The Village Pharmacy - Toronto

What The Village Pharmacy - Toronto does

The Village Pharmacy is an independent, privately-owned community pharmacy founded in 2001 by Zahid Somani, RPh, and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. It operates three storefronts — the original 473 Church Street in Church-Wellesley Village, 535 Yonge Street at Wellesley, and 2518 Yonge Street at Castlefield (Midtown) — and provides free prescription delivery across Ontario (same-day in the Toronto core, next-day in the GTA, 2–3 days to major Ontario centres, 3–7 days rural). The business is differentiated by deep specialization in HIV care and LGBTQ+ health, including an on-site PrEP Clinic (oral Truvada/generic, Descovy, and injectable Apretude), PEP dispensing, long-acting Cabenuva HIV treatment administration, and pharmacist-led HIV self-test distribution (INSTI at $59.99 and OraQuick at $44.99).

Its technology platform consists of a Squarespace-hosted website with SSL/TLS encryption, compliance with PIPEDA and PHIPA, a LegitScript-verified online presence, and a Cellflare-powered iOS/Android mobile app that handles prescription transfers (by photo submission), refills, 2-click reorders, and order history. It integrates with PrescribeIT for electronic prescriptions from physicians, and recommends third-party adherence apps (Medisafe, MyTherapy) to patients. The product portfolio extends beyond HIV into a 2024-launched Diabetes Clinic (3-month coaching, MedsCheck, A1C testing by Certified Diabetes Educators), chronic illness management (heart disease, COPD, asthma, Crohn's, epilepsy, depression), $20 injection administration (Ozempic/Wegovy/Mounjaro, travel vaccines, Cabenuva, Apretude, hormones), minor illness assessments across 19 conditions, insurance/Trillium navigation, medication synchronization, personalized pill packaging, and pharmacist-authorized refills.

The Village Pharmacy generates revenue through prescription dispensing reimbursed via ODB, Trillium, OHIP+, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments; transactional injection fees ($20 per administration); HIV self-test retail (INSTI $59.99, OraQuick $44.99); and clinical service fees. It operates a community-led, direct-to-consumer go-to-market anchored by referral partnerships with ACT, PWA Toronto, Casey House, OHTN, Teresa Group, and Maggie's, supported by a physician-targeted content hub and a 5%-of-profits charitable giving program.

Name

The Village Pharmacy - Toronto

Legal name

The Village Pharmacy

Website

https://thevillagepharmacy.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Village Pharmacy is an independent Toronto community pharmacy operating three locations since 2001, specializing in HIV/PrEP/PEP care and LGBTQ+ health. It dispenses prescriptions, administers long-acting injectables (Cabenuva, Apretude), offers free Ontario-wide delivery, and runs a new Diabetes Clinic.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Pharmacy

NAICS

Pharmacies and Drug Retailers (456110)

SIC

Retail-Drug Stores And Proprietary Stores (5912)

akta.pro primary industry

Retail & Community Pharmacies (Chain/Independent) (HLAFALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty Pharmacy & Complex Therapy Management Platforms (HLACAKAG), Medication Setup & Organization (Pill Boxes/Dispill/Packaging) (HSABALAB)

Keywords

• Community pharmacy services
• HIV specialty pharmacy
• PrEP and PEP medications
• Prescription delivery services
• Pharmacist injection services

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto, Ontario

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Prescription Medications: Dispensing prescription medications for HIV, PrEP, chronic illnesses, diabetes, and general pharmacy needs. Revenue from Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB), Trillium, OHIP+, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments.
2. Injection Services: Pharmacist-administered injections including Ozempic, travel vaccines, HIV/PrEP injectables (Cabenuva, Apretude), and routine vaccines. $20 fee per injection in addition to prescription cost.
3. HIV Self-Tests: Sale of INSTI HIV Self-Tests at $59.99 plus HST per test. No prescription required.
4. Delivery Services: Free prescription delivery Ontario-wide (revenue supported through pharmacy service model, delivery cost absorbed as customer acquisition/retention)

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Village Pharmacy is an independent community pharmacy dispensing prescription medications with a specialization in HIV care, PrEP/PEP, and LGBTQ+ health. It operates three physical locations in Toronto and offers an on-site PrEP Clinic, Cabenuva injectable treatment, HIV self-testing kits, injection services, medication management, free Ontario-wide delivery, and a mobile app for prescription management.

Product overview

The Village Pharmacy is an independent, full-service community pharmacy with three Toronto locations, specializing in HIV care and LGBTQ+ health since 2001. The core offering centers on HIV Pharmacy Services including medication dispensing, PrEP/PEP prevention, and Cabenuva injectable treatment, complemented by a NEW Diabetes Clinic coaching program. The pharmacy operates a mobile app for prescription management and offers value-added services including free prescription delivery across Ontario, personalized medication organization (pill packs, synchronization), injection services, insurance/Trillium support, minor illness assessments, travel vaccines, and HIV self-testing kits. The PrEP Clinic provides both oral (Truvada/generic, Descovy) and injectable (Apretude) prevention options with on-site injection capability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HIV Pharmacy Services Specialized pharmacy services for people living with HIV, including medication dispensing, adherence support, side-effect management, and connection to HIV specialists. All HIV medications always in stock. Targeted at individuals living with HIV and their care providers.
• PrEP Clinic Clinic offering oral PrEP (Truvada, generic Emtricitabine-Tenofovir, Descovy) and injectable PrEP (Apretude) with bloodwork forms, physician referral, and on-site injections every two months. Targeted at individuals seeking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.
• PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) Emergency HIV prevention medication taken within 72 hours of exposure. 28-day treatment cycle. All PEP medications always in stock. Targeted at individuals who have had potential HIV exposure and need emergency prevention.
• Diabetes Clinic 3-month personalized diabetes coaching program with Diabetes MedsCheck, A1C testing, nutrition/exercise plans, and pharmacist check-ins. Free with Ontario Health Card. Targeted at individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
• Injection Services Pharmacist-administered injections including Ozempic, hormones, biologics, vitamins, travel vaccines, HIV/PrEP injectables, and routine vaccines. $20 fee plus prescription cost. Targeted at patients needing injectable medications or vaccines.
• Cabenuva Treatment Long-acting HIV injection therapy (cabotegravir + rilpivirine) administered monthly then every 2 months. Approved injection site for Cabenuva at Yonge locations. Targeted at patients seeking an alternative to daily oral antiretroviral therapy.
• Medication Management and Organization Personalized pill packs, medication synchronization, MedsCheck consultations, and pill organizers to help patients take medications correctly. Targeted at patients managing multiple medications or complex regimens.
• Free Prescription Delivery Free delivery of prescriptions anywhere in Ontario with same-day delivery in Toronto city core and next-day delivery in GTA. Targeted at patients needing home delivery of medications.
• Insurance Support and Trillium Drug Program Assistance Assistance with insurance coverage, Trillium Drug Program applications, co-pay assistance programs, and direct billing to reduce out-of-pocket medication costs. Targeted at patients needing help navigating insurance coverage for high-cost medications.
• Minor Illness Assessments Pharmacist assessment and prescription for 19 minor illnesses including hay fever, pink eye, UTIs, cold sores, acne, and yeast infections. Free with Ontario Health Card. Targeted at individuals needing quick treatment for common minor illnesses.
• HIV Self-Testing Kits INSTI HIV Self-Test by bioLytical (Health Canada approved, 99.5% accuracy, results in 1 minute) and OraQuick HIV Oral Self-Test (results in 20 minutes). No prescription required. Targeted at individuals seeking confidential HIV self-testing.
• Chronic Illness Management Services for chronic conditions including HIV, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, Crohn's, epilepsy, COPD, asthma, arthritis, and depression with medication synchronization and personalized counseling. Targeted at patients managing chronic health conditions.
• Travel Vaccines Travel vaccines including Hepatitis A/B (Twinrix), Dukoral, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Typhoid administered by pharmacist with prescription. Targeted at travelers needing pre-trip vaccinations.
• Pharmacist-Authorized Refills Prescription renewal and adaptation services allowing pharmacists to extend prescriptions without doctor visit for ongoing treatment continuity. Targeted at patients needing prescription continuity without immediate doctor visits.
• Village Pharmacy Mobile App iOS and Android app for prescription transfers, refills, new prescriptions, order history, profile management, and store information. Free download. Targeted at patients who prefer digital prescription management.
• DoxyPEP Service Post-exposure prophylaxis using Doxycycline for prevention of STIs including gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia. Targeted at individuals seeking STI prevention after potential exposure.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.5% accuracy for INSTI HIV Self-Test
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ACT (AIDS Committee of Toronto)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025HIV services organization in Toronto. The Village Pharmacy donates to ACT and recommends their counselling, mental health support, and social programs to patients. ACT provides free condoms and lube to pharmacy locations.
• PWA Toronto (People With AIDS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Donates vitamins to PWA Toronto and sponsors PWA Bike for Life Rally. PWA provides practical supports including financial assistance, food programs, and therapeutic services that benefit pharmacy patients.
• Casey HousecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Toronto HIV/AIDS hospital. The Village Pharmacy works with Casey House to ensure clients can afford and tolerate their medications. Referrals and care coordination for patients.
• Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnered on HIV Testing Pilot program (GetATest) to assess feasibility of administering HIV tests by pharmacists in pharmacy settings.
• Ontario College of PharmacistscoreOthers · 1 January 2025Regulatory body that accredits pharmacies. The Village Pharmacy is fully accredited at all three locations.
• Teresa GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025HIV services organization in Toronto. The Village Pharmacy donates to support their work.
• Maggie's TorontominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Organization providing support for sex workers. The Village Pharmacy donates to support their services.
• Doctors Without BordersminorOthers · 1 January 2025International emergency medical relief organization. The Village Pharmacy donates 5% of profits annually.
• Rainbow RailroadminorOthers · 1 January 2025Organization helping LGBT individuals escape human rights violations. The Village Pharmacy donates as part of social responsibility commitment.
• Kids Help PhoneminorOthers · 1 January 2025Provides free online and telephone counselling to youth across Canada. Supported through The Village Pharmacy's charitable donations.
• Movember CanadaminorOthers · 1 January 2025Funds men's health initiatives (mental health, suicide prevention, prostate/testicular cancer). Supported through annual donations.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• MISTR: US digital health platform specializing in free PrEP, STI testing, and telehealth for the LGBTQ+ community — emerging player using a different delivery model (telehealth + mail) to reach the same patient segment.

Broad incumbents

• Shoppers Drug Mart: Canada's largest retail pharmacy chain with ~1,300 locations and broad HIV/PrEP dispensing — a broad incumbent that competes on convenience and scale rather than on HIV/LGBTQ+ specialization.
• Pharmasave: Canadian cooperative of independent community pharmacies with national distribution — broad incumbent alternative for community pharmacy customers, including chronic disease management.
• Rexall Pharmacy: National Canadian drugstore chain offering prescription dispensing, pharmacist consultations, and minor ailment services — broad incumbent competing on footprint and one-stop convenience.
• Remedy'sRx: Canadian network of independent community pharmacies offering compounding, specialty services, and patient-focused care — comparable independent-pharmacy model with national reach via network affiliation.

Direct peers

• AHF Pharmacy (AIDS Healthcare Foundation): Operates specialty HIV/AIDS pharmacies adjacent to AHF healthcare centers in the US, dispensing antiretrovirals and PrEP with adherence counselling — closest analog as a mission-driven HIV pharmacy embedded in community care.
• BioScript Solutions: Canadian specialty pharmacy network providing complex medication management, adherence support, and patient navigators for conditions including HIV — comparable specialty-pharmacy clinical service model in the Canadian market.
• Bayshore Specialty Rx: Canadian specialty pharmacy arm of Bayshore HealthCare providing dispensing and clinical support for HIV, oncology, and other complex conditions — comparable specialty dispensing, adherence, and home delivery services.
• Avita Pharmacy: US-based specialty pharmacy chain focused exclusively on HIV, PrEP/PEP, and LGBTQ+ care with patient-centered services, adherence support, and home delivery — directly comparable model to The Village Pharmacy's HIV-specialist DTC approach.
• Innomar Strategies: Canadian specialty pharma services provider offering patient support, dispensing, and reimbursement navigation for complex therapies including HIV — directly comparable specialty pharmacy and patient-services footprint in Canada.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-village-pharmacy-toronto

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Village Pharmacy - Toronto