ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
Jan 2022
Jan 20
Walgreens, VillageMD bring clinics to Tucson, Ariz.
The eight clinic openings represent expansion into the second major market in Arizona, following Phoenix, and add to the growing number of locations in the state, the companies said.
Jan 20
FDA gives Alembic green light for generic Comtan
Entacapone tablets have a market value of roughly $10.5 million for the 12 months ending September 2021.
Jan 19
CVS Health, Uber to provide transportation for individuals in underserved communities
The collaboration, part of the company’s Health Zones initiative, will provide transportation support at no cost to individuals seeking access to medical care, work or educational programs.
Jan 19
Walgreens intros COVID-19 Index tracking activity by state
Data captured in the Walgreens COVID-19 Index tracks existing and emerging variants.
Jan 19
Lupin obtains FDA approval, tentative OK for 2 generics
The Food and Drug Administration approved Lupin’s sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension and gave tentative approval for azilsartan medoxomil tablets.
Jan 18
Breaking down barriers: Retail pharmacy is becoming a force in an unexpected area — providing mental health services
The rewards accrued from offering mental health services can be substantial in terms of clinical outcomes, customer satisfaction and retention, and improved revenue.
Jan 18
Glenmark Specialty S.A. receives FDA green light for Ryaltris
Ryaltris will be marketed and distributed through Glenmark’s partner Hikma Specialty.
Jan 18
Federal government to provide free masks, COVID-19 tests
The federal government is providing 400 million N95 masks and at-home COVID-19 tests for free.
Jan 18
ParaPro offers Natroba for new indication
Natroba provides a topical treatment for scabies infestations in adult and pediatric patients four years of age and older.
Jan 18
SpartanNash appoints chief merchandising officer
Bennett Morgan joins SpartanNash from Amazon, where he helped launch its fast-growing grocery business.
Jan 18
AbbVie obtains FDA nod for new indication of Rinvoq
Rinvoq is now approved for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children aged 12 years old and older whose disease did not respond to previous treatment.
Jan 18
Unilever’s rejected offer for GSK consumer health care reportedly raises questions
The bid for GSK’s assets, including Sensodyne toothpaste and Advil painkillers, comes as Unilever is dealing with steep inflation and sluggish growth in emerging markets.
Jan 14
CVS Health names supply chain SVP
Mario Rivera has joined CVS Health as its new senior vice president of supply chain.
Jan 14
Wakefern to test frictionless stores
Shoppers, who will use an app to scan a QR code as they enter, will be free to pick up items and leave without having to checkout.
Jan 13
Par launches generic Cuvposa
The product is indicated to reduce chronic severe drooling in children ages 3 to 16 years old with neurologic conditions that cause abnormal drooling.
Jan 13
Hy-Vee debuts WholeLotta Good e-commerce platform
WholeLotta Good is a ship-to-home e-commerce website that offers consumers dietitian-recommended products.
Jan 13
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upholds validity of Novartis’ Gilenya dosage regimen patent
Novartis said it expects no generic versions of Gilenya in the U.S. market for at least the next two years.
Jan 13
Amneal to acquire Saol Therapeutics’ Baclofen franchise
The acquisition expands Amneal’s neurology presence into spasticity.
Jan 13
Biden administration to distribute free masks, purchase additional 500M COVID-19 tests
The Biden administration will purchase an additional 500 million COVID-19 tests on top of the 500 million tests previously announced.
Jan 13
Alembic given FDA OK for generic Doryx
Doxycycline hyclate delayed-release tablets have a market value of roughly $10 million for the 12 months ending September 2021, according to IQVIA.
Jan 13
Kroger Health named recipient of APhA Immunization Champion Award
The award recognizes individuals and organizations making extraordinary contributions toward improved vaccination rates within their communities.
Jan 13
How Hayat Pharmacy is making connections for patients needing mental health care
Hayat Pharmacy, a Health Mart Pharmacy in Milwaukee, is creating patient relationships in a diverse community via its mental health services.
Jan 12
Teva debuts generic Narcan
Teva’s generic Narcan provides a treatment for opioid emergencies.
Jan 12
ShopRite rolls out temperature-controlled pickup pods in New York
QuickCollect GO! POD enables shoppers to pick up their online ShopRite grocery orders from an outdoor temperature-controlled pickup pod in New Rochelle, N.Y.
Jan 12
ViiV Healthcare receives FDA OK for Apretude
Apretude is the first and only long-acting injectable option for HIV prevention, the company said.
Jan 12
NACDS highlights members’ role during COVID-19 pandemic in U.S. Chamber of Commerce report
NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson noted that pharmacies have proven themselves again throughout the pandemic as the face of neighborhood health care every step of the way.
Jan 11
ECRM’s Spring Buying Days to take place virtually
The global product sourcing experience, which will take place virtually from March 28 to April 1, will include such categories as branded and private label, food, beverage, health, beauty, and select general merchandise.
Jan 11
FDA gives Janssen green light for 2 new indications of Xarelto
Xarelto is available as both an oral tablet and oral suspension formulation for use in children age 18 years old and younger.
Jan 11
Albertsons raises fiscal outlook as it posts increase in Q3 revenue
Acceleration of its digital and omnichannel capabilities helped fuel Albertsons’ increase in Q3 revenues of $16.7 billion.
Jan 11
Camber intros generic Adderall XR
The medication is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Jan 10
Albertsons installs time-locked safes at pharmacies
More than 1,700 safes have been installed since the beginning of 2020, in an effort to prevent crime and secure controlled substances, the company said.
Jan 10
Pfizer gets FDA OK for new Xeljanz indication
Pfizer’s Xeljanz is now approved for the treatment of adults with active ankylosing spondylitis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more tumor necrosis factor blockers.
Jan 10
Hy-Vee dietitians kick off January events
Hy-Vee dietitians will host educational events, virtual store tours and cooking classes, as well as an in-person health fair at select locations.
Jan 10
Pharmacy orgs praise Biden administration’s action on DIR fees
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Community Pharmacists Association and American Pharmacists Association commended the Biden administration for initiating action to rein in DIR fees.
Jan 10
SpartanNash promotes from within for chief marketing officer role
Amy McClellan has been promoted to senior vice president and chief marketing officer, effective immediately.
Jan 07
FDA shortens interval for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster can be given five months after completion of a primary series of the vaccine to individuals aged 18 years old and older.
Jan 07
New York Gov. Hochul signs legislation bringing regulatory structure to PBMs
The bill sets forth duties and obligations that PBMs must follow when performing services.
Jan 07
Amgen, AstraZeneca secure FDA approval for Tezspire
Tezspire is a first-in-class biologic for severe asthma that acts at the top of the inflammatory cascade by targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin, an epithelial cytokine.
Jan 07
Publix Pharmacy offering pediatric COVID-19 boosters
Publix Pharmacy will administer booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals aged 12 years old and older as early as five months after the last dose of their primary vaccine series.
Jan 07
Cipla gains FDA blessing for generic Somatuline Depot
Somatuline Depot injection has a market value of approximately $867 million for the 12 months ending October 2021, according to IQVIA.
Jan 06
Amber Specialty Pharmacy executive receives Specialty Pharmacy Service Excellence Award
The Specialty Pharmacy Service Excellence Award is reserved for an industry professional who is not a pharmacist but has demonstrated a commitment to delivering high-quality service and care to patients.
Jan 06
Rite Aid expands Relex partnership
Rite Aid will expand its use of Relex to include space and floor planning, as well as space-aware replenishment for more than 2,400 stores across the country.
Jan 06
Hikma launches bupivacaine HCl injection
Bupivacaine HCl injection had a market value of approximately $64 million in the 12 months ending October 2021.
Jan 06
CDC recommends COVID-19 booster for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old
The CDC now recommends that adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old should receive a booster shot five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.
Jan 06
Omnicell acquires MarkeTouch Media
The acquisition is expected to expand the footprint of Omnicell’s EnlivenHealth division across the retail pharmacy sector.
Jan 06
Walgreens Boots Alliance raises guidance amid strong Q1 results
Walgreens Boots Alliance beat analysts’ expectations for fiscal first-quarter earnings as customers came to stores for COVID-19 vaccines and tests.
Jan 05
Alembic obtains FDA approval, tentative OK for 2 generics
The Food and Drug Administration has given Alembic clearance for formoterol fumarate inhalation solution and tentative approval for selexipag tablets in various dosage strengths.
Jan 05
Walmart expands InHome delivery service
Walmart plans on expanding the service’s availability to more than 30 million households by the end of the year and hiring more than 3,000 associate delivery drivers who will use an all-electric fleet of vehicles.
Jan 05
AbbVie receives FDA blessing for new Rinvoq indication
Rinvoq provides treatment for adults with active psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more tumor necrosis factor blockers.
Jan 05
Babylon acquires Higi
The combined company is expected to provide a more holistic, end-to-end solution to meet the needs of payers, providers and retailers.
Jan 04
Hy-Vee, Pinky Swear Foundation raise more than $219K for children with cancer
The retailer raised more than $219,000 across its 285 stores through a register campaign to help support children with cancer and their families.
Jan 04
CDC shortens interval for Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster
People can now receive an mRNA booster shot five months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
Jan 04
Novartis receives FDA nod for new indication of Cosentyx
Cosentyx is now approved for the treatment of children and adolescents with enthesitis-related arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, the company said.
Dec 2021
Dec 30
FDA expected to expand COVID-19 booster eligibility for children ages 12 to 15
Approval of a COVID-19 booster for children ages 12 to 15 could come in the days to weeks ahead.
Dec 30
Alembic intros generic Bactroban
Alembic's generic Bactroban provides a treatment for secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions due to susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Dec 30
Eagle obtains 180 days marketing exclusivity for generic Vasostrict
Eagle Pharmaceuticals received 180 days of marketing exclusivity from the Food and Drug Administration for its recently approved generic version of Endo’s Vasostrict (vasopressin).
Dec 28
Novartis receives FDA OK for Leqvio
Novartis has obtained global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Leqvio under a license and collaboration agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.
Dec 23
Hy-Vee debuts two websites with ship-to-home services
Hy-VeeDeals.com and ShopPetShip.com will bring Hy-Vee offerings to all 50 states.
Dec 23
ANI gets FDA OK for generic Mycobutin
Rifabutin capsules have a market value of approximately $16.6 million, according to IQVIA.
Dec 23
IRI postpones 2022 Growth Summit
Amid the rise in COVID-19, IRI has postponed its Growth Summit until 2023.
Dec 23
Hy-Vee to host 5th “Best of Local Brands” summit in February
Midwestern vendors are invited to submit their products for potential Hy-Vee distribution, focus will be on diverse suppliers.
Dec 23
FDA gives EU authorization for Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir received emergency use authorization for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults.
Dec 22
Allergan debuts Vuity
Allergan’s Vuity is the first eye drop to treat presbyopia (age-related blurry near vision).
Dec 22
FDA approves Novadoz Pharmaceuticals' generic Gabitril, MSN's manufacturing facility
FDA gives Novadoz permission for generic Gabitril, as well as for MSN’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Dec 22
Retailers put limits in place for purchases of at-home COVID-19 tests
Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and Walmart are limiting the purchase of at-home COVID-19 tests due to high demand amid the spread of the omicron variant and the approaching holidays.
Dec 22
Aurobindo gets FDA OK for generic Bystolic
Nebivolol tablets have a market value of roughly $978 million for the 12 months ending October 2021, according to IQVIA.
Dec 22
Camber launches generic Northera in 2 new dosage strengths
Camber's droxidopa capsules are now available in 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg strengths.
Dec 22
FDA gives Pfizer EU authorization for Paxlovid
Pfizer's Paxlovid is indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms or about 88 pounds) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 testing, and who a
Dec 21
APhA names 2022 Immunization Champion Award winners
The Immunization Champion Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions toward improved vaccination rates within their communities.
Dec 21
Stop & Shop’s Nutrition Partners to host educational webinars in January
Stop & Shop’s Nutrition Partners will conduct small group discussions and provide nutrition guidance on how to find an eating pattern that consumers can stick to for success in 2022.
Dec 21
Eagle receives FDA approval for generic Vasostrict
Vasostrict had a market value of $786 million in 2020.
Dec 21
Biden announces plans to distribute 500M free rapid COVID-19 tests, new measures to fight COVID
The 500 million new COVID-19 tests will be made available next month and will reach Americans through the mail.
Dec 21
Hy-Vee to expand outside the Midwest
Hy-Vee is reportedly planning on opening a distribution center in Tennessee, and seven stores across Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Indiana.
Dec 20
Hy-Vee debuts talking prescription labels in 26 languages
The talking prescription labels are free to patients at Hy-Vee’s more than 275 pharmacy locations.
Dec 20
Surescripts, Diameter Health team up to simplify specialty prescribing, fulfillment
Surescripts is partnering with Diameter Health to deliver enhanced clinical intelligence for specialty pharmacies.
Dec 20
CVS Health supports tornado recovery, relief efforts
Funding to local nonprofit organizations and access to disaster relief resources will aid local communities and CVS Health colleagues.
Dec 17
Walgreens, Faith for Black Lives kick off effort to vaccinate young adults
The “Shots for Tots” initiative combines Walgreens’ on-site vaccination clinics and vaccine literacy with programs happening at participating churches.
Dec 17
XIFIN acquires OmniSYS
The acquisition of OmniSYS expands on XIFIN’s role as a top provider of solutions and services that streamline and optimize the billing and claims process.
Dec 17
Hy-Vee mobilizes disaster recovery fleet to aid tornado victims
A caravan of 19 vehicles brought donations of water and food to those impacted by the devastating tornado.
Dec 16
Sun Pharma receives FDA permission for generic AmBisome Liposome injection
AmBisome Liposome for injection had a market value of approximately $136 million as of October 2021.
Dec 16
Schnucks begins register donation campaign to help tornado victims
One hundred percent of roundups will benefit the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund.
Dec 16
Natco enters agreement to acquire Dash Pharmaceuticals
The acquisition of Dash Pharmaceuticals will provide additional opportunities in the United States, the company said.
Dec 15
Walgreens, VillageMD expand into San Antonio
The new openings in San Antonio, Texas represent expansion into the fifth major market in the state, following Houston, El Paso, Austin and Dallas, the company said.
Dec 15
Hy-Vee debuts RedBox Rx subsidiary
The low-cost telehealth and online pharmacy services are now available throughout the U.S.
Dec 15
Thrifty White Pharmacy to administer Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment in Minnesota
Thrifty White is currently administering the Regeneron antibody treatment across 23 locations in Minnesota.
Dec 15
Dr. Reddy’s obtains FDA OK for generic Nuvaring
Dr. Reddy’s has received the Food and Drug Administration’s stamp of approval for VeraRing, a generic of Merck’s Nuvaring.
Dec 14
Dr. Reddy's unveils generic venlafaxine
The brand and generic had a market value of approximately $51 million for the most recent 12 months ending in October 2021, according to IQVIA.
Dec 14
CVS Health invests $11.6M in affordable housing in Austin, Texas
CVS Health is investing $11.6 million to provide 171 units of much-needed permanent supportive housing in Austin, Texas.
Dec 14
Zydus Cadila’s generic Cariprazine obtains tentative FDA approval
Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used for the treatment of schizophrenia and acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
Dec 13
Novartis’ Sandoz generic drugs unit attracts interest
Investment group EQT and the Struengmann family, who are investors in BioNTech, are reportedly considering a joint offer for Sandoz.
Dec 13
Walmart to use Inovalon’s Data Insights Solution
Inovalon's Data Insights Solution is intended to enable acceleration to a more patient-centric healthcare model.
Dec 13
Hy-Vee names new COO, elevates executives
After announcing the retirement of two executives, the company shared that Jeremy Gosch has been appointed president and chief operating officer.
Dec 13
NACDS applauds passage of Opioid Prescription Verification Act
The legislation would help reduce drug abuse and misuse by continuing to advance electronic prescribing, NACDS noted.
Dec 10
Richter, Hikma ink deal for proposed biosimilars Prolia, Xgeva
Prolia and Xgeva are used to treat osteoporosis and fractures due to bone metastasis respectively.
Dec 10
Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 booster shot approved for ages 16 and 17 years old
The Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing the use of a single booster dose for administration to individuals aged 16 and 17 years old.
Dec 10
Kroger to open customer fulfillment center in North Carolina
The North Carolina customer fulfillment center, expected to become operational within 24 months, will employ up to 700 associates over the next five years.
Dec 09
Dr. Reddy's intros generic Diovan
Dr. Reddy’s valsartan tablets are indicated to lower high blood pressure and hypertension in adults and children between the ages of 1 to 16 years old.
Dec 09
CVS Health to capitalize on opportunities to make health care convenient
CVS Health noted that advancement of health services and primary care capabilities will augment performance in foundational businesses while creating new opportunities in high-growth markets.
Dec 09
AstraZeneca given FDA approval for Evusheld
Evusheld, packaged with cilgavimab and administered together, is used for the prevention of COVID-19 in certain adults and pediatric individuals.
Dec 06
VBI Vaccines obtains FDA OK for PreHevbrio
PreHevbrio is indicated for the prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults age 18 years old and older.
Dec 06
NACDS, HPP report highlights role pharmacies play during health emergencies
The third in a series of NACDS reports shows how valuable experiences and lessons learned during the COVID pandemic response can help inform policy decisions and future pandemic planning and preparedness.
Dec 03
Hy-Vee adopts new code of conduct with seafood suppliers
The Seafood Supplier Code of Conduct is intended to ensure that Hy-Vee’s suppliers enforce safe working conditions, and that seafood harvesting and production processes are legal and transparent.
Dec 03
AAM report: Generics, biosimilars saved U.S. healthcare system $8B in 2020
Generics and biosimilars saved the U.S healthcare system $338 billion in 2020 and nearly $2.4 trillion in the last decade, the report said.
Dec 02
CVS Health rolls out time-delay safes in Illinois
All 392 CVS Pharmacy locations in Illinois are now using time-delay safe technology, the company said.
Dec 02
Advanz Pharma welcomes new executives
Advanz Pharma named Steffen Wagner as its CEO and appointed Andreas Stickler as its chief financial officer.
Dec 02
Schnucks commences use of GetUpside app
Shoppers can use the free GetUpside mobile app to access cashback promotions — up to 20% at Schnucks locations.
Dec 01
Holistic supplier, retailer partnerships discussed on final day of DSN Industry Issues Summit
The third and final panel of DSN’s annual Industry Issues Summit highlighted holistic supplier and retailer partnerships.
Dec 01
Walmart, Elton John AIDS Foundation partner to help end HIV/AIDS epidemic
Walmart, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition will join forces on World AIDS day to provide free testing and resources.
Dec 01
Teva intros authorized generic Epiduo Forte Gel
Teva’s authorized generic of Epiduo Forte Gel is used to treat acne vulgaris.