Content about California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A coalition — which includes the California Medical Association, the California Dental Association, California Pharmacists Association, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, California Association of Medical Product Suppliers, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and American Medical Response — continues to work to block the state of California from cutting Medi-Cal reimbursement rates by 10%.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Waxelene, a petroleum jelly alternative, now is being sold in Bed Bath & Beyond retail stores, the company has announced. This brings the total count of retail outlets carrying Waxelene to more than 800 across all 50 U.S. states and Canada.
 

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — Depilatories are experiencing double-digit growth, according to 52-week data ended Sept. 9 from SymphonyIRI Group, and Nad’s is looking to snap up some sales with its new Nose Wax for men and women. The DIY wax system is positioned as the world’s first nose wax. It is applied with a special Safetip applicator that is designed to target the hair around the edge of the nostril. Each package of Nad’s Nose Wax contains three treatment packs, a “moustache stencil” for men, post-wax calming wipes and antibacterial wipes.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Monday announced that Russ Jackson, Safeway SVP human resources, has been named by Human Resource Executive magazine to the influential 2012 HR Honor Roll. Jackson will be recognized by the publication on Oct. 9 at a black tie awards dinner at the University Club of Chicago.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Clif Bar is bringing its iced gingerbread, peppermint stick and spice pumpkin pie energy bars to store shelves.

The three seasonal flavors, which join 16 year-round flavors, deliver Clif's athlete-crafted blend of carbohydrates, protein and fiber for sustained energy. Made with 70% organic ingredients, the limited-edition bars are available now nationwide while supplies last for a suggested retail price of $1.39 per bar.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has launched a personal call to action that directly involves and rewards employees and shoppers.

The "Heart of Safeway Pledge" extends the retailer's corporate social responsibility commitment and invites employees and shoppers to take simple, everyday steps — such as using energy-conserving light bulbs, taking a 15-minute walk three times a week or eating healthier foods — to benefit people and their communities.

PASADENA, Calif. — Healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente has set the world record for the most flu shots given in a single day, the organization said Monday.

The nonprofit health plan said its Southern California division administered 47,259 shots in an eight-hour period, nearly four times the previous record, according to the Guinness World Records; a Guinness World Records adjudicator confirmed the record, which beat the previous one, when Vanderbilt University administered 12,851 shots.

ZUSA, Calif. and CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — Physicians Formula and Markwins International announced on Thursday that they have entered into a merger agreement under which Markwins will acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Physicians Formula for $4.90 per share in cash, or approximately $74.9 million.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Satisfaction among customers using mail-order pharmacies to fill their prescriptions continued to decline, falling significantly below customer satisfaction with brick-and-mortar pharmacies, according to the J.D. Power and Associates "2012 U.S. Pharmacy Study" released Thursday.

MENLO PARK, Calif. — A drug maker is suing the Food and Drug Administration to force the agency to give a special designation to one of its drugs.

Depomed announced that it had filed suit against the FDA in federal district court for the District of Columbia seeking an order that would require the agency to grant the drug Gralise (gabapentin) orphan drug exclusivity for the management of post-herpetic neuralgia. The disease, also known as PHN, is a condition causing prolonged pain in people who have had shingles, a complication of chickenpox.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new usage for an Amgen drug, the drug maker said.

The biotech manufacturer announced the FDA approval of Prolia (denosumab) to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis who are at high risk for fracture. The drug already was approved for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.