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.
Pharmacy
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.
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.
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.