HDA: Pharmacy chains still drug distributors’ top customer
Chain drug stores remain the largest customer base for pharmaceutical distributors, according to the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA). Drug chains accounted for 42.
Pharmacy
Spike in new medicines to lift global drug spending
Though annual growth stands to moderate, global drug spending will climb to an estimated $1.5 trillion by 2021, up 33% from this year, according to the QuintilesIMS Institute. Worldwide spending on medicines is projected to grow at a 4% to 7% compound annual rate over the next
CVS, HHS examine pharmacy outreach in disaster planning
Automated pharmacy notifications prompt patients with chronic conditions to refill prescriptions before a forecasted natural disaster, a new study by CVS Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finds.
Walgreens tabs Aurora to run clinics in Wisconsin
Aurora Health Care will own and operate eight health clinics in Walgreens stores across eastern Wisconsin. Plans call for five current Walgreens Healthcare Clinics to transition to Aurora next spring, when the locations will become part of Aurora Health Care, the companies said Tuesday.
Identigene acquired by DNA Diagnostics Center
DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) has acquired at-home paternity test provider Identigene LLC. Financial terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed.
Akers Bio cholesterol test to get First Check branding
Akers Biosciences Inc. has entered an agreement with First Check Diagnostics LLC to exclusively distribute its rapid cholesterol self-test in the United States under the First Check brand.
Maxor closes purchase of Pharmaceutical Specialties
Maxor National Pharmacy Services LLC has completed its acquisition of Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc. (PSI). Financial terms of the deal, announced in September, weren’t disclosed. Bogart, Ga.
Rite Aid, CVS offer flu shot incentives
In support of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy are giving consumers more reasons to come to their pharmacies for a flu shot. Rite Aid is offering customers $5 off the cash price of a flu vaccination through Dec. 17. The standard trivalent flu shot costs $27.99 and the
McKesson to launch Central Fill as a Service
McKesson Corp.’s High Volume Solutions group is set to roll out Central Fill as a Service (CFaaS), a solution that gives pharmacies central-fill capability without the investment in equipment, inventory and extra staff.
NACDS hails TRICARE pilot in defense bill
ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores applauded Congressional leaders for advancing a prescription drug cost parity pilot for TRICARE in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Breckenridge Pharmaceutical to release Nuvigil generic
Breckenridge Pharmaceutical Inc. is launching armodafinil tablets (CIV), a medication for promoting wakefulness. Breckenridge said this week that its armodafinil product, which comes in strengths of 50 mg, 150 mg and 250 mg, is a generic version of Nuvigil from by Cephalon Inc.
Ontario expands pharmacists’ vaccine authority
Continuing to expand pharmacies’ health care role, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will enable pharmacists to administer vaccines for 13 diseases in addition to seasonal influenza. The ministry said Thursday that, starting Dec.
Patients give Hy-Vee’s Amber Pharmacy high marks
Hy-Vee Inc. subsidiary Amber Pharmacy ranked the highest out of all U.S. specialty pharmacies in patient satisfaction with pharmacy staff in a survey conducted by Zitter Health Insights. Fielding responses from more than 3,000 patients across 38 U.S.
NACDS welcomes Trump’s HHS, CMS nominees
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores said it’s ready to work with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Trump on Tuesday named U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R., Ga.
Omnicell unveils deal to acquire Ateb
Medication management and supply solution provider Omnicell Inc. plans to buy Ateb Inc., a specialist in patient care and medication synchronization services for pharmacies, in a $41 million deal.
CVS Pharmacy partners with OptumRx
UnitedHealth Group’s OptumRx aims to bring more prescription drug and pharmacy care options to clients and members through a new partnership with CVS Pharmacy.