidation that has cut costs and boosted their bargaining strength as pharmaceutical companies release high-priced treatments for hepatitis C and high cholesterol. Express Scripts led the wave of consolidation when it bought Medco Health Solutions for almost $30 billion in 2012. The deal doubled its revenues and positioned the company as the No. 1 pharmacy benefits manager. The St. Louis, Mo.-based company has also benefitted from more insured patients, a result of the Affordable Care Act. Express Scripts has used its industry-leading position to wring out savings on high-cost specialty drugs for its users, which will become more necessary as more innovative treatments come on the market. Specialty pharmacy is expect to grow by about 20% over the next few years and customers will rely on PBM’s to help them better manage this spend.