Content about Business

ALEXANDRIA, Va. In a clear message to the newly elected lawmakers that pharmacies can be utilized even more effectively to help reduce healthcare costs and improve healthcare quality, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores sent a pharmacy briefing letter Friday to each of the new lawmakers.

CAMP HILL, Pa. Rite Aid will introduce Rite Aid Online Care to the Pittsburgh market, a service that offers patients live online interactive personal consultations with specially trained Rite Aid pharmacists via a computer, at the American Diabetes Association on Nov. 6.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — It would be no small thing to define the retail market for wellness, much less “own” it. But Walgreens is staking its future on its ability to do just that.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens chief: We want to own ‘well.’ For the full story, click here)

NEW YORK Cartoon Network's global licensing and merchandising arm has inked a deal with a greeting card manufacturer.

Cartoon Network Enterprises said its long-term partnership with Hallmark Cards will include greeting cards and party supply items based on Cartoon Network’s portfolio of brands, including Ben 10 Ultimate Alien, Generator Rex and Adventure Time, CNE said.

Hallmark’s product offerings will be available throughout North America.

BELLEVUE, Wash. Drugstore.com on Tuesday reported a 23% increase in net sales to $108.8 million for the third quarter ended Oct. 3.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. In testimony before the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday, CVS Caremark’s SVP specialty pharmacy operations, Scott Reid, reiterated the company’s support that the FDA implement regulations necessary to approve biogeneric drugs under the Affordable Care Act.

NEW YORK Elizabeth Arden has signed an exclusive global licensing deal with music star Taylor Swift to develop her own line of fragrance products.

The deal includes the development, marketing and distribution of fragrances and ancillary products. The first fragrance will debut in prestige retailers in North America during fall 2011. Swift will be involved in all aspects of product development, packaging and advertising.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. Up to 1-in-4 emergency room visits could take place at a retail-based health clinic or urgent care center, saving potentially $4.4 billion annually, according to new research published in the September issue of Health Affairs.

Furthermore, the research found that such retail clinics as Take Care Clinics have been shown to save patients $279 to $460 per visit compared with emergency room costs.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS/pharmacy on Monday announced results of a survey examining various aspects of disease management and lifestyle for patients with diabetes. Of 3,242 respondents with diabetes, 32% reported they have been less vigilant about daily glucose testing due to cost, and as many as 24% of respondents said that cost has led them to be less conscientious about maintaining a proper diet.