CVS Health shareholders OK Aetna acquisition
Shareholders of CVS Health voted overwhelmingly to approve the company’s $69 billion deal to acquire health insurer Aetna Inc.
CDR
Cigna to buy Express Scripts for $67 billion
Continuing cross-segment consolidation in the health care arena, health insurer Cigna Corp. plans to acquire pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts in a $67 billion cash and stock deal.
Perrigo readies store-brand Mucinex DM Maximum Strength
Perrigo Co. has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to market over-the-counter guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide extended-release tablets 1200 mg/60 mg, an expectorant and cough suppressant.
Walmart health executive George Riedl to depart
George Riedl, senior vice president at Walmart and president of the Walmart Health and Wellness division, is leaving the company. A Walmart spokeswoman said Wednesday that Riedl, a key pharmacy executive at the retail giant, is slated to depart on March 16.
Ideavillage’s Finishing Touch adds Flawless Colors to lineup
Ideavillage Products Corp. has expanded its Finishing Touch Flawless women’s facial hair removal device line with the Flawless Colors collection. The Finishing Touch Flawless facial hair removal device made its debut in white last June, rapidly becoming an Amazon.
More Rite Aid stores transferred to Walgreens
Rite Aid Corp. is winding down its asset sale to Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) with the ownership transfer of 537 more stores. Rite Aid said Tuesday that as of March 2, it has transferred 1,651 stores and related assets to WBA for cash proceeds of $3.6 billion. The process has progressed
Flu fears hoist sales of hand cleaner products
Sales of hand cleaner products, particularly hand sanitizer and hand wipes, have jumped since the start of the year, driven by the severe U.S. flu season, according to market research firm The NPD Group. NPD said Monday that hand cleaner sales at retail surged 16% year over year to $83.6 million in
NACDS participates in White House Opioid Summit
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores took part in yesterday’s White House Opioid Summit and continues to give retail pharmacy’s take on how to combat the opioid abuse epidemic.
GSK rolls out Sensodyne Rapid Relief
GSK Consumer Healthcare has launched Sensodyne Rapid Relief, a new toothpaste formulated for fast relief of tooth pain from sensitivity. GSK said Tuesday that Sensodyne Rapid Relief is clinically proven to alleviate tooth sensitivity in as soon as three days with twice-daily brushing.
GMDC promotes Mark Mechelse to VP
Mark Mechelse has been promoted to vice president of insights and communications at the Global Market Development Center (GMDC).
Albertsons-Rite Aid a good match, despite snags
Albertsons Cos.’ deal to acquire Rite Aid Corp. looks to be a “win-win for both companies,” yet the merger wouldn’t be a cakewalk to see through successfully, observes Diana Sheehan, director of research and insights at retail specialist Kantar Consulting.
Walgreens, NYC serve up free flu shot vouchers
The New York City Department of Health is collaborating with Walgreens to offer free flu shot vouchers at select stores across the boroughs.
Shopping Drug Mart enlists medical cannabis supplier Aurora
Shoppers Drug Mart has expanded its access to medical marijuana products by entering a supply agreement with Aurora Cannabis Inc. Aurora said Tuesday that under the pact it will supply Shoppers Drug Mart with Aurora-branded medical cannabis products.
FDA: Work to boost flu vaccine effectiveness under way
The Food and Drug Administration has begun efforts to improve flu vaccine effectiveness, according to FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb.
Spectrum Brands, HRG Group to merge in $10 billion deal
Consumer products giant Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. plans to combine with its largest shareholder, public holding company HRG Group Inc., in a transaction valued at $10 billion.
J M Smith realigns leadership team
J M Smith Corp. has named Saul Factor to lead its drug wholesale business and Kevin Welch to head its pharmacy technology solutions business. J M Smith said Monday that Factor, previously president of the QS/1 pharmacy software unit, will now serve as president of drug distributors Smith Drug Co.