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February 5, 2013

Walgreens on Tuesday announced it is supporting American Heart Month by providing free blood-pressure testing during February at all Walgreens pharmacies and Take Care Clinics nationwide.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday announced it is supporting American Heart Month by providing free blood-pressure testing during February at all Walgreens pharmacies and Take Care Clinics nationwide. The initiative supports Walgreens Way to Well Commitment, which began in 2011 as a four-year, $100 million initiative to improve the everyday health of Americans nationwide through the prevention and early detection of today’s leading diseases.

February 5, 2013

Walgreens reported January sales of $6.2 billion, an increase of 6.3% as compared to the same month in fiscal 2012.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Tuesday morning reported January sales of $6.2 billion, an increase of 6.3% as compared to the same month in fiscal 2012.

February 5, 2013

WebMD Health launched the WebMD Allergy app for the iPhone, a mobile resource that empowers consumers to take control of their allergies.

NEW YORK — WebMD Health Corp. on Tuesday launched the WebMD Allergy app for the iPhone, a mobile resource that empowers consumers to take control of their allergies. 

"The WebMD Allergy app provides consumers with accurate and personalized weather-related allergy information to help them proactively manage their allergy conditions," stated Michael Smith, WebMD chief medical editor. "WebMD's trusted allergy information is delivered through an innovative mobile app to help consumers be better prepared to face the day."

February 4, 2013

National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steven Anderson pledged to be proactive in advocating for pharmacy in the organization's 80th year.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson pledged to be proactive in advocating for pharmacy in the organization's 80th year.

Speaking at the NACDS' Regional Chain Conference Monday, Anderson said pharmacy stood at an "inflection point," with many more on the horizon.

February 4, 2013

U.K. grocer Tesco is attempting to reassure shoppers that its United States-based Fresh & Easy supermarkets are not closing after announcing in December plans to exit the U.S. market, Bloomberg News reported Friday.

NEW YORK — U.K. grocer Tesco is attempting to reassure shoppers that its United States-based Fresh & Easy supermarkets are not closing after announcing in December plans to exit the U.S. market, Bloomberg News reported Friday. 

February 4, 2013

CVS Caremark has launched what it called the "latest evolution" of its ExtraCare loyalty card program.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has launched what it called the "latest evolution" of its ExtraCare loyalty card program.

The chain announced Monday the launch of the ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards program, which allows members to earn larger and more frequent rewards when filling prescriptions or making healthy decisions, as well as providing another choice for members and giving them the ability to opt-in to parts of the program most relevant to their needs and preferences.

February 4, 2013

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic version of a cancer drug in a move that the agency said would help relieve shortages.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic version of a cancer drug in a move that the agency said would help relieve shortages.

The FDA announced the approval of Sun Pharma Global's doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection, a generic version of Johnson & Johnson's Doxil. The drug is currently on the agency's list of drugs experiencing shortages.

February 4, 2013

H. D. Smith announced the appointment of Tim Booth to EVP, Smith Medical Partners. Smith Medical Partners is a wholly owned subsidiary of H. D. Smith focused on specialty pharmaceutical distribution and services, and is part of the newly formed H. D. Smith Specialty Solutions group.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H. D. Smith on Monday announced the appointment of Tim Booth to EVP, Smith Medical Partners. Smith Medical Partners is a wholly owned subsidiary of H. D. Smith focused on specialty pharmaceutical distribution and services, and is part of the newly formed H. D. Smith Specialty Solutions group.

February 4, 2013

The company that operates Canada's Rexall and Rexall Pharma Plus retail pharmacy chains has hired on a former Sears Canada executive.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — The company that operates Canada's Rexall and Rexall Pharma Plus retail pharmacy chains has hired on a former Sears Canada executive.

Katz Group Canada announced Monday the appointment of Sharon Driscoll as EVP and CFO.

February 4, 2013

Lipton is celebrating the feel-good moments of their tea fans with the launch of Liptagram, its first ever global photo contest allowing Lipton fans around the world to share and connect.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Lipton is celebrating the feel-good moments of their tea fans with the launch of Liptagram, its first ever global photo contest allowing Lipton fans around the world to share and connect. Liptagram invites Lipton fans to creatively and visually share uplifting moments for the chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Kenya for two to visit Lipton's Rainforest Alliance certified tea estates. Consumers can upload images through Instagram, the world's largest photo sharing application now through March 2, 2013.

February 4, 2013

Merz North America on Monday named Jim Hartman VP of the Merz Aesthetics business unit, which includes Xeomin, Radiesse and Belotero Balance.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Merz North America on Monday named Jim Hartman VP of the Merz Aesthetics business unit, which includes Xeomin, Radiesse and Belotero Balance. 

Hartman was hired in June 2012 to lead the U.S. Dermatology Business Unit, which includes Naftin, Mederma and the recently launched Onmel. Prior to joining Merz, Hartman was VP global marketing and business development at Obagi Medical Products, a provider of topical skin care treatments. 

February 4, 2013

Pharmacy groups are advocating that Congress expand the role of pharmacists in new healthcare delivery models.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Pharmacy groups are advocating that Congress expand the role of pharmacists in new healthcare delivery models.

February 4, 2013

A university research project to look at the potential effects on patient health of incorporating medication management strategies into existing care teams has won a grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' philanthropic arm.

ARLINGTON, Va. — A university research project to look at the potential effects on patient health of incorporating medication management strategies into existing care teams has won a grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' philanthropic arm.

The NACDS Foundation said it gave the University of Nebraska Medical Center one of three research grants for the project, which will look at the effects of the strategies when they're incorporated into teams such as medical homes and accountable care organizations.

February 4, 2013

Nespresso on Monday announced the addition of Linizio Lungo to its range of high-quality coffee.

NEW YORK — Nespresso on Monday announced the addition of Linizio Lungo to its range of high-quality coffee. Linizio Lungo is a rich, smooth, velvety coffee with mild character and sweet round cereal notes, expressly created for America's morning coffee drinker.

Created to provide a longer cup of coffee, Linizio Lungo joins the family of existing Nespresso Lungos: Vivalto Lungo, Decaffeinato Lungo and Fortissio Lungo.

February 4, 2013

Following a global celebration of its 100th birthday, Oreo launched its latest marketing campaign "Cookie vs. Creme," during America's biggest football game.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — Following a global celebration of its 100th birthday, Oreo launched its latest marketing campaign "Cookie vs. Creme," during America's biggest football game.

The premiere of Oreo "Whisper Fight," which is the brand's first time advertising during the Super Bowl, kicked off a two-month program that focuses on the long-standing disagreement dividing Oreo fans — which part of an Oreo is the best, the cookie or the creme?

February 4, 2013

Perrigo chairman, CEO and president Joe Papa shared with analysts that private label OTCs are trending strong and that growth will be sustained going forward with the number of projected Rx-to-OTCs on the horizon.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Perrigo chairman, CEO and president Joe Papa on Friday shared with analysts that private label OTCs are trending strong and that growth will be sustained going forward with the number of projected Rx-to-OTCs on the horizon. 

February 4, 2013

Prescription vial manufacturer Rexam has a deal with Rx Timer Cap to adapt the cap to its vials, Rexam said.

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Prescription vial manufacturer Rexam has a deal with Rx Timer Cap to adapt the cap to its vials, Rexam said.

Rexam said the partnership would help improve medication adherence. The Rx Timer Cap has a built-in LCD timer that automatically counts the minutes and hours since patients last took their medication.

February 4, 2013

Safeway on Monday announced the appointment of Peter Bocian as its new executive vice president and CFO. Bocian, 58, will oversee the company's financial functions including accounting, tax, audit, treasury, investor relations, planning and business development.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Monday announced the appointment of Peter Bocian as its new executive vice president and CFO. Bocian, 58, will oversee the company's financial functions including accounting, tax, audit, treasury, investor relations, planning and business development. He will report directly to Robert Edwards, Safeway's president, and will assume his new responsibilities on Feb. 19.

February 4, 2013

Supervalu on Monday named Sam Duncan president and CEO.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Monday named Sam Duncan president and CEO. In this role he succeeds Wayne Sales, who has served as the company’s president and CEO since July 2012. The succession was first reported last month, when Supervalu announced its agreement with AB Acquisition to sell five of its retail banners as well as enter into an agreement with Symphony Investors to conduct a tender offer for up to 30% of Supervalu's outstanding common stock. 

February 4, 2013

Walgreens on Monday made available a new application programming interface that allows third-party mobile app developers to integrate the drug store chain’s prescription refill technology.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday made available a new application programming interface that allows third-party mobile app developers to integrate the drug store chain’s prescription refill technology. Developers who have scanning functionality within their apps can easily integrate the API to enable their users to order a prescription refill by scanning the bar code on a Walgreens prescription bottle.

February 4, 2013

To put Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson's speech at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' Regional Chain Conference on Monday into perspective, one may consider that pharmacists today are the leading providers of immunizations and vaccinations, whereas five years ago, they weren't involved at all.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — To put Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson's speech at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' Regional Chain Conference on Monday into perspective, one may consider that pharmacists today are the leading providers of immunizations and vaccinations, whereas five years ago, they weren't involved at all.

Wasson, NACDS' current chairman, focused on the themes of innovation and engagement, citing immunizations and vaccinations as examples that "people are ready for community pharmacy to take on a greater role."

February 4, 2013

A brand of pistachios will carry the American Heart Association's Heart-Check mark, the company that markets it said.

LOS ANGELES — A brand of pistachios will carry the American Heart Association's Heart-Check mark, the company that markets it said.

Paramount Farms said Monday that its Wonderful Pistachios Lightly Salted and No Salt packages would carry the AHA's mark, indicating that it's a heart-healthy product. The AHA created the mark in 1995.

February 1, 2013

Bartell Drugs is joining a grassroots effort in Seattle to name 1-of-the-2 newest additions to Washington state's ferry fleet after a famed local personality who died in 1985.

SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs is joining a grassroots effort in Seattle to name one of the two newest additions to Washington state's ferry fleet after a famed local personality who died in 1985.

February 1, 2013

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for treating some disorders that harm the body's ability to remove ammonia from the blood, the agency said Friday.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for treating some disorders that harm the body's ability to remove ammonia from the blood, the agency said Friday.

February 1, 2013

The flu epidemic is in full swing in the West and across the Southwest, as just about every state west of the Mississippi through to California is in the red on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weekly FluView for the week ended Jan. 26.

ATLANTA — The flu epidemic is in full swing in the West and across the Southwest, as just about every state west of the Mississippi through to California is in the red on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weekly FluView for the week ended Jan. 26. 

As expected, many of those living in areas with high influenza-like illness activity were visiting their local drug stores for symptomatic relief. Drug store front-end sales were up 7.4% for the four weeks ended Jan. 26, according to reports citing Nielsen data.