Purchasing alliance for generic drugs formed
Eleven members of the Chain Drug Consortium have formed the Chain Pharmacy Alliance (CPA) as a contractual joint venture to aggregate their generic pharmaceutical volume into one compliant program.
News
Pharmacy chains escalate their flu shot campaigns
After last year’s vaccine shortages and the worries over an H1N1 pandemic, community pharmacy chains are stepping up their efforts to provide flu vaccines this year. Both CVS Caremark Corp. and Rite Aid Corp. have cut the price of a flu vaccination, with CVS trimming the cost from $35 a year ago
CDMA names Fruth’s Messick senior VP
Fruth Pharmacy veteran Bob Messick has joined the Chain Drug Marketing Association (CDMA) as the organization’s senior vice president, a new position. At Fruth, Messick most recently served as president and chief operating officer.
Cardinal promotes toolkit to combat abuse of Rxs
As part of its ongoing effort to combat prescription drug abuse, Cardinal Health Inc. highlighted its Generation Rx toolkit at this year’s National Association of Chain Drug Stores Pharmacy and Technology Conference here.
NACDS gives Pratt award to H.D. Smith’s Conda
H.D. Smith senior vice president of strategic planning Joe Conda was given the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Harold W. Pratt Award at the association’s annual Pharmacy & Technology Conference held here last month.
CMS lays groundwork for pharmacy pricing study
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking a contractor to develop monthly national surveys of retail pharmacy prescription drug prices and ingredient costs. Published on the government contract bidding web site, FedBizOpps.
Walgreens steps up to the plate with more food
Walgreens used a gala event at one of its drug stores on the city’s South Side earlier this month to showcase its newest concept — an expanded food selection in areas that lack access to the basic food necessary to maintain a healthy diet.
Hagan praises retail Rx during visit to Kerr unit
Pharmacists who play a central role in managing a person’s health can improve patient care and drive down costs, a U.S. senator said during a recent visit to a Kerr Drug store here. Sen. Kay Hagan (D., N.C.
Duane Reade CEO joining U.S. Foodservice
John Lederer, who oversaw the reinvention of Duane Reade that set the stage for its purchase by Walgreen Co., is moving to U.S. Foodservice as president and chief executive officer.
States get help with Medicaid costs
President Obama has signed into law a bill providing $26 billion to struggling states — including additional Medicaid funding — by closing tax loopholes for multinational companies and cutting food aid to the poor.
Rite Aid moves to refinance part of its debt
Rite Aid Corp. has issued $650 million in notes as part of a plan to refinance its debt and credit. The drug store chain also is working to regain compliance with the minimum share price rule of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in order to avoid being delisted. Plans call
Kerr to use clinical web application for MTM
Kerr Drug has signed a licensing agreement for MirixaEdge, Mirixa Corp.’s clinical application that supports the delivery of pharmacist-based patient care services, including medication therapy management (MTM). Kerr plans to offer MTM services to the city of Charleston, S.C.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy president named
Mike Cantrell has been named president of AmerisourceBergen Corp.’s Good Neighbor Pharmacy network. Cantrell has also been named group vice president of retail business development and reports to Jerry Cline, senior vice president of retail sales and marketing at AmerisourceBergen.
Health care reform met with resistance in many states
While health care reform got the votes it needed in Washington, it still faces resistance in many states. Blocking maneuvers from lawsuits to legislative action to referenda are occurring from Florida to Alaska.
CVS/pharmacy enters Omaha
CVS Caremark Corp. entered the Omaha market with the recent grand opening at one of its two new drug stores in the Nebraska city. Additional locations in the market are planned over the next several years. CVS/pharmacy has also expanded its presence this year in St. Louis, Memphis and Puerto Rico.
Magnacca moves up at Duane Reade
Duane Reade has promoted Joe Magnacca, formerly executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, to president. Magnacca, a retail industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, joined Duane Reade in October 2008 as senior vice president and chief merchandising officer.