PharmaSmart, AstraZeneca ally on Rx hypertension program
PharmaSmart International Inc. has teamed up with AstraZeneca Canada to deliver tools and programs to pharmacists, doctors and patients for the improved management of hypertension.
CDR
Poll: Many seniors struggle with taking prescriptions
Senior citizens are finding it challenging to manage their daily medications, with many taking a handful of prescriptions regularly and some facing a double-digit pill dosage each day, according to a new survey. The national poll, conducted by Kelton Research for Medco Health Solutions Inc.
NABP review flags thousands of illicit Rx web sites
A review by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy finds more than 5,000 web sites selling prescription drugs as noncompliant with U.S. pharmacy laws and practice standards designed to safeguard public health.
Rite Aid serves up weight-loss guide, online tools
Rite Aid Corp. is teaming up with Harvard University, fitness expert Denise Austin and weight-control program provider Lindora Inc. to help its customers lose weight in 2010.
P&G extends Vicks DayQuil line
Procter & Gamble Co. has introduced a cough remedy that’s aimed at helping to eliminate one of a cough’s most embarrassing aspects: clearing mucus from the throat. P&G’s new Vicks DayQuil Mucus Control and DayQuil Mucus Control DM are designed to loosen and thin mucus.
Drugstore.com to acquire SkinStore.com
Drugstore.com has agreed to buy Salu Inc., which owns and operates SkinStore.com, an online retailer of clinical skin care and beauty products. Plans call for the stock and cash transaction, valued at $36 million, to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, drugstore.com said Monday.
CVS, MinuteClinic set for national H1N1 vaccine rollout
CVS Caremark Corp. is set to have H1N1 vaccine widely available in CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations from coast to coast as it receives supplies distributed by public health authorities.
NCPA urges extension of DMEPOS accreditation deadline
The National Community Pharmacists Association has sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) asking the agency to delay the accreditation deadline for Medicare Part B durable medical equipment, orthotics, prosthetics and supplies (DMEPOS) or to suspend enforcement.
AstraZeneca to purchase specialty drug maker Novexel
AstraZeneca plans to acquire specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer Novexel in a deal worth up to $505 million.
Novartis to get rights to heart failure drug via acquisition
Novartis stands to gain exclusive global rights to heart failure drug relaxin through a deal to acquire U.S. biopharmaceutical firm Corthera Inc. The Swiss pharmaceutical giant said Wednesday that, under the agreement, it plans to acquire all of the outstanding shares of San Mateo, Calif.
New distribution center site eyed by Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corp. is reportedly seeking a site in greater Charlotte, N.C., for a new distribution center. The Camp Hill, Pa.-based drug store chain is seeking to build a 600,000-square-foot-plus warehouse to supply its Southeastern drug stores, according to the Charlotte Business Journal.
Drugstore.com to develop online outlet for vision chain
Drugstore.com has entered a multiyear partnership with optical store chain operator Luxottica Group SpA to expand online access to contact lenses in North America. The agreement calls for drugstore.com subsidiary Vision Direct Inc., which operates the retailer’s VisionDirect.
Rite Aid expands rollout of H1N1 vaccines
Rite Aid Corp. has made H1N1 vaccine available in most of the states where it has stores and is working to provide it across its operating area, possibly by the month’s end or sooner. A Rite Aid spokeswoman said that as of Tuesday the drug store chain was offering H1N1 immunizations
Wasson: Walgreens executing on core strategies
Greg Wasson, president and chief executive officer of Walgreen Co., said the drug chain is making steady progress in implementing the company’s plans to better leverage its vast store network, improve the shopping experience and bolster productivity.
Sanofi-aventis in deal to acquire Chattem
Sanofi-aventis has inked an agreement to buy Chattem Inc. for $1.9 billion, a deal that the drug makers say would create the world’s fifth-largest consumer health care company.
Senate edges closer to final OK for health reform bill
Senate Democrats united in a key procedural vote to push the chamber’s health care reform package a step closer to their goal of getting a final bill approved by Christmas.