Reports: WBA in talks to buy AmerisourceBergen
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) is in negotiations to acquire drug distributor AmerisourceBergen Corp., according to published reports.
Pharmacy
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.
NACDS among group joining in fight against opioid abuse
Opioid abuse is a serious public health problem that has reached crisis levels across the United States, with more than 90 Americans dying each day from overdose of opioids, and many more becoming addicted.
Maaraba named new senior vice president at eRx Network
eRx Network announced today that Ashton Maaraba has joined the company as senior vice president, product and partnerships effective immediately.
Genoa rebrands, now called Genoa Healthcare
TUKWILA, Wash.– Genoa, a QoL Healthcare Company, the nation’s leading behavioral health pharmacy and largest outpatient telepsychiatry company, today announced an organizational rebrand as well as a new name, Genoa Healthcare.
Amneal intros isotretinoin capsules
Amneal Pharmaceuticals has launched isotretinoin capsules, USP, an AB-rated generic for Accutane used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg. The product is available in cartons containing 3 blister packs of 10 capsules each and it began shipping today.
FDA approves generic equivalent to Viread
The FDA has granted Aurobindo Pharma Limited final approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application for Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablets, an AB-rated generic equivalent to Viread. The generic tablets are indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis B.