News Briefs

McKesson has signed an agreement in principle to extend its partnership with CVS Health to distribute pharmaceuticals to mail order, specialty pharmacies, retail pharmacies and distribution centers through June 2027.

“We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with CVS Health and value the shared commitment of improving health outcomes for all patients,” said Brian Tyler, CEO of McKesson. “We are privileged to extend our partnership of more than 20 years to continue developing value propositions for patients utilizing our diverse set of differentiated assets and capabilities.”

AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy has achieved reaccreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care for specialty pharmacy services.

Accreditation is a process through which healthcare organizations demonstrate compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

“AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy has always placed patient care in the highest regard,” said Jodi Sibell, director of accreditation and document management. “Achieving reaccreditation reaffirms our team members’ dedication to providing the highest standards of care for our patients.”

ACHC accreditation occurs every three years and will be effective for AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy specialty pharmacy until Sept. 15, 2025. In addition to ACHC, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy’s specialty and home delivery pharmacies are accredited by URAC and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

Bausch + Lomb is unveiling enhanced Ocuvite Adult 50+ eye vitamin with 30 mcg of vitamin D, an antioxidant the company touts as proven to help support healthy cell function, which is key to protecting eye health.

The enhanced Ocuvite vitamin will replace the currently offered Ocuvite Adult 50+.

“Daily stressors, including smart phones, sunlight and screens, can impact the eyes,” said Joe Gordon, president of global consumer, surgical and vision care at Bausch + Lomb. As people age, the natural filter in the eyes may weaken and leave the eyes more vulnerable to stress,” said Joe Gordon, president of global consumer, surgical and vision care at Bausch + Lomb.

“The enhanced Ocuvite with vitamin D builds upon our original Ocuvite Adult 50+ vitamin to help replenish key nutrients that help protect the health of the eyes, particularly as people age,” he said. We are committed to finding ways to enhance our portfolio to continue to address the evolving needs of eye care professionals and patients.”

Many multivitamins do not have all three essential eye health nutrients —lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3s — in the right levels to properly support eye health. Additionally, 42% of Americans have insufficient levels of vitamin D1, which is important for eye health.

“Many people do not realize that the eyes lose key nutrients as they age, which can leave them vulnerable to environmental and other daily stressors and lead to eye health issues,” said Jeffry Gerson of  Grin Eye Care in Kansas City, Mo. “I am pleased to recommend the new enhanced Ocuvite with vitamin D to my patients to ensure their eyes are provided the ingredients they need to help counteract the stressors in our daily lives.”

The enhanced Ocuvite with vitamin D will be available at major retailers nationwide in the vitamin aisle starting in October, with a suggested retail price of $12.85 in a 50-count bottle.

Sustainable consumer products company Grove Collaborative is making its products even more accessible via a partnership with CVS Pharmacy.

The company announced that its core line of products, including an assortment of zero plastic waste cleaner concentrates, dish soaps and dishwasher detergent packs, are now available online and at more than 2,000 CVS Pharmacy stores. This builds on its recent expansion into Kohl’s, Meijer and Giant Eagle, the brand said.

“By growing our distribution, we’re making it easier for consumers to shop for planet-friendly, high-performing products that do not rely on plastic packaging,” said Stuart Landesberg, co-founder and CEO of Grove Collaborative. “Across the country, as consumers continue to see environmental crises manifest, consumers want zero plastic and sustainable products everywhere. Our latest retail expansion is a testament to our ongoing growth as an omnichannel company, and it is an important milestone for Grove as we continue on our path to transform the consumer products industry into a positive force for human and environmental good.”

J.M. Smucker is expanding its Uncrustables line with a brand-new option that is ideal for school lunches.

“Smucker’s Uncrustables have become a fan favorite,” said Chris Achenbach, director of brand strategy at J.M. Smucker. “Kids and parents love the fun flavors that began with PB&J. To offer an even wider variety, we have now added tasty, wholesome meat and cheese bites that are perfect for the lunchbox.”

The new meat and cheese bites are a no-mess, no-prep handheld sandwich that is filled with quality meat and cheese in soft bread, the iconic food brand said.

Available in two varieties — uncured ham and cheddar as well as turkey and Colby jack — each will come in a product package at retailers in early October.

Charlotte’s Web Holdings announced plans to unveil a product line catering to the sports vertical. The products are currently undergoing the sport certification process with third-party organization, NSF.

The company said its tinctures and gummies have been used by elite and everyday athletes since its founding, and it was named the official CBD partner of Angel City Football Club, marking the company’s first partnership with a sports team.

“Focus, recovery and sleep are critical areas of optimization for athletes that our sports products can support,” said Jacques Tortoroli, CEO of Charlotte’s Web. “An NSF Certified for Sport line can assure sports leagues and their players that ingredients are safe and certifies that there are no banned substances. We believe our products, upon meeting NSF certification, will make a positive impact on the lives of professional, amateur athletes and fans alike.”

Charlotte’s Web NSF Certified for Sport THC-Free products will include tinctures, topicals, gummies and more. The first products planned for launch are an NSF-certified tincture and gummy followed by a sport portfolio planned for release in the first half of 2023.

Each product in the Charlotte’s Web Sports portfolio pipeline will undergo NSF’s certification for sport to meet the content quality, transparency and safety requirements of many leagues, teams and players, the company said. NSF Certified for Sport products must have less than 9 mcg of THC per serving. With the majority of Charlotte’s Web’s current product portfolio containing full-spectrum products, the broad-spectrum sports portfolio will target a different consumer segment than most of its current product lines.

Charlotte’s Web said the final NSF Certified for Sport product certification process is currently underway.