Content about DSN AM

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Amneal Pharmaceuticals has started shipping a drug used to treat opioid dependence, the company said Tuesday.

The generic drug maker announced the shipment of buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate sublingual tablets in the 2-mg/0.5-mg and 8-mg/2-mg strengths. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in February.

The drug includes a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS, a program required by the FDA to ensure that its benefits outweigh its risks.

HYDERABAD, India — Generic drug maker Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched a drug used to treat certain cancers, the company said Tuesday.

Dr. Reddy's announced the launch of injectable zoledronic acid in the 4-mg-per-5-mL strength. The launch followed the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the drug.

The drug is a generic version of Novartis' Zometa. The drug is used to treat cancers that have spread to the bones and multiple myeloma.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated the strength of the drug. The story has been corrected.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Global Market Development Center on Friday announced five new member representatives to its board for a two-year term. 

As of Jan. 1, 2013, newly elected board officers include GMDC chairman Bill Anderson, group VP of drug store, beauty, general merchandise, floral and services for H-E-B; GMDC vice-chairman Dewayne Rabon, VP general merchandise/HBC/family care for BI-LO/Winn-Dixie; and GMDC secretary/treasurer Steve Davis, director of center store, GM/HBC and grocery nonfoods at Weis Markets.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Hospira has appointed one of the founding members of its legal leadership team to corporate VP, general counsel and secretary, the company said.

Hospira said the appointment of Royce Bedward would take effect immediately. Bedward will report to SVP and general counsel Brian Smith.

NEW YORK — LaRoche-Posay skin care company is challenging its fans to start something new in their life and to be confident in their clear skin with the new Clear Commitments contest, a movement created to inspire people to make "clear" and simple commitments for themselves on a new challenge they want to accomplish this year. Participants will have an opportunity to win $5,000.

Here's how to enter:

DES MOINES, Iowa — OutcomesMTM, a medication therapy management delivery system, on Tuesday recognized its top chain and independent pharmacies for 2012. Walgreens and Kerr Drug were named top large pharmacy chain and top regional pharmacy chain, respectively.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Ranbaxy Labs will market a drug for depression under an agreement with another company, the drug maker said Tuesday.

Ranbaxy said it had entered an in-licensing agreement with Alembic Pharmaceuticals to market desvenlafaxine base extended-release tablets. Alembic is the sponsor of a new drug application filed with the Food and Drug Administration for the drug, which is bioequivalent to Pfizer's Pristiq. Pristiq had sales of $590 million during the 12-month period that ended in January.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club will offer free allergy and health screenings at all of its stores that operate pharmacies, the club retailer said.

The screenings will take place late Saturday morning and into the afternoon, and include up to $200 worth of tests, including allergy screenings for milk, eggs, pet dander, mold, dust mites, wheat, ragweed, mountain cedar, Bermuda grass and Timothy grass, as well as tests for blood pressure, body mass index and vision.

NEW ORLEANS — A number of pharma companies joined Monday on the launch of the CommonWell Health Alliance to better enable seamless access to healthcare data. 

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Tuesday reported net income of $82.5 million for the 52-week period ended Dec. 29. Even with one less week of sales, that's up 9.2% versus fiscal 2011, which was a 53-week period, the grocer noted. Sales were down slightly by 1.9% to $2.7 billion compared with the week-longer year-ago period. Comparable sales were down 2%. 

Adjusting for the 52-week to 53-week comparison, the grocer's 2012 net income increased 13.9% while sales and comparable store sales were flat.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Center for Healthcare Supply Chain Research, the foundation of the Healthcare Distribution Management Association, on Friday announced the appointment of three directors to its board: including Gregory Drew, president of Value Drug Company; Peyton Howell, president of global sourcing and manufacturer relations at AmerisourceBergen; and, Kirk Kaminsky, SVP operations of McKesson Specialty Health.