Gallup: Pharmacies stand tall in customer service
Consumers agree that pharmacies are more than up to the task of providing superior customer service.
CDR
Employees bearing more of health costs
When it comes to health care coverage, the cost burden is continuing to shift to employees. A recent analysis by HR management consultancy Aon revealed that the average health care plan rate increase for midsize and large companies was 3.
Rite Aid launches genetic testing for Rx
Rite Aid Corp. has begun offering Harmonyx Diagnostics genetic testing for medications, making it the nation’s first drug chain to provide the service.
AB InBev, SABMiller strike deal to merge
Beer giants Anheuser-Busch InBev has reached an agreement to acquire SABMiller plc in a deal valued at about $108 billion. Clearing the way for the agreement was a deal for SABMiller to sell its 58% stake in its MillerCoors LLC joint venture to partner Molson Coors Brewing Co. for $12 billion.
Kroger to buy Roundy’s in $800 million deal
Kroger Co. plans to acquire food and drug retailer Roundy’s Inc. in a deal valued at about $800 million. Kroger said Wednesday that under the agreement it will buy all outstanding shares of Roundy’s for nearly $178 million in cash, or $3.60 per share, and assume Roundy’s $646 million in debt.
N.J. governor signs biosimilars legislation
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has approved legislation to create a pathway for the substitution of interchangeable biologic drugs, drawing praise from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and BioNJ, a state biotechnology organization.
MinuteClinic expands in Missouri
MinuteClinic has opened its first retail health clinics in Springfield, Mo., with more locations to come. The CVS Health subsidiary said Tuesday that two clinics have opened inside CVS/pharmacy stores on the edge of the Missouri State University campus on Elm Street and in Southern Hills.
Hershey unveils Kisses Deluxe Chocolates
Hershey Co. has launched Kisses Deluxe Chocolates, which the company calls “the largest innovation in 25 years from one of America’s most iconic chocolate brands.
Walgreens proceeds with telehealth expansion
Walgreens has begun offering telehealth services in another 20 states under its partnership with connected health provider MDLive.
Glenmark cleared to market Lotrisone generic
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. USA has received approval from the Food & Drug Administration for clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream 1%/0.05%, a topical antifungal medication.
NACDS readies for New York City gathering
Next month, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores board of directors, top executives from NACDS associate member companies and national thought leaders will gather in New York City for NACDS Week to gauge political and retail dynamics.
WBA shakes up industry with Rite Aid acquisition
The consolidation of chain drug retailing climaxed last month with Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.’s (WBA’s) acquisition of Rite Aid Corp. In the largest outright purchase of a chain in the industry’s history, WBA agreed to acquire Rite Aid for $9 per share, or $17.2 billion, including debt.
WBA-Rite Aid deal likely to draw scrutiny from regulators
Walgreens Boots Alliance may have to divest up to 400 of the Rite Aid stores it is acquiring to satisfy antitrust regulations, analysts said. WBA is not publicly speculating on how many units it will have to shutter, said chief executive officer Stefano Pessina.
House committee looks at MTM
Jesse McCullough, Rite Aid Corp.’s director of field clinical services, highlighted the role of medication therapy management (MTM) in improving the health of seniors in testimony to a House subcommittee.
MinuteClinic reaches 1,000-unit milestone
CVS Health has opened its 1,000th MinuteClinic in the United States. The new MinuteClinic opened its doors late last month in a CVS/pharmacy store on Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. MinuteClinic is the nation’s largest operator of retail clinics.
After PBMs weigh in, Valeant drops Philidor
After CVS Caremark and two other pharmacy benefit managers announced that they are terminating mail-order pharmacy Philidor Rx Services LLC from their networks, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Inc. said it would also sever ties with Philidor.