WBA, Express Scripts boost group purchasing relationship
Express Scripts Holding Co. and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) are expanding their group purchasing efforts to include the procurement of specialty branded drugs.
Pharmacy
Solodyn generics launched by Teva, Impax
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and Impax Laboratories Inc. have released minocycline HCl extended-release tablets, an acne medication, in 65 mg and 115 mg dosages.
Teva rolls out QVAR RediHaler in U.S.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has made its QVAR RediHaler Inhalation Aerosol (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) commercially available in 40-mcg and 80-mcg strengths in the United States.
Pharmasave pharmacies in Alberta adopt PrescribeIT
Two Pharmasave stores in Lethbridge are the first pharmacies in Alberta to participate in PrescribeIT, Canada’s recently launched electronic prescription platform.
Sandoz releases Copaxone generic
Following Food and Drug Administration final approval, Sandoz has launched of Glatopa 40 mg/ml (glatiramer acetate injection), a multiple sclerosis medication.
Reports: WBA in talks to buy AmerisourceBergen
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) is in negotiations to acquire drug distributor AmerisourceBergen Corp., according to published reports.
Rite Aid stocks up to help battle the flu
As flu cases mount in one of the most severe U.S. flu seasons in the past decade, Rite Aid Corp. is ensuring that its pharmacies are well-prepared. Rite Aid said Monday that its pharmacies are stocked with flu shots, which are available on a walk-in basis at all locations, as well
Canadian drug chains to take hit from generic price cuts
Pharmacy operators across Canada will be hit hard by lower generic drug prices set to take effect this spring, said Metro Inc. chief executive officer Eric La Fleche.
Trump makes cutting high drug prices a priority
In his first State of the Union speech, President Donald Trump renewed his pledge to reduce prescription drug prices, days after a former big pharma executive was sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Rexall makes no-Rx naloxone available chainwide
Rexall has rolled out naloxone kits to all 446 of its drug stores across Canada. The drug chain, part of McKesson Canada, said the opioid overdose antidote is available to patients without a prescription.
Kevin Hourican named interim head of CVS Pharmacy
Kevin Hourican, executive vice president of retail pharmacy and supply chain at CVS Health, will run the company’s retail division on an interim basis following the departure of Helena Foulkes.
NACDS updates point-of-care testing course
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has launched an updated Community Pharmacy-Based Point-of-Care Certificate Program. NACDS said Tuesday that it revised the point-of-care certificate program to offer a richer, more engaging experience for learners and trainers.
Bayer hires ABC News’ Dan Childs for U.S. media relations
ABC News medical journalist Dan Childs has joined Bayer as director of external communications, with responsibility mainly for U.S. media relations. Childs started at Bayer on Feb. 5. Most recently, he served as managing editor of the ABC News medical unit, a post he has held since October 2012.
CVS MinuteClinic to offer free heart health screenings
CVS Health’s MinuteClinic will provide free heart health screenings each week throughout this month. Dubbed “Know Your Numbers,” the MinuteClinic heart health screenings will be offered every Wednesday in February at all MinuteClinic locations.
Novo Nordisk launches Ozempic, Fiasp in U.S.
Novo Nordisk has released two new diabetes medications, Ozempic (semaglutide injection 0.5 mg and 1 mg) and Fiasp (insulin aspart injection 100 units/ml), to U.S. pharmacies.
Neighbourhood Pharmacies appoints pharmacy, public affairs execs
The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada has named Sandra Hanna as vice president of pharmacy affairs and Aimee Sulliman as senior vice president of public affairs.