Content about Exclusive News Alert

April 29, 2011
Rapport between pharmacist, patient can lead to better health outcomes

When the pharmacist talks, people listen. The real gem to come out of this survey is where that pharmacist is standing when delivering that over-the-counter recommendation. (Here’s a hint: It ain’t behind the pharmacy counter.)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — When the pharmacist talks, people listen. The real gem to come out of this survey is where that pharmacist is standing when delivering that over-the-counter recommendation. (Here’s a hint: It ain’t behind the pharmacy counter.)

(THE NEWS: Survey: Many pharmacists offer guidance on OTC purchases. For the full story, click here.)

April 29, 2011
RediClinic's weight-loss program builds on current convenient care offerings

With more than two-thirds of Americans either overweight or obese, weight management undoubtedly is a critical health issue facing the nation. And the news that RediClinic now is offering a weight-management program speaks to a larger trend with the convenient care industry: expanding service offerings beyond acute care, which includes, for some operators, tools to tackle obesity.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — With more than two-thirds of Americans either overweight or obese, weight management undoubtedly is a critical health issue facing the nation. And the news that RediClinic now is offering a weight-management program speaks to a larger trend with the convenient care industry: expanding service offerings beyond acute care, which includes, for some operators, tools to tackle obesity.

April 29, 2011
Retail clinics level playing field in healthcare system

The emergence of the reports by Kalorama Information and Rasmussen Reports are important because they underscore the important role that retail-based healthcare clinics — and the nurse practitioners who work within them — increasingly play in the nation's healthcare system.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The emergence of the reports by Kalorama Information and Rasmussen Reports are important because they underscore the important role that retail-based healthcare clinics — and the nurse practitioners who work within them — increasingly play in the nation's healthcare system.

(THE NEWS: Kalorama projects retail clinic growth. For the full story, click here)

April 19, 2011
GPhA applauds new IMS Institute report

The main trade group for the generic drug industry is heralding a new cost analysis by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics showing that generic drugs can reduce co-payments by up to 80%.

WASHINGTON — The main trade group for the generic drug industry is heralding a new cost analysis by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics showing that generic drugs can reduce co-payments by up to 80%.

According to the analysis, contained in the report “The Use of Medicines in the United States: Review of 2010,” the average co-payment for a generic drug was $6.06 per prescripton last year, compared with $23.65 to $34.77 for preferred and nonpreferred brand drugs.

April 15, 2011
Despite divestment, expect innovation for brands GSK holds on to

Duh, winning! Because there are no losers in this. GlaxoSmithKline will be able to funnel its extensive marketing dollars into a stable of poised-to-explode brands, niche marketers can take those brands being sold and breathe fresh marketing life into them and retailers now benefit most of all because a greater portfolio of brands are being marketed with gusto.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Duh, winning! Because there are no losers in this. GlaxoSmithKline will be able to funnel its extensive marketing dollars into a stable of poised-to-explode brands, niche marketers can take those brands being sold and breathe fresh marketing life into them and retailers now benefit most of all because a greater portfolio of brands are being marketed with gusto.

April 15, 2011
Drug stores will keep busy with extended allergy season

Whoever named the genus to which ragweed plants belong “ambrosia” had a terrific sense of irony. The name, derived from Greek, refers to the food of the gods, but the plant is more like punishment from the gods, considering that it’s the main culprit in seasonal allergies.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Whoever named the genus to which ragweed plants belong “ambrosia” had a terrific sense of irony. The name, derived from Greek, refers to the food of the gods, but the plant is more like punishment from the gods, considering that it’s the main culprit in seasonal allergies.

(THE NEWS: Allergy season to last longer this year. For the full story, click here)

April 15, 2011
Scorpiniti's vision for pharmacy will benefit new role

In recent years, Duane Reade has gone from simply being Manhattan's homegrown pharmacy chain to a truly innovative retailer with unique product offerings and marketing concepts that even the biggest retailers can learn from. And visionary merchant Joe Magnacca has received a lot of credit for the chain's transformation — as he should. However, on the pharmacy side of the equation, Frank Scorpiniti was busy leading some important health-and-wellness initiatives at Duane Reade, including helping to develop a growing clinic program in one of the most difficult clinic markets in the country.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — In recent years, Duane Reade has gone from simply being Manhattan's homegrown pharmacy chain to a truly innovative retailer with unique product offerings and marketing concepts that even the biggest retailers can learn from. And visionary merchant Joe Magnacca has received a lot of credit for the chain's transformation — as he should.

April 8, 2011
Independent pharmacies show why they top in customer service

Anyone who has ever managed a retail operation at the store level knows — perception is reality.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Anyone who has ever managed a retail operation at the store level knows — perception is reality.

(THE NEWS: Independent pharmacies earn top scores from Consumer Reports readers. For the full story, click here.)

April 8, 2011
MinuteClinic's latest affiliation highlights growing need for medical homes

The news that CVS Caremark's MinuteClinic has entered into a clinical affiliation with Advocate Health Care and Advocate Physician Partners is important as it reflects a larger focus within the U.S. healthcare landscape: medical homes, or for a growing number of Americans, the lack thereof.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The news that CVS Caremark's MinuteClinic has entered into a clinical affiliation with Advocate Health Care and Advocate Physician Partners is important as it reflects a larger focus within the U.S. healthcare landscape: medical homes, or for a growing number of Americans, the lack thereof.

April 8, 2011
Rite Aid's Wellness+ program could keep retailer in race

It’s interesting how things can change over the course of a year, and the huge growth of Rite Aid’s Wellness+ program provides a good example.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — It’s interesting how things can change over the course of a year, and the huge growth of Rite Aid’s Wellness+ program provides a good example.

(THE NEWS: Rite Aid finishes tough fiscal year, but Q4 shows improvements. For the full story, click here.)

April 1, 2011
Foulkes proves to be a worthy asset for CVS

The news that CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer undoubtedly is significant, as she will be responsible for integrating all the company's capabilities in branding, communications and healthcare-reform strategy to forge even stronger partnerships and further improve pharmacy care delivery. The responsibilities of this newly created position will be no small feat, indeed, but clearly those at 1 CVS Drive are more than confident in her abilities.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The news that CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer undoubtedly is significant, as she will be responsible for integrating all the company's capabilities in branding, communications and healthcare-reform strategy to forge even stronger partnerships and further improve pharmacy care delivery.

April 1, 2011
Walmart further emphasizes pharmacy, health services with Lewis hire

Walmart’s hiring of Dijuana Lewis is yet another sign the company no longer is content being a fast-follower when it comes to its pharmacy and healthcare businesses, whereas a decade ago, Walmart’s emphasis was on simply operating pharmacies, filling as many prescriptions as possible and keeping up with chain drug leaders who were setting the pace in terms of innovative programs.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Walmart’s hiring of Dijuana Lewis is yet another sign the company no longer is content being a fast-follower when it comes to its pharmacy and healthcare businesses, whereas a decade ago, Walmart’s emphasis was on simply operating pharmacies, filling as many prescriptions as possible and keeping up with chain drug leaders who were setting the pace in terms of innovative programs.

April 1, 2011
Who better than pharmacy to boost medication compliance?

Farmers and tradesmen. That’s who politicians used to be. Back then, legislative initiatives weren’t splintered by a hundred different agendas. But the reality of today’s lawmaking process is so much more convoluted; that’s why educating policy-makers around the hardwood issues is so paramount.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Farmers and tradesmen. That’s who politicians used to be. Back then, legislative initiatives weren’t splintered by a hundred different agendas. But the reality of today’s lawmaking process is so much more convoluted; that’s why educating policy-makers around the hardwood issues is so paramount.

March 25, 2011
Dollar General: On the move

Expectations of improved profitability at Dollar General mean the company will keep the pedal to the metal in terms of expansion.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Expectations of improved profitability at Dollar General mean the company will keep the pedal to the metal in terms of expansion.

(THE NEWS: Dollar General keeps growing. For the full story, click here)

March 25, 2011
Drug Store News launches mobile website

Recognizing and responding to the changing U.S. digital media landscape, Drug Store News is making it even easier for online readers to quickly navigate the latest leading industry news via a newly launched mobile version.

NEW YORK — Recognizing and responding to the changing U.S. digital media landscape, Drug Store News is making it even easier for online readers to quickly navigate the latest leading industry news via a newly launched mobile version.

The new mobile version of the site, m.DrugStoreNews.com, includes such categories as top retailers, supplier news, pharmacy, OTC, beauty, new products and insights. Now when accessing the DSN website via a mobile device, a message will appear giving users the option to access the easy-to-read mobile version.

March 25, 2011
P&G, Teva deal: A complementary alignment

In the universe of business partnerships, a joint venture between Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and Procter & Gamble is like two galaxies coming together.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — In the universe of business partnerships, a joint venture between Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and Procter & Gamble is like two galaxies coming together.

(THE NEWS: P&G, Teva enter partnership. For the full story, click here.)

March 25, 2011
Walgreens thinks big with multichannel plans

Almost two-thirds of consumers live within 3 miles of a Walgreens. For the rest of America, Walgreens is using its multichannel strategy to get even closer. The deal with Drugstore.com considerably accelerates the chain's plans.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Almost two-thirds of consumers live within 3 miles of a Walgreens. For the rest of America, Walgreens is using its multichannel strategy to get even closer. The deal with Drugstore.com considerably accelerates the chain's plans.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens boosts online presence with Drugstore.com acquisition. For the full story, click here.)

March 22, 2011
Walgreens posts monster Q2 gains

With record second-quarter sales and earnings under its belt, a grasp on 20.1% of the retail prescription drug market and a sharpened focus on core assets, Walgreens' executives expressed optimism on future growth — despite such external challenges as a soft economy and continued pressure on Medicaid reimbursement — and reiterated the company's focus on core strategies.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — With record second-quarter sales and earnings under its belt, a grasp on 20.1% of the retail prescription drug market and a sharpened focus on core assets, Walgreens' executives expressed optimism on future growth — despite such external challenges as a soft economy and continued pressure on Medicaid reimbursement — and reiterated the company's focus on core strategies.

March 21, 2011
Coinstar 'eyes' SoloHealth

Coinstar will help boost the retail presence of a self-service kiosks provider through a new deal.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Coinstar will help boost the retail presence of a self-service kiosks provider through a new deal.

March 18, 2011
Congress should mull over options before implementing track-and-trace system

It's about time lawmakers start to understand the real threats posed by drug reimportation and unlicensed Internet pharmacy sites. About 20% of the current members of Congress are newly elected, and there is this recurring, cyclical fascination among politicians that we can fix everything with drug reimportation. But mandating electronic track and trace right now is a bad idea.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — It's about time lawmakers start to understand the real threats posed by drug reimportation and unlicensed Internet pharmacy sites. About 20% of the current members of Congress are newly elected, and there is this recurring, cyclical fascination among politicians that we can fix everything with drug reimportation. But mandating electronic track and trace right now is a bad idea.

March 18, 2011
PSE's Rx-only switch in Arkansas opens a new can of worms

The latest Arkansas proposition to control PSE sales may deliver the biggest blow to the over-the-counter accessibility argument, as it restricts sales to Arkansas residents who have a state-issued picture ID and who don’t look like they might be meth addicts. It also is no more fair or effective to have pharmacists decide who looks like a meth addict and who doesn't. Worse, the bill includes a provision that would allow the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy to color any OTC medicine with the same brush as PSE.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — The latest Arkansas proposition to control PSE sales may deliver the biggest blow to the over-the-counter accessibility argument, as it restricts sales to Arkansas residents who have a state-issued picture ID and who don’t look like they might be meth addicts. It also is no more fair or effective to have pharmacists decide who looks like a meth addict and who doesn't. Worse, the bill includes a provision that would allow the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy to color any OTC medicine with the same brush as PSE.

March 18, 2011
Taking evolving healthcare roles to the streets

The Doobie Brothers once recorded a song called "Taking It to the Streets," and that's kind of what Walgreens did when two top executives last week took the message of the changing role of the community pharmacist on the road.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The Doobie Brothers once recorded a song called "Taking It to the Streets," and that's kind of what Walgreens did when two top executives took the message of the changing role of the community pharmacist on the road.

(THE NEWS: WAG VP talks to Chicago Tribune about changing role of pharmacist. For the full story, click here)

March 14, 2011
Magnacca's know-how will bring WAG to the next level

Joe Magnacca brings to bear a menagerie of merchandising savvy that will help Walgreens on its way to well. That savvy includes some "old world" retailing perspective by way of Canada’s Shoppers Drug Mart, where a focus on beauty and convenience is paramount. And his recent meteoric rise through the ranks of Duane Reade is testament to just how well he connected with the denizens of the most-populated city in the United States through enhanced merchandising and marketing.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Joe Magnacca brings to bear a menagerie of merchandising savvy that will help Walgreens on its way to well. That savvy includes some "old world" retailing perspective by way of Canada’s Shoppers Drug Mart, where a focus on beauty and convenience is paramount. And his recent meteoric rise through the ranks of Duane Reade is testament to just how well he connected with the denizens of the most-populated city in the United States through enhanced merchandising and marketing.

March 14, 2011
TV program reveals harsh reality of drug counterfeiting

Sugar and chalk. That’s what Pfizer researchers found in a pill that was supposed to be Cytotec but was, in fact, a crude knock-off seized from a counterfeit drug lab in Peru. The "60 Minutes" segment came as no surprise to Drug Store News, which has argued for many years that drug counterfeiting is the key reason lawmakers need to forget the recurring pipe dream they share that rogue Internet sites and drug reimportation is a legitimate solution to rising healthcare costs.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Sugar and chalk. That’s what Pfizer researchers found in a pill that was supposed to be Cytotec but was, in fact, a crude knock-off seized from a counterfeit drug lab in Peru.

(THE NEWS: '60 Minutes' examines drug counterfeit problem. For the full story, click here)

March 14, 2011
Walgreens doesn't need PBM to keep it at top

A lot was made of Walgreens' sale of its pharmacy benefit management business to focus on its stores and the other parts of its business, with some analysts and pundits suggesting CVS should or might soon follow suit. Whether or not CVS Caremark decides to do the same remains to be seen, but it certainly isn't the foregone conclusion some have suggested it might be.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — A lot was made of Walgreens' sale of its pharmacy benefit management business to focus on its stores and the other parts of its business, with some analysts and pundits suggesting CVS should or might soon follow suit. Whether or not CVS Caremark decides to do the same remains to be seen, but it certainly isn't the foregone conclusion some have suggested it might be.