NCPA to Congress: More scrutiny of PBMs needed
In comments to Congress, the National Community Pharmacists Association called for more oversight of pharmacy benefit management (PBM) companies.
CDR
BI rolls out Spiriva Respimat asthma inhaler to pharmacies
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. has released Spiriva Respimat, an asthma treatment, to U.S. pharmacies. BI noted that Spiriva Respimat isn’t a medication for sudden asthma symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration approved a once-daily dose of Spiriva Respimat 2.
Rite Aid shareholders OK Walgreens merger deal
Rite Aid Corp. stockholders have voted overwhelmingly to approve the company’s $17.2 billion deal to be acquired by Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. Approximately 97% of the votes cast at a special meeting of stockholders on Thursday were in favor of the deal.
AmerisourceBergen, Publix ink drug distribution pact
AmerisourceBergen Corp. has entered a long-term distribution deal with food and drug chain Publix Super Markets Inc. that includes branded, generic and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
Lannett to pare workforce in restructuring plan
Lannett Co. has instituted a restructuring plan to streamline operations, sharpen efficiencies and trim costs. Announced this week, the plan is part of the generic drug maker’s efforts to integrate its recently completed acquisition of Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Steripod offers toothbrush protection solution
Bonfit America Inc. is spotlighting its Steripod toothbrush protector for National Children’s Dental Health Month, held in February by the American Dental Association. The clip-on Steripod protector fits any standard or electronic toothbrush.
Schick unveils improved Hydro 5 razor
Schick has relaunched the Hydro 5 men’s razor with an enhanced design to improve the shaving experience via more skin protection and less shave irritation.
Duane Reade stars at NYC’s Penn Station
The latest Duane Reade store aims to bring a higher level of convenience to hurried commuters in Manhattan’s Penn Station.
Supervalu announces CEO transition
Food and drug retailer and distributor Supervalu Inc. has hired Mark Gross as president and chief executive officer. Supervalu said Wednesday that Gross takes the CEO reins effective Feb. 5 and will succeed Sam Duncan, who is retiring at the end of this month.
CVS Pharmacy makes Target debut
The first CVS pharmacies have opened in six Target discount stores in North Carolina. Branded as CVS Pharmacy, the pharmacies are being operated as store-within-a-store departments and are located in Hickory, Monroe, Morrisville, Raleigh, Matthews and Wesley Chapel, N.C.
Hamacher adds to ownership group
Hamacher Resource Group Inc. has expanded its ownership team.
Specialty to become bigger Rx sales booster
Pharmaceutical supply chain and economics expert Adam Fein, CEO of the Drug Channels Institute, says specialty drugs continue to hoist pharmacy industry sales, according to his firm’s latest analysis.
NBTY to sell Vitamin World chain
NBTY Inc. has agreed to sell its Vitamin World retail business to private investment firm Centre Lane Partners. The vitamins and dietary supplements maker said Tuesday that the deal, slated to close by mid-February, will enable Vitamin World to operate as a stand-alone retail business.
Publix set to expand into Virginia
Publix Super Markets Inc. is expanding into Virginia, which will be the employee-owned food and drug chain’s seventh state. Publix said on Tuesday that it has signed two leases for stores in the greater Richmond area.
Panzer to lead GM, HBA at Albertsons
Albertsons Cos. pharmacy chief Mark Panzer has added oversight of the food and drug chain’s general merchandise and health and beauty aids businesses to his duties. The supermarket retailer announced the move Tuesday.
RediClinic allies with Phila.-area health network
Rite Aid Corp.’s RediClinic has allied with regional health care provider Aria Health, a move that will bring the retail clinic operator’s services to more people in the greater Philadelphia area.