Amazon Abandons Pharmaceuticals Wholesaler Effort In Maine

PORTLAND, Maine - State officials say Amazon has let its state applications to become a pharmaceuticals wholesaler lapse.
 
The Portland Press Herald reports that the online retailer took no action to provide additional information needed on three applications before they expired on Dec. 1.
 
An Amazon spokeswoman declined comment other than to point out that the state licenses would've covered sales to Maine businesses, like medical and dental offices. The applications were filed in October.
 
Portland-based RBC Capital Markets cited Amazon's abandonment of the license process in Maine as a sign that Amazon plans to pursue sales of medical supplies, not drugs, to consumers.
 
Amazon has yet to announce any plans for such an expansion into pharmaceuticals, but Amazon has been approved for wholesale pharmacy licenses in at least 12 states.