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February 13, 2013

Shopper activity will continue to improve intermittently through the first half of 2013, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest counter of retail foot traffic.

CHICAGO — Shopper activity will continue to improve intermittently through the first half of 2013, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest counter of retail foot traffic.

ShopperTrak estimates during the first quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 3.2% and retail foot traffic will increase 3.5%, when compared to the same period last year. The company estimates during the second quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 2.9%, though foot traffic will remain flat with a 0% change, when compared to the same period in 2012.

February 13, 2013

Retail sales were up slightly in January as the increases in payroll taxes and energy prices forced consumers to change spending habits, according to a new report by the National Retail Federation.

WASHINGTON — Retail sales were up slightly in January as the increases in payroll taxes and energy prices forced consumers to change spending habits, according to a new report by the National Retail Federation.

February 13, 2013

SoloHealth founder and CEO Bart Foster has joined the Dell Innovators Credit Fund Founders Club, which computer manufacturer Dell created for what it regards as innovative business leaders, SoloHealth said.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — SoloHealth founder and CEO Bart Foster has joined the Dell Innovators Credit Fund Founders Club, which computer manufacturer Dell created for what it regards as innovative business leaders, SoloHealth said.

February 13, 2013

Some people liked President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night, and some people didn't, and the response from the drug industry was no less mixed.

WASHINGTON — Some people liked President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night, and some people didn't, and the response from the drug industry was no less mixed.

The Generic Pharmaceutical Association called for measures to lower healthcare costs, including ensuring that generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars reach patients' hands quickly and also avoiding measures intended to provide savings that the GPhA said would raise prescription drug costs, though the grow didn't specify what those measures were.

February 13, 2013

ThinkGeek's GeekLabs on Wednesday announced the launch of four votive candles scented to evoke special memories, from a pizza arcade to a high school locker room.

FAIRFAX, Va. — ThinkGeek's GeekLabs on Wednesday announced the launch of four votive candles scented to evoke special memories, from a pizza arcade to a high school locker room.

"You always see candles that take you on 'exotic journeys'," staid Ty Liotta, chief of GeekLabs. "We wanted to create something more accessible. Something that every geek will relate to."

February 13, 2013

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare North America on Wednesday announced that its Tums Freshers was voted 2013 Product of the Year in the OTC relief category as part of a survey of more than 50,000 people conducted by global research firm TNS.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare North America on Wednesday announced that its Tums Freshers was voted 2013 Product of the Year in the OTC relief category as part of a survey of more than 50,000 people conducted by global research firm TNS.

February 13, 2013

Slated to hit the U.S. retail market in April is the new Neovadiol range from Vichy Laboratoires, a leading pharmacy skin care line for the signs of hormonal aging.

NEW YORK — Slated to hit the U.S. retail market in April is the new Neovadiol range from Vichy Laboratoires, a leading pharmacy skin care line for the signs of hormonal aging in Europe and Canada.

The new Neovadiol Gf Lip & Eye Contours and Neovadiol Lumiere BB Cream complete the range, which already includes day and night creams. The Neovadiol range was developed in consultation with experts like dermatologists, obstetricians, gynecologists and psychologists.

February 13, 2013

Walgreens and Alliance Boots will generate $130 billion or more in combined sales, Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO told analysts Wednesday.

LONDON — Walgreens and Alliance Boots will generate $130 billion or more in combined sales, Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO, told analysts Wednesday. Walgreens and Alliance Boots offered analysts a firsthand look at the Alliance Boots operation here, beginning with a store tour and then leading into presentations. 

February 12, 2013

A topical medication made by Galderma Labs for treating melasma of the face is now available in pharmacies, Galderma said.

FORT WORTH, Texas — A topical medication made by Galderma Labs for treating melasma of the face is now available in pharmacies, Galderma said.

Tri-Luma (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%), tretinoin 0.05%) is described as the only Food and Drug Administration-approved triple combination topical product for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma. The chronic skin condition affects more than 7 million people in the United States.

February 12, 2013

Häagen-Dazs is starting off the warmer months with the debut of ice cream's lighter, refreshing cousin, gelato.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Häagen-Dazs is starting off the warmer months with the debut of ice cream's lighter, refreshing cousin, gelato. Available nationwide in April, Häagen-Dazs gelato will be offered in seven Italian-inspired flavors: stracciatella, sea salt caramel, dark chocolate chip, vanilla bean, cappuccino, limoncello and black cherry amaretto.

February 12, 2013

I.D. Systems announced that Walgreens will be implementing I.D. Systems' PowerFleet wireless Vehicle Management System to help secure, track and manage high-value enterprise assets.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — I.D. Systems on Tuesday announced that Walgreens will be implementing I.D. Systems' PowerFleet wireless Vehicle Management System to help secure, track and manage high-value enterprise assets. 

February 12, 2013

The National Community Pharmacists Association announced it will hold its 45th annual Legislative Conference May 7 to 8 in Washington, D.C.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Tuesday announced it will hold its 45th annual Legislative Conference May 7 to 8 in Washington, D.C.

February 12, 2013

A mere 2% increase in the payroll tax could represent $800 in reduced spending power per year for a person with a household income of $40,000, according to a new study by SymphonyIRI.

CHICAGO — A mere 2% increase in the payroll tax could represent $800 in reduced spending power per year for a person with a household income of $40,000, according to a new study by SymphonyIRI.

Symphony Consulting, a division of the Chicago-based market research firm, analyzed shopper behavior since the payroll tax increased on Jan. 1, focusing on the effect of the payroll tax on food and beverage consumption, including its effect on such dimensions as stores shopped, brands purchased and the effect on various segments and categories.

February 12, 2013

Unexpected toxicities from prescription drugs that emerge years after regulatory approval may be due to poor medication adherence in clinical trials, according to a new study.

MCLEAN, Va. — Unexpected toxicities from prescription drugs that emerge years after regulatory approval may be due to poor medication adherence in clinical trials, according to a new study.

While much attention on medication adherence has focused on patients not taking the already approved drugs prescribed to them or not taking them properly, the new study, released Tuesday by Consumer Health Information, found problems with adherence in clinical trials as well.

February 12, 2013

Putney has launched a generic version of a veterinary skin infection drug, the company said.

PORTLAND, Maine — Putney has launched a generic version of a veterinary skin infection drug, the company said.

Putney announced the launch of cefpodoxime proxetil, a generic version of Pfizer's Simplicef, used to treat certain skin infections in dogs. Putney said its product was the only generic version of Simplicef approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

February 12, 2013

Telehealth is expected to reach 1.8 million patients around the world by 2017, according to a new report by healthcare market research firm IHS.

NEW YORK — Telehealth is expected to reach 1.8 million patients around the world by 2017, according to a new report by healthcare market research firm IHS.

February 12, 2013

GlaxoSmithKline may be looking to buy a Brazilian drug maker for up to $4 billion, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — GlaxoSmithKline may be looking to buy a Brazilian drug maker for up to $4 billion, according to published reports.

Reuters, citing unnamed sources, said GSK was one of several drug companies looking to buy Ache Laboratorios Farmaceuticos for $3 billion to $4 billion. Other companies looking to buy the drug maker included Novartis, Pfizer and Abbott Labs.

Reuters noted that the company was attractive to drug makers looking to expand their footprints in Latin America and that it was a major producer of prescription and OTC medications.

February 12, 2013

The Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing colorectal cancer incidence and death throughout the United States, presented Sanofi with its annual Blue Star Corporate Award.

NEW YORK — Sanofi US was named corporate partner of the year by the Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation (CCCF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing colorectal cancer incidence and death throughout the United States, and presented with CCCF's annual Blue Star Corporate Award.

February 12, 2013

A two-time winner of "Dancing with the Stars" and a food product manufacturer have a deal to promote healthy snacking options.

PLYMOUTH, Wis. — A two-time winner of "Dancing with the Stars" and a food product manufacturer have a deal to promote healthy snacking options for women.

February 12, 2013

Schiff Nutrition and M&C Saatchi NY launched a Valentine’s Day marketing campaign — “Whose Heart Do You Love” — in support of MegaRed krill oil supplements.

NEW YORK — Schiff Nutrition Group and M&C Saatchi NY on Tuesday launched a Valentine’s Day marketing campaign — “Whose Heart Do You Love” — in support of MegaRed krill oil supplements. 

February 12, 2013

According to a national survey of fitness enthusiasts who exercise three or more times a week, 82% admitted to falling short when it comes to post-workout nutrition habits, Abbott announced.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — According to a national survey of fitness enthusiasts who exercise three or more times a week, 82% admitted to falling short when it comes to post-workout nutrition habits, Abbott announced Tuesday. 

The results of the survey from Abbott's EAS Sports Nutrition uncover a gap between Americans' knowledge surrounding post-workout nutrition and their desire to improve their fitness routines and results.

February 12, 2013

In a survey of more than 6,200 consumers collected during the peak holiday shopping season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Amazon scored highest among 25 of the top mobile commerce companies in terms of customer satisfaction, according to a report released Tuesday by ForeSee.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In a survey of more than 6,200 consumers collected during the peak holiday shopping season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Amazon scored highest among 25 of the top mobile commerce companies in terms of customer satisfaction, according to a report released Tuesday by ForeSee. 

February 12, 2013

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has added a University of California at Los Angeles medical professor to its board of directors, the Israeli drug maker said.

JERUSALEM — Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has added a University of California at Los Angeles medical professor to its board of directors, the Israeli drug maker said.

Teva announced the appointment of Arie Belldegrun, who is a director at the UCLA Institute of Urology Oncology and professor and chair of urologic oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine. The company appointed Belldegrun at its Feb. 5 meeting to fill a vacancy, and Belldegrun's term will extend the drug maker's 2013 annual shareholder meeting.

February 12, 2013

Massachusetts and New Jersey lately have been cracking down on sterile compounding pharmacies alleged to violate safety regulations, but the crackdown may soon go nationwide, predicted a legal firm focused on the matter.

WASHINGTON — Massachusetts and New Jersey lately have been cracking down on sterile compounding pharmacies alleged to violate safety regulations, but the crackdown may soon go nationwide, predicted a legal firm focused on the matter.

LeClairRyan attorney Michael Ruggio said officials in several states were increasing scrutiny of compounding pharmacies in the wake of an outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to the New England Compounding Center, which so far sickened 696 people and killed 45, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

February 12, 2013

To help mark Condom Awareness Week, Trojan Brand Condoms has deployed a fleet of Trojan Safe Ride taxis to drive home facts about condoms.

EWING, N.J. — To help mark Condom Awareness Week, Trojan Brand Condoms has deployed a fleet of Trojan Safe Ride taxis to drive home facts about condoms. New Yorkers are invited to get in one of the taxis to test their sexual health IQ by participating in a condom trivia game while en route to their destination.