Reese introduces Pinworm Itch Relief Wipes
Reese Pharmaceutical Co. has expanded its product lineup with Reese’s Pinworm Itch Relief Wipes, a new treatment for pinworm itch.
Pharmacy
Ex-GSK CEO Andrew Witty to take helm at Optum
Former GlaxoSmithKline plc chief executive officer Sir Andrew Witty has been named CEO of Optum, the health services, technology and pharmacy benefits management unit of health insurance giant UnitedHealth Group. Plans call for Witty to start as Optum CEO on July 1.
IQVIA report sizes up changes in global drug spending
The types of medicines being developed, the way technology contributes to health and how the value of health is calculated are all changing dramatically, according to a new report from the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science.
CVS Health shareholders OK Aetna acquisition
Shareholders of CVS Health voted overwhelmingly to approve the company’s $69 billion deal to acquire health insurer Aetna Inc.
Cigna to buy Express Scripts for $67 billion
Continuing cross-segment consolidation in the health care arena, health insurer Cigna Corp. plans to acquire pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts in a $67 billion cash and stock deal.
Perrigo readies store-brand Mucinex DM Maximum Strength
Perrigo Co. has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to market over-the-counter guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide extended-release tablets 1200 mg/60 mg, an expectorant and cough suppressant.
Walmart health executive George Riedl to depart
George Riedl, senior vice president at Walmart and president of the Walmart Health and Wellness division, is leaving the company. A Walmart spokeswoman said Wednesday that Riedl, a key pharmacy executive at the retail giant, is slated to depart on March 16.
NACDS participates in White House Opioid Summit
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores took part in yesterday’s White House Opioid Summit and continues to give retail pharmacy’s take on how to combat the opioid abuse epidemic.
Walgreens, NYC serve up free flu shot vouchers
The New York City Department of Health is collaborating with Walgreens to offer free flu shot vouchers at select stores across the boroughs.
Shopping Drug Mart enlists medical cannabis supplier Aurora
Shoppers Drug Mart has expanded its access to medical marijuana products by entering a supply agreement with Aurora Cannabis Inc. Aurora said Tuesday that under the pact it will supply Shoppers Drug Mart with Aurora-branded medical cannabis products.
FDA: Work to boost flu vaccine effectiveness under way
The Food and Drug Administration has begun efforts to improve flu vaccine effectiveness, according to FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb.
J M Smith realigns leadership team
J M Smith Corp. has named Saul Factor to lead its drug wholesale business and Kevin Welch to head its pharmacy technology solutions business. J M Smith said Monday that Factor, previously president of the QS/1 pharmacy software unit, will now serve as president of drug distributors Smith Drug Co.
Realignment in U.S. health care sector accelerates
The U.S. health care industry has been in flux for a number of years, but the pace of transformation now appears to be accelerating rapidly. Several of the biggest players in the U.S. health care sector are making moves to confront an uncertain future — one that may bring unwelcome competition and
What the budget deal means for health care
Health care spending has been beefed up in some areas and reduced in others as a result of the federal budget legislation passed by Congress earlier this month.
Lupin cleared to market generic Tamiflu suspension
Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc., the U.S. arm of India-based Lupin Ltd., has received Food and Drug Administration approval for oseltamivir phosphate oral suspension 6 mg (base)/ml, a flu medication.
Diplomat works to control specialty drug costs
Biosimilars, generic drugs and affordable branded drugs are top-of-mind at Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. this year as the specialty pharmacy looks to help health plans and patients rein in costs.