Reports: CVS in talks about acquiring Aetna
Published reports said Thursday that CVS Health is in negotiations to acquire health insurer Aetna.
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Washington faces Rx reimbursement challenge
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Community Pharmacists Association and Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) are challenging changes to Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement in Washington state.
WBA to shut 600 stores in retail network overhaul
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) plans to close 600 stores starting next year as it rationalizes its U.S. drug store base following the $4.375 billion purchase of 1,932 Rite Aid stores.
WBA’s Q4 earnings top analysts’ forecast
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) beat Wall Street’s adjusted earnings per share forecast for its 2017 fourth quarter and fiscal year, with pharmacy results helping boost sales for both periods. However, WBA said Wednesday that costs related to the unsuccessful deal to acquire Rite Aid Corp.
McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical president to depart
McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical president Mark Walchirk is leaving the company to become president and chief executive officer of Patterson Companies Inc., a distributor serving the dental and animal health markets. Patterson said Tuesday that Walchirk is slated to start at the company on Nov. 20.
Retail Rx gets out ahead of Amazon
Speculation about the possible entry of Amazon into the prescription drug business has been abundant in recent weeks.
Rep. Tom Suozzi visits N.Y. specialty pharmacy
Rep. Tom Suozzi (D., N.Y.) gauged cost dynamics of the specialty pharmacy market in a tour of oncology pharmacy Onco360 here with members of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP).
Publix proceeds with innovative care partnership
Publix Pharmacy has in place the first piece of a three-pronged partnership with BayCare Health System, which serves the Tampa Bay and central Florida region. Publix Super Markets Inc. said Thursday that Publix retail pharmacies are now open at St. Anthony’s Hospital’s Suncoast Medical Clinic in St.
CVS Health to support new Anthem PBM
CVS Health has signed a five-year agreement to provide services to support IngenioRx, a new pharmacy benefit manager formed by Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurer Anthem Inc.
Senate hearing scrutinizes prescription drug costs
Pharmacy benefit managers are a key focus of debate about elevated drug pricing that has come before a U.S. Senate committee.
CVS brings deeper insight to Rx decision making
CVS Health has adopted the Epic Healthy Planet population health and analytics platform to gain insights on dispensing patterns and medication adherence behavior.
Jean Coutu Group tallies 2Q sales gains
Retail and corporate sales climbed at Jean Coutu Group in the fiscal 2018 second quarter, the first reporting period since its $4.5 billion (Canadian) deal to be acquired by Metro Inc. Net profit per share in the quarter ended Sept.
Domenic Pilla tabbed as McKesson Canada CEO
McKesson Corp. has closed its $2.1 billion (U.S.) acquisition of Canadian drug chain Rexall Health and hired Domenic Pilla as chief executive officer of McKesson Canada. McKesson said late Wednesday that Pilla is slated to take the reins as McKesson Canada CEO on Jan. 3. In the role, he will
Fred’s institutes ‘poison pill’ plan
Fred’s Inc. has adopted a shareholder rights plan, also known as a “poison pill,” after a hedge fund recently became the company’s single largest shareholder.
Rite Aid sales, earnings decline in third quarter
Rite Aid Corp. said slim reimbursement rates, new generic drugs and the ongoing antitrust talks for the merger with Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) squeezed sales and earnings for its fiscal 2017 third quarter. Rite Aid said Thursday that for the third quarter ended Nov. 26, sales dipped 0.8% to $8.
Fred’s agrees to buy 865 Rite Aid stores
Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) and Rite Aid Corp. have entered into an agreement to sell 865 Rite Aid stores and certain assets related to store operations to Fred’s Inc. for $950 million.