Cigna to buy Express Scripts for $67 billion
Continuing cross-segment consolidation in the health care arena, health insurer Cigna Corp. plans to acquire pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts in a $67 billion cash and stock deal.
Retail News
Walmart health executive George Riedl to depart
George Riedl, senior vice president at Walmart and president of the Walmart Health and Wellness division, is leaving the company. A Walmart spokeswoman said Wednesday that Riedl, a key pharmacy executive at the retail giant, is slated to depart on March 16.
More Rite Aid stores transferred to Walgreens
Rite Aid Corp. is winding down its asset sale to Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) with the ownership transfer of 537 more stores. Rite Aid said Tuesday that as of March 2, it has transferred 1,651 stores and related assets to WBA for cash proceeds of $3.6 billion. The process has progressed
Albertsons Cos. names Jim Donald president, COO
Albertsons Cos. has tapped retail veteran Jim Donald, former president and chief executive officer of Starbucks, to serve as its new president and chief operating officer.
NACDS participates in White House Opioid Summit
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores took part in yesterday’s White House Opioid Summit and continues to give retail pharmacy’s take on how to combat the opioid abuse epidemic.
Walgreens, NYC serve up free flu shot vouchers
The New York City Department of Health is collaborating with Walgreens to offer free flu shot vouchers at select stores across the boroughs.
Shopping Drug Mart enlists medical cannabis supplier Aurora
Shoppers Drug Mart has expanded its access to medical marijuana products by entering a supply agreement with Aurora Cannabis Inc. Aurora said Tuesday that under the pact it will supply Shoppers Drug Mart with Aurora-branded medical cannabis products.
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.
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.
Pharmacy to make its mark at NACDS RxImpact Day
Next month, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores will set an all-time high for reach and participation when pharmacy advocates head to Washington, D.C., for the 2018 NACDS RxImpact Day on Capitol Hill.
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.
Shoppers Drug Mart has strong fiscal 2017 finish
Shoppers Drug Mart outperformed overall retail sales growth for parent Loblaw Cos. in the 2017 fourth quarter and fiscal year. Loblaw said Thursday that for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 30, Shoppers Drug Mart posted revenue of $3.17 billion (Canadian), up 3.8% from $3.06 billion a year earlier.
Fruth Pharmacy set to hold annual Baby Face Event
To help raise money for local baby charities, Fruth Pharmacy plans to hold its 3rd Annual Baby Face Event on March 24. At the Fruth Pharmacy Baby Face Event, the retailer will be looking for four babies to be the “baby face” for the company’s advertising during the next year. To
Store-brand sales surge in mass retail arena
Store-brand sales growth in the mass retail channel approached 10% last year, according to new Nielsen data reported by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA). In 2017, private-label dollar sales at mass merchant, warehouse club and dollar stores totaled $54.9 billion, up 9.3% from $50.
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.