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.
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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.
Walgreens 1Q gets boost from flu shot business
Walgreen Co. topped Wall Street’s profit forecast and saw sales climb 9.5% in its fiscal 2010 first quarter, fueled by a surge in its flu vaccination business.
CVS Caremark names new PBM president
Per Lofberg, president and chief executive officer of Generation Health Inc., has been appointed president of CVS Caremark Corp.’s pharmacy benefit management business. Plans call for Lofberg to start in the position on January 4, CVS Caremark said Monday.
Safeway updates availability of H1N1, seasonal flu shots
Safeway Inc. has made the H1N1 vaccine available through its pharmacies in 16 states and is offering seasonal flu immunizations in all of its stores.
Energizer Holdings board member to step down
Energizer Holdings Inc. director Joe Micheletto has resigned from the household and personal care manufacturer’s board. The company said Thursday that Micheletto is retiring and plans to step down from the board effective January 2.
Merck to buy Avecia Biologics
Merck & Co. has agreed to acquire Avecia Biologics, a contract manufacturing organization specializing in microbial-derived biologics. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Under the agreement, made with Avecia Investments Ltd.
Duane Reade serves up H1N1 immunizations
Duane Reade has begun providing H1N1 vaccinations via flu shot clinics at several locations in New York City.