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June 30, 2011

Barry Perzow, chairman and founder of Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on Thursday announced his retirement from the progressive pharmacy operation.

BOULDER, Colo. — Barry Perzow, chairman and founder of Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on Thursday announced his retirement from the progressive pharmacy operation.

He will continue to serve on Pharmaca’s board.

June 30, 2011

A group of physicians is urging the Food and Drug Administration not to approve a drug made by Gilead Sciences for the prevention of HIV infection.

LOS ANGELES — A group of physicians is urging the Food and Drug Administration not to approve a drug made by Gilead Sciences for the prevention of HIV infection.

Fifty-five physicians signed a letter spearheaded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation citing concerns about the use of Gilead’s Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine) for “pre-exposure prophylaxis,” or PrEP. Concerns included the risk of a decrease in condom use and a lack of information showing proper use in “real world” situations.

June 30, 2011

Same-store sales at Rite Aid increased by 1.8% in June, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Same-store sales at Rite Aid increased by 1.8% in June, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

During the four-week period ended June 25, front-end sales were up 1.5% over the same period last year, while pharmacy sales increased by 1.9%, including a reduction of about 163 basis points due to new introductions of generic drugs.

Total drug store sales for the month increased 1% to $1.93 billion, compared with $1.91 billion in June 2010.

June 30, 2011

Supervalu on Thursday announced that Matthew Rubel has unanimously been approved to continue as a member of the company’s board.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Thursday announced that Matthew Rubel has unanimously been approved to continue as a member of the company’s board.

Rubel had previously resigned from the position of chairman, president and CEO of Collective Brands, and, consistent with Supervalu’s governance principles, submitted his offer of resignation as a member of the board.

On June 28, the grocer’s board of directors unanimously rejected his offer of resignation.

June 30, 2011

A new line of Hello Kitty household products are arriving this summer, thanks to a new licensing agreement inked by Sanrio and Vandor.

NEW YORK — A new line of Hello Kitty household products are arriving this summer, thanks to a new licensing agreement inked by Sanrio and Vandor.

Through the deal, which is effective immediately, Vandor will produce the collection, which includes such items as eco-friendly shopper totes, as well as ceramic and travel mugs that feature Hello Kitty, a Sanrio brand. The collection will range in price from $2.49 to $9.99.

June 30, 2011

A new study that combined three separate cohorts conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that such lifestyle factors as diet may influence long-term weight gain.

BOSTON — A new study that combined three separate cohorts conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that such lifestyle factors as diet may influence long-term weight gain.

The study pooled data from 120,877 U.S. women and men who were free of chronic diseases and not obese at the beginning of the study, with follow-up periods from 1986 to 2006, 1991 to 2003, and 1986 to 2006. Patients were followed up at four-year intervals, researchers said.

June 30, 2011

Drug maker UCB and Harvard University have entered a research alliance that is designed to advance ongoing Harvard research projects along the drug development pathway.

BOSTON and BRUSSELS — Drug maker UCB and Harvard University have entered a research alliance that is designed to advance ongoing Harvard research projects along the drug development pathway.

UCB said it will bring its expertise in antibody generation and medicinal chemistry into the alliance and will provide up to $6 million over two years to fund specific innovative research projects led by Harvard scientists. The collaboration focuses on the central nervous system and immunology, UCB said.

June 30, 2011

Canadian drug maker Valeant Pharmaceuticals International will acquire rights to topical drugs for eczema and cold sores from Swedish drug maker Meda.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Canadian drug maker Valeant Pharmaceuticals International will acquire rights to topical drugs for eczema and cold sores from Swedish drug maker Meda.

Valeant said it would buy rights for the eczema drug Elidel (pimecrolimus) and the cold sore drug Xerese (acyclovir and hydrocortisone) for the United States, Canada and Mexico. Valeant said, however, that Xerese has not yet received regulatory approval in Canada.

June 29, 2011

Adding an investigational drug for Type 2 diabetes to the common generic drug metformin helped control blood sugar in patients who could not control their blood sugar with metformin alone, according to results of a late-stage clinical study.

SAN DIEGO — Adding an investigational drug for Type 2 diabetes to the common generic drug metformin helped control blood sugar in patients who could not control their blood sugar with metformin alone, according to results of a late-stage clinical study.

June 29, 2011

Bic Soleil and the Sunshine Squad are celebrating summer with Philadelphia and Jersey Shore residents through the "Sunny Moments" mobile tour.

SHELTON, Conn. — Bic Soleil and the Sunshine Squad are celebrating summer with Philadelphia and Jersey Shore residents through the "Sunny Moments" mobile tour.

The tour will stop in Philly on June 29 through July 1 and at the Jersey Shore on July 2 and 3.

The Sunshine Squad will give away complimentary gifts, Bic Soleil Bella razors, coupons and treats, such as ice water and popsicles, prepaid parking meters and flowers.

The Sunny Moments Tour will stop at the following Philadelphia locations:

June 29, 2011

A new line of pure fruit snacks has made its debut.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — A new line of pure fruit snacks has made its debut.

Buddy Fruits said that one package of its pure fruit bites is equivalent to one full serving of fruit and is 95 calories. Buddy Fruits' pure fruit bites are available in apple, orange, raspberry and pomegranate/acai.

Buddy Fruits products are available at retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Supervalu, H-E-B and King Kullen.

June 29, 2011

Canus Fresh Goat's Milk Skin Care has announced the expansion of its new Nature by Canus facial wellness line with the development of a hydrating cleanser and a night renewal facial cream.

WATERBURY, Vt. — Canus Fresh Goat's Milk Skin Care has announced the expansion of its new Nature by Canus facial wellness line with the development of a hydrating cleanser and a night renewal facial cream.

The all-natural moisturizing facial cleansing milk removes dirt and makeup with a natural formula that is designed to prevent free radicals from damaging the skin and creating wrinkles. Packed with certified organic ingredients like acai, jojoba and sweet almond oils, this hydrating cleanser promises to leave skin feeling clean and refreshed.

June 29, 2011

Important safety information often is missing from drug labels, while some pharmacies don’t include medication guides required by the federal government, according to a new investigation by Consumer Reports.

YONKERS, N.Y. — Important safety information often is missing from drug labels, while some pharmacies don’t include medication guides required by the federal government, according to a new investigation by Consumer Reports.

June 29, 2011

Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Jon Tester, D-Mont., have established the first-ever Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus, an effort endorsed Wednesday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Jon Tester, D-Mont., have established the first-ever Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus, an effort endorsed Wednesday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

NCPA’s efforts to help establish a Senate Pharmacy Caucus were reported one month ago here.

June 29, 2011

A 25% increase in the health and beauty care product assortments at Family Dollar contributed to overall inventory growth during the company’s third quarter, the retailer announced Wednesday morning with the release of its financial results.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — A 25% increase in the health and beauty care product assortments at Family Dollar contributed to overall inventory growth during the company’s third quarter, the retailer announced Wednesday morning with the release of its financial results.

In addition to the major expansion of the health and beauty category at 5,000 of the company’s 6,900 stores, Family Dollar said it also expanded assortments of food by 20%, which, combined with the health and beauty care initiative, resulted in an overall increase in inventory levels of 15%.

June 29, 2011

After months of speculation, BJ's Wholesale Club has entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners for an all-cash transaction valued at about $2.8 billion.

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — After months of speculation, BJ's Wholesale Club has entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners for an all-cash transaction valued at about $2.8 billion.

BJ’s board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement — which is subject to approval of BJ’s shareholders, customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals — and recommended that all BJ’s shareholders vote in favor of the transaction.

June 29, 2011

In an effort to help those suffering from acne, La Roche-Posay has introduced its new Effaclar K Daily Renovating Anti-Relapse Acne Treatment 1, a daily treatment to address the ongoing, recurring life cycle of acne.

NEW YORK — In an effort to help those suffering from acne, La Roche-Posay has introduced its new Effaclar K Daily Renovating Anti-Relapse Acne Treatment 1, a daily treatment to address the ongoing, recurring life cycle of acne.

For the first time in a La Roche-Posay product, retinyl linoleate (a vitamin A derivative), salicylic acid and La Roche-Posay's exclusive lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) molecule are combined to help treat mild acne and prevent its reoccurrence in acne sufferers of all ages.

June 29, 2011

A topical drug made by Eli Lilly restored testosterone to normal levels in men with abnormally low testosterone, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial.

INDIANAPOLIS — A topical drug made by Eli Lilly restored testosterone to normal levels in men with abnormally low testosterone, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial.

Lilly announced results of a phase-3 trial of Axiron (testosterone) topical solution, a treatment for the condition, also known as hypogonadism. Study results also showed that the drug improved symptoms associated with it.

Hypogonadism results from damage or disease of the testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary glands that inhibits production of testosterone.

June 29, 2011

Tracking medication adherence and connecting to pharmacies when it's time to refill prescriptions are among the capabilities of a new iPhone and iPad application made by GreatCall.

SAN DIEGO — Tracking medication adherence and connecting to pharmacies when it's time to refill prescriptions are among the capabilities of a new iPhone and iPad application made by GreatCall.

GreatCall announced the launch of MedCoach, a medication management app that the company said would help customers better manage their overall well-being for free.

June 29, 2011

Meijer's free prenatal vitamins prescription program filled its 1 millionth prescription this week, the company announced Wednesday.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer's free prenatal vitamins prescription program filled its 1 millionth prescription this week, the company announced Wednesday.

The retailer said that its program, which launched in May 2008, has garnered nearly $14 million in savings to Midwest families. The Meijer free prenatal vitamins program offers such brands as TriAdvance, Trinatal GT, Trinatal Ultra, Vol-Nate, Vol-Plus and Vol-Tab, and enables any customer, regardless of insurance or copay, to have his or her prenatal prescription filled free of charge.

June 29, 2011

Bainbridge and Knight has entered the organic hair and beauty cosmetics realm.

NEW YORK — Bainbridge and Knight has entered the organic hair and beauty cosmetics realm.

The company said that its Zinn Beauty Collection is a line of natural beauty products that is made with 100% argan oil. The lineup includes Zinn velvet facial cleansing milk, Zinn revitalizing anti-aging cream, Zinn smooth body milk and Zinn 100% Moroccan argan oil. The products will retail from $24.99 to $29.99.

June 29, 2011

McNeil Consumer Healthcare on Tuesday initiated another recall at the retail level of one product lot (60,912 bottles) of Tylenol extra strength caplets in 225-count bottles because of a small number of odor reports, including a musty, moldy odor.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — McNeil Consumer Healthcare on Tuesday initiated another recall at the retail level of one product lot (60,912 bottles) of Tylenol extra strength caplets in 225-count bottles because of a small number of odor reports, including a musty, moldy odor.

The uncharacteristic musty, moldy odor has been linked to the presence of trace amounts of a chemical known as 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA).

The product lot number (ABA619) for the recalled product can be found on the side of the bottle label. The recalled product was manufactured in February 2009.

June 29, 2011

Men's grooming continues to be an important focus for many retailers as evidenced by Ulta, which reportedly is rolling out men's grooming boutiques inside the vast majority of its stores by early August, according to a Reuters report.

NEW YORK — Men's grooming continues to be an important focus for many retailers as evidenced by Ulta, which reportedly is rolling out men's grooming boutiques inside the vast majority of its stores by early August, according to a Reuters report.

June 29, 2011

Legislation has been introduced that would require stricter labeling requirements of cosmetics and personal care products and give the Food and Drug Administration recall authority for products that are misbranded, adulterated or otherwise fail to meet safety standards.

WASHINGTON — Legislation has been introduced that would require stricter labeling requirements of cosmetics and personal care products and give the Food and Drug Administration recall authority for products that are misbranded, adulterated or otherwise fail to meet safety standards.

June 29, 2011

Sam's Club is helping parents prepare for the back-to-school season by offering free children's health and ID screenings at stores nationwide on July 9.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club is helping parents prepare for the back-to-school season by offering free children's health and ID screenings at stores nationwide on July 9.