BLOG POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
Apr 2021
Apr 28
Editor’s Note: Cornerstone of the industry
DSN managing editor David Salazar looks at what Larry Merlo’s career says about the industry’s ability to change in order to move pharmacy practice forward.
Apr 27
Editor’s Note: Strength in numbers
DSN managing editor David Salazar discusses the effectiveness of new NACDS chair Colleen Lindholz’s
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
Sep 2021
Sep 24
Retailers begin offering Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots
CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart and Sam's Club are all beginning to administer booster doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to eligible patients.
Sep 23
CRN unveils revamped 2022 dues plan
The trade association’s new plan reduces annual dues for many companies with sales between $50 million and $400 million annually.
Sep 23
Rite Aid’s Q2 shows momentum in stores, headwinds in PBM business
Rite Aid raised its full-year EBITDA guidance on the strength of its second-quarter results, which showed improved revenue and retail pharmacy strength even as it posted a net loss of $100.3 million.
Sep 22
Betterbrand launches supplement line at retail
Founded in 2019, Betterbrand is focused on offering doctor- and pharmacist-formulated respiratory and immune health nutraceuticals, as well as products meant to address mental acuity/focus and overindulgence.
Sep 22
Focus On: Scholl’s Wellness is walking on air
As a stand-alone company, Scholl’s Wellness has a spring in its step as it emphasizes innovative self-care for its Dr. Scholl’s brand
Sep 21
WBA makes $970M majority investment in Shields Health Solutions
Walgreens Boots Alliance hopes to use the investment in the specialty pharmacy company as a means of speeding up the development of new healthcare models and creating a platform from which to build partnerships with health systems.
Sep 20
Q&A: WBA’s Monti outlines the company’s approach to health and wellness
Walgreens Boots Alliance’s senior vice president of health care services talked to Drug Store News about how the company is making health care more accessible via its partnerships and offerings.
Sep 20
CbdMD rolls out CBD-infused drink mixes
The sugar- and caffeine-free drink mixes use cbdMD’s Nano-Encapsulated Technology to enable fast, water-soluble absorption of CBD, according to the company.
Sep 20
The Swanson Group adds chief customer officer
Glenn Figenholtz joins The Swanson Group from Walgreens, bringing with him 19 years of experience across the retailer’s merchandising division.
Sep 17
Emerson’s virtual Industry Day 2021 bringing retail execs, thought leaders together
Slated for Oct. 6, the virtual event will feature a combination of guest speakers and in-house conversations, as well as a live shopper focus group.
Sep 17
Walgreens Find Care adds Kiio digital musculoskeletal therapy
Kiio uses evidence-based clinical protocols and technology to deliver personalized therapeutic exercise, education and interactive coaching digitally.
Sep 16
Industry orgs praise bill allowing supplement purchases with pre-tax money
The Dietary Supplements Act (H.R. 5214) would recognize dietary supplement purchases as qualified medical expenses, allowing them to be purchased using health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
Sep 16
Amneal intros generic Trisenox
The drug, which had already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is indicated to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Sep 16
Walgreens, Northwell Health ink strategic agreement
Focused in New York state, the agreement will examine the companies’ goals of developing innovative healthcare delivery models, offerings and services to improve population health and reduce costs via retail health services.
Sep 15
Rite Aid, Clear partner to provide digital vaccine cards
With Clear, patients can link their digital vaccine card to Clear’s Health Pass screening solution, which is used by organizations to verify vaccination status.
Sep 14
Rite Aid unveils new HQ for remote-first workforce
Rite Aid’s new Philadelphia headquarters is built around a remote-first workplace model that emphasizes flexibility for employees and is designed for in-person collaboration and company gatherings, rather than office spaces.
Sep 13
Walgreens working with Blue Shield of California on personalized efforts
The companies said the partnership would initially focus on Walgreens Health Corner services, a personalized offering for Blue Shield commercial members.
Sep 13
Level Select rolls out CBD gummies nationwide
Made with CBD isolate developed via the company’s seed-to-shelf production process, each gummy variety is focused on need-specific ingredients and offers a unique flavor profile, the company said.
Sep 13
Products to Watch: HRG’s 5 picks from August 2021
From the 129 products introduced in August, HRG’s new product team found five that stood out for their innovative bona fides and their potential on the shelf.
Sep 10
FDA approves 2 generics from VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the company’s generics of Tegretol (carbamazapene tablets) and Lupron (leuprolide acetate injection).
Sep 10
NCPA partners with USC School of Pharmacy on access efforts
The organizations’ Pharmacy Access Initiative will generate real-time information for various officials, academics and industry leaders to identify communities that lack pharmacy access.
Sep 10
Randob Labs acquires Bacitraycin Plus, Zinc Oxyde Plus
The company said there would be no disruption to the current supply of the brands, and that it would be building national marketing campaigns around them to drive consumer awareness and sales.
Sep 10
Retail, supplier orgs call for clarity on Biden’s vaccination requirement
In response to President Joe Biden unveiling new vaccination mandates for employers with more than 100 employees, FMI and the Consumer Brand Association are responding.
Sep 09
Walgreens mobile clinic brings vaccines to HBCUs
Walgreens has been focusing its vaccine equity initiative on addressing vaccine hesitancy and removing barriers to immunization access in rural and medically underserved communities.
Sep 09
Walgreens, VillageMD expand partnership in Arizona
The companies have opened 18 Village Medical at Walgreens locations in Phoenix, with plans to open four more by the end of the year.
Sep 09
EnlivenHealth’s Howland outlines modernizing patient communications in DSN webinar
Discover highlights from Thursday's webinar and find out how to watch it on demand.
Sep 09
PQA adds CE course on HIV medication quality measurement
The course, “Measuring Quality to Improve HIV Medication Use,” is being offered as a stand-alone class or as part of PQA’s 15-hour Medication Use Quality online CE and certificate program.
Sep 08
U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger visits Garcoa Labs facility
Garcoa Labs’ Greg and Richie Rubin shared information and ideas with Kinzinger about how to bolster the “Made in America” movement and grow the country’s manufacturing jobs.
Sep 08
One Brands revives limited-edition pumpkin pie bar
The pumpkin pie-flavored bar is made with gluten-free ingredients that deliver 20 g of protein and 1g of sugar per serving.
Sep 08
Sundown Kids adds immune support products
Sundown Kids Vitamin C Gummies and Sundown Kids Vitamin D3 Gummies are designed to offer an immune-support product targeted to help children's immune systems.
Sep 08
EnlivenHealth adds vaccine scheduling, reporting tool to CareScheduler
As flu season ramps up and patients begin seeking flu shots and COVID-19 booster shots, CareScheduler has added capabilities related to scheduling and reporting for these vaccinations.
Sep 07
FDA approves generic Metrogel Gel from Alembic’s Aleor Dermaceuticals
The product had an estimated $29 million U.S. market size for the year ended June 2021, according to data from IQVIA.
Sep 07
Albertsons donates $500K to natural disaster relief efforts
The company will donate $250,000 to Hurricane Ida response efforts and $250,000 to wildfire disaster relief in Northern California.
Sep 07
Sandoz Canada debuts generic Revlimid
The company said Canada would be the fifth country in which it is commercializing the product.
Sep 07
Rite Aid’s Elixir adds COO
Lance Neill joins Elixir as COO from his most recent position as Centene’s vice president of network development and contracting.
Sep 07
FDA marks competitive generic therapy approval milestone
The agency has approved more than 100 generic drugs with the competitive generic therapy designation since it launched the effort in 2017.
Sep 03
PharmaSmart kiosks added to U.S. Validated Device Listing
Devices are added to the VDL after an independent committee of expert physicians determines device eligibility by reviewing clinical performance data.
Sep 03
Smart Meter launches iGlucose for gestational diabetes
Smart Meter said using its iGlucose monitor for gestational diabetes offers pregnant patients a way to test, monitor and manage their blood glucose levels and share the data with their providers.
Sep 02
NuLeaf Naturals now a certified B Corp
To achieve certification, NuLeaf Naturals underwent a rigorous evaluation of its business practices and products, as well as its adherence to comprehensive standards.
Sep 02
Walgreens launches Scarlet bank account, Mastercard debit card
Available exclusively at Walgreens, Scarlet bank accounts and Mastercard debit cards will offer 3% Walgreens Cash rewards for Walgreens purchases.
Sep 01
Southern Drug Store Association’s 41st annual meeting brings 10 regional chains together
The event brought together executives from 10 regional drug chains who used the event as an opportunity to share best practices in pharmacy and assess what the biggest threats to the industry are.
Aug 2021
Aug 31
Walgreens to raise starting wage for hourly workers
Beginning in phases in October, Walgreens will raise its starting hourly wage to $15, with plans to fully implement the change by November 2022.
Aug 31
Albertsons readies for 2021-22 flu season with flu, COVID-19 shots
With flu season on the horizon and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encouraging flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations,
Aug 30
CRN announces Now, New, Next conference speaker lineup
Among the speakers for the October event are former executives from Pfizer and Google, as well as political analysts and economists.
Aug 27
WBA names Walgreens chief customer officer, 2 other execs
Walgreens Boots Alliance has appointed a president of retail products and Walgreens chief customer officer, an executive vice president and global chief legal officer, and a senior vice president and CFO.
Aug 27
Mile High Labs names Lynch chief commercial officer
In his role, Doug Lynch will spearhead the company’s sales, marketing and product strategy efforts.
Aug 26
Rite Aid kicks off back-to-school COVID-19 testing program in New York State
As students prepare to return to the classroom, Rite Aid is working with the Department of Health and Human Services, New York State and BioReference Labs to provide free COVID-19 testing to them.
Aug 25
First aid category remains ready for anything
First aid suppliers emphasize consumer-led innovation and education opportunities to spur sales.
Aug 24
Liebmann spotlights innovative formats, consumer demands at virtual NACDS Total Store Expo
On day 2 of NACDS’ virtual Total Store Expo, attendees heard from WSL Strategic Retail’s Wendy Liebmann, who highlighted what consumers want and some innovative retailers who are meeting those consumer needs.
Aug 24
Walgreens rolls out 2021-2022 flu shots
As people return to in-person work, school, travel and social activities, Walgreens is rolling out flu shot availability for all patients age 3 years old and older.
Aug 24
Q&A: How In Step Health helps meet consumers along their healthcare journey
DSN spoke to In Step Health’s executive team about the company's efforts to help its partners innovate around the customer experience in health care.
Aug 24
Watch DSN: Dan Knecht outlines CVS Health’s health delivery innovation efforts
Watch Dan Knecht, CVS Health vice president of clinical product, outline his company's efforts to improve its care offerings around a hybrid model of in-person and virtual care.
Aug 23
Q&A: Camber’s Ostaficiuk discusses generic firm’s growing portfolio
DSN talks to Camber Pharmaceuticals president Kon Ostaficiuk about the company's pandemic efforts and the recent additions to its pharmaceutical and store-brand OTC offerings.
Aug 23
ECRM’s 2021 Global Market: Fall Experience grows lineup of thought leaders, retailer presenters
The October event will feature two keynotes, one from “Shark Tank” shark Kevin O’Leary and another from WSL Strategic Retail CEO and chief shopper Wendy Liebmann.
Aug 17
2021 NACDS Total Store Expo product preview
DSN has compiled a non-comprehensive list of companies and some of the new products on offer at this year’s virtual Total Store Expo event.
Aug 16
Walgreens rolls out myWalgreens credit card program
Walgreens is introducing the myWalgreens Credit Card and myWalgreens Mastercard, both of which are issued by Synchrony Bank and offer Walgreens Cash rewards based on eligible purchases.
Aug 13
Connecticut’s economy sees recovery on horizon
Connecticut’s high vaccination rate has translated into more confidence among the population and lower ongoing infection rates.
Aug 12
Walgreens, VillageMD expand clinics into Florida
The companies have opened three Village Medical at Walgreens locations in the Orlando area, with plans to add seven more by the end of the year.
Aug 12
Rite Aid kicks off 2021-2022 flu vaccine availability
The efforts come as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that influenza infection rates could return to pre-pandemic levels this season.
Aug 12
Florajen debuts Florajen Eczema
Probiotic maker Florajen is unveiling its first product focused on skin health.
Aug 11
CBD Living rolls out line of lotions
Offered in five scents, the lotion contains 200 mg of broad-spectrum nano CBD per 8-oz. tube.
Aug 10
Ohnut, Zimba impress buyers at ECRM Personal Care program
At the July show, Ohnut won the DSN/ECRM Buyers’ Choice Award for its Buffer product and Zimba was a finalist for its Coconut Teeth Whitening Strips.
Aug 10
Bonum Health intros prepaid digital telemedicine passes
The company is introducing prepaid digital passes in the form of electronic gift cards, which will allow uninsured or underinsured people to access health care from their homes.
Aug 10
Albertsons names McCollam president, CFO
Sharon McCollam, a longtime retail executive with experience at Best Buy and Williams-Sonoma, is coming out of retirement to join Albertsons as its president and CFO.
Aug 09
Products to Watch: HRG’s 5 picks from July 2021
Out of 173 new products that hit shelves in July, HRG’s new product team found five that stood out.
Aug 09
Diabetes in focus: Suppliers look to ease pain points of condition management
This month, DSN takes a look at innovation in insulin injection and in monitoring, highlighting some of the forward-thinking offerings in the category.
Aug 09
Cornbread Hemp adds Flower-Only CBD products
The company introduced its Flower-Only line of full-spectrum CBD products to coincide with National CBD Day on Aug. 8.
Aug 06
Dr. Reddy’s intros OTC naproxen sodium tablets
The product had U.S. sales of roughly $316 million for the year ended July 2021, according to market research firm IRI.
Aug 05
Kroger, Lyft partner on discounted rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments
Through the partnership, patients using Kroger’s online COVID-19 vaccine scheduler will receive a Lyft ride code with their appointment confirmation in certain markets.
Aug 05
Rite Aid teams up with Shipt on same-day delivery
With the partnership, products from more than 2,000 stores across the chain’s 17-state footprint are available for same-day delivery via the Shipt marketplace.
Aug 04
Poll results: Reimbursement top of mind
Throughout the week, 348 readers weighed in and two items related to pharmacy payment made up nearly a quarter of responses.
Aug 04
Nature’s Truth adds 3 gummies
The Ronkonkoma, N.Y.-based company is debuting zinc, B-12 Energy and Probiotic Digestive Aid gummies.
Aug 04
Poll: What bold ideas will grow the industry?
DSN is taking the industry's pulse on what big ideas could drive the future of the industry.
Aug 04
Walgreens surpasses 29M COVID-19 vaccinations, brings back store employee mask requirement
The chain said it has now administered more than 29 million COVID-19 jabs, noting that demand has been up more than 30% in some areas.
Aug 03
Rite Aid working with dunnhumby to overhaul price, promotion and loyalty programs
The companies will be using customer data models and consumer insights to optimize the retailer’s investments and help improve customer value perception at its stores.
Aug 02
P&G chooses Moeller as next CEO
Procter & Gamble has chosen who will take the reigns of the CPG giant this fall when David Taylor retires as president and CEO. Jon Moeller, currently the company’s vice chairman and COO, will succeed Taylor effective Nov.
Aug 02
Jool Baby, Bazzle Baby earn top honors at ECRM Baby & Infant program
Jool Baby's Potty Ladder won the DSN/ECRM Buyers' Choice Award at the event, and Bazzle Baby was a runner up for its Anchor Feeding Set.