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Issue 07-08-2013

Martindale becomes Rite Aid president

Ken Martindale, who has been a proponent of change and innovation at Rite Aid Corp., has been named the company’s president. The 53-year-old Martindale had been senior executive vice president and, since 2010, chief operating officer, a post he retains.

In-store clinics will see surge in demand

Demand from newly insured patients under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will double the number of retail clinics in the next three years, management consulting firm Accenture has projected. Walk-in clinics will drive $800 million in annual cost savings by 2015 and add capacity for 10.

Rite Aid unveils wellness65+

Rite Aid has extended its wellness+ customer loyalty program with the launch of wellness65+. “Attracting new senior customers represents a key growth opportunity for Rite Aid because seniors tend to be our best pharmacy patients,” president and chief operating officer Ken Martindale says.

CVS/pharmacy upgrades Gold Emblem brand

As it continues to revamp its Gold Emblem line of store brand food, CVS/pharmacy has launched Gold Emblem Select, an assortment of what the company is calling “items that celebrate the exceptional in everyday food, beverage and snack products.

Nicholson promoted by NACDS

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has named Kevin Nicholson to the newly created position of vice president of public policy and regulatory affairs. Executives say the new post expands Nicholson’s responsibilities in policy leadership, federal regulatory advocacy and staff management.

Walgreens reaches settlement with DEA

Walgreen Co. agreed last month to pay $80 million in fines to end a Drug Enforcement Administration probe into allegations that it allowed millions of doses of controlled substances, including the highly addictive painkiller oxycodone, to reach the black market.

Fruth introduces mobile Rx app

Fruth Pharmacy has begun offering a mobile application that executives say makes it easier for customers to manage their health and prescription needs. The app enables customers to refill prescriptions and receive pickup and dosage reminders through their smartphones.

High court weighs in on Rx

The Supreme Court jolted the pharmaceutical industry with its ruling last month that antitrust regulators should be able to challenge arrangements that allow rival drug makers to delay the sale of a generic drug.

Walgreens adds No7 Men line

As Walgreen Co. brings Alliance Boots’ No7 skin care line to more stores, it has rolled out No7 Men items to all Walgreens and Duane Reade outlets. Part of Great Britain’s top-selling skin care brand, No7 is one of the first lines to find its way onto Walgreens shelves after the companies

Pharmacy helps lead way in collaborative care

Retail pharmacy has emerged as a catalyst for change. National chains, including CVS Caremark and Rite Aid, as well as such regional players as Kerr Drug, are rethinking their practice and business models in a bid to make health care more accessible, efficient and affordable.