CVS ups the ante in connected health
CVS Health is partnering with startup accelerator MassChallenge and digital health venture fund Rock Health to drive innovation in connected health solutions and and expand areas of focus.
Pharmacy
NACDS hails CMS effort to drive MTM
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is applauding a move by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to boost Medicare Part D patients’ participation in medication therapy management (MTM) programs.
FDA gives OK to new Aurobindo generics
Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for gemfibrozil tablets, omeprazole delayed-release capsules and telmisartan tablets. The company said Monday that its gemfibrozil tablets (600 mg) are a generic version of Lopid tablets from Pfizer Inc.
Walgreens, HHS partner in flu shot voucher program
To help improve immunization rates among uninsured and underinsured Americans, Walgreens is providing up to $15 million of free flu shot vouchers through its collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Endo wraps up Par Pharma acquisition
Endo International plc has completed its $8.05 billion acquisition of Par Pharmaceutical Holdings Inc. from leading global private investment firm TPG. Endo said Monday that with the closing of the deal, announced in May, its U.S.
Camber releases Nexium generic
Camber Pharmaceuticals has launched esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules, a medication for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Camber said its product, available in strengths of 20 mg and 40 mg, is a generic version of Nexium capsules from AstraZeneca.
Rite Aid promotes workplace flu prevention
A new marketing campaign by Rite Aid Corp. targets the worksite as a place to stop the spread of flu. The drug chain has begun airing television and radio spots and launched print, digital and in-store advertising that convey a simple message: Most people get sick at work, so protect yourself
CVS/pharmacy steps up fight against Rx abuse
This month, CVS/pharmacy is launching several efforts to help curb prescription drug abuse. The drug chain said it has expanded the availability of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medicine, in several states.
Ritzman aims to create ‘pharmacy of the future’
A new partnership formed by Ritzman Pharmacy aims to elevate pharmacy services to provide “whole-person health.” The Ohio pharmacy chain said Wednesday that it has allied with Pharmacy Innovations LLC, an affiliate of Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), to develop a “pharmacy of the future.
Purscell takes pharmacy post at Smith Drug
Smith Drug Co. has hired Brian Purscell as senior vice president of pharmacy solutions, a newly created position. The J M Smith Corp.
CVS Health: Initial Rx fills offer adherence clues
The first prescriptions filled by patients with chronic conditions provide a good sign of how well they will adhere to their medications, according to research by CVS Health.
H.D. Smith announces passing of founder
Henry Dale Smith Sr., founder and chairman emeritus of H.D. Smith, has died at age 87. The nation’s largest independent drug wholesaler said Monday that Smith passed away in Springfield, Ill., surrounded by family and loved ones. Smith founded H.D.
NACDS appoints federal government, pharmacy affairs directors
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has named new directors for federal government and pharmacy affairs. NACDS said Friday that Colin Brainard will join the association as director of federal government affairs, effective Sept. 21.
McKesson to buy Ireland’s UDG Healthcare
McKesson Corp. plans to acquire the pharmaceutical distribution division of Dublin, Ireland-based UDG Healthcare plc for about $466 million.
Philosys rolls out Gmate SMART blood glucose system to Kmart
Philosys Inc. has landed retail distribution for its Gmate SMART Blood Glucose Monitoring System all Kmart pharmacies.
Obama nominates Califf as FDA commissioner
The Food and Drug Administration’s current deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco is likely to become the organization’s next commissioner. Dr.