Sanofi to acquire Bioverativ for $11.6 billion
Sanofi plans to buy biopharmaceutical company Bioverativ Inc. in a deal valued at $11.6 billion. Waltham, Mass.-based Bioverativ specializes in therapies for hemophilia and other rare blood disorders.
Pharmacy
Amneal releases Entocort EC generic
Amneal Pharmaceuticals has rolled out budesonide capsules 3 mg, a medication for Crohn’s disease. Amneal said its budesonide capsules are a generic version of Entocort EC from AstraZeneca plc. The generic product has begun shipping to wholesalers, distributors and direct to the trade, Amneal added.
Patients want pharmacies to go ‘beyond the fill’
Middle age and older Americans see their local pharmacy as a destination for preventive care and other health services, beyond filling prescriptions and managing medications, according to the Shortcut To Health survey by PrescribeWellness. The online survey of more than 1,000 U.S.
NACDS, NCPA give input on Medicare Part D changes
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association have submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as it mulls Medicare Part D prescription drug program changes for the 2019 contract year.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s Gilotrif approved for new indication
After being granted a priority review from the Food and Drug Administration this past fall, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. has received approval of its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Gilotrif (afatinib), a lung cancer medication.
CVS Health launches Transform Rheumatoid Arthritis Care
CVS Health has added a rheumatoid arthritis program to its Transform Care offering to help pharmacy benefit management clients better manage care and costs for certain disease states.
Walmart pharmacies provide free DisposeRx packets
Walmart has begun offering pharmacy patients filling opioid prescriptions a free drug disposal packet containing a biodegradable powder that enables them to safely discard unwanted, unused or expired medication. Walmart said Wednesday that the packet, from DisposeRx Inc.
2018 Retail Forecast: Learning to Adapt
What will the second year of the Trump administration look like? Is the demise of the Affordable Care Act imminent? Will pharmacists get the greater role in health care they have long sought? These are among the questions top chain drug industry executives are pondering as they look to 2018.
Publix Pharmacy program offers generics for $7.50
Publix Super Markets Inc. has begun providing up to a 90-day supply of commonly prescribed generic drugs for $7.50. The food and drug retailer said Tuesday that the new Publix Pharmacy program includes 29 generic medications in 85 dosage options.
PTCB plans update of pharm tech exam, training
WASHINGTON – The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) announced two significant changes to its Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Program that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020.
AstraZeneca releases Bydureon BCise to U.S. pharmacies
AstraZeneca announced that Bydureon BCise (exenatide extended-release injectable suspension 2 mg) is now available in pharmacies across the United States. Bydureon BCise was recently approved by the U.S.
Rite Aid sounds call for vaccinations as flu season peaks
Heightened influenza activity nationwide has prompted Rite Aid Corp. to spotlight its pharmacies as a convenient destination to get vaccinated for the flu. Rite Aid said Thursday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports widespread flu activity in 46 states.
Sam’s Club health chief Jill Turner-Mitchael to retire
Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president and general merchandise manager for consumables and health and wellness at Sam’s Club, is retiring. A Sam’s Club spokeswoman confirmed that Turner-Mitchael plans to retire at the end of the fiscal year.
Genoa telepsychiatry platform reaches milestone
Behaviorial health pharmacy Genoa has surpassed 100,000 patient visits through its telepsychiatry platform. Genoa said it reached the milestone via rapid expansion of the Genoa Telepsychiatry service.
Pharmasave helps customers quit smoking
Pharmasave aims is educating customers on the health risks from smoking and highlighting its pharmacists as a source of support for people looking to quit smoking.
Innovation hires western division sales chief
John Courtney has joined pharmacy automation provider Innovation as director of sales for the western division. Innovation said Tuesday that, in the role, Courtney will lead all sales activity for the western and central United States for hospital outpatient and federal health care.