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July 25, 2011
Bottom Dollar Food making its way to greater Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Ohio, markets

Discount grocery chain Bottom Dollar Food announced plans to enter the greater Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio, markets.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Discount grocery chain Bottom Dollar Food announced plans to enter the greater Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio, markets.

The expansion includes 14 stores that will open in 2012 and is said to create more than 600 jobs.

July 25, 2011
Cardinal Health honors Theresa Tolle with Ken Wurster Community Leadership Award

Cardinal Health on Sunday named Theresa Tolle, owner of Bay Street Pharmacy in Sebastian, Fla., as the recipient of its Ken Wurster Community Leadership Award at its annual Retail Business Conference.

LAS VEGAS — Cardinal Health on Sunday named Theresa Tolle, owner of Bay Street Pharmacy in Sebastian, Fla., as the recipient of its Ken Wurster Community Leadership Award at its annual Retail Business Conference.

The award honors a retail independent pharmacist who promotes the ideals of community pharmacy and was created in honor of Tampa, Fla., independent pharmacist Ken Wurster. Wurster was highly regarded for his commitment to serving his customers, epitomizing the role of a pharmacist who took responsibility for the wellness of his community.

July 25, 2011
Does ESI need Medco deal to happen? It sure looks like it

In his July 20 letter to benefit consultants, Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness Kermit Crawford made a direct appeal to plan sponsors to either “select a PBM that includes Walgreens” or consider “direct arrangements with plans currently using Express Scripts, to the extent permitted by their contracts.” The letter also included an attached “template agreement that can be used to implement such direct arrangements where permitted,” for consideration.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — In his July 20 letter to benefit consultants, Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness Kermit Crawford made a direct appeal to plan sponsors to either “select a PBM that includes Walgreens” or consider “direct arrangements with plans currently using Express Scripts, to the extent permitted by their contracts.” The letter also included an attached “template agreement that can be used to implement such direct arrangements where permitted,” for consideration.

July 25, 2011
Good Neighbor Pharmacy names national award winners

Good Neighbor Pharmacy last week recognized five Good Neighbor Pharmacy operators at the National Healthcare Conference and Exposition.

LAS VEGAS — Good Neighbor Pharmacy last week recognized five Good Neighbor Pharmacy operators at the National Healthcare Conference and Exposition.

Liss Pharmacy in Newark, N.J., was named the 2011 Good Neighbor Pharmacy “Pharmacy of the Year” for its commitment to the Newark community. Led by owner Matthew Parisi, the pharmacy has created programs in conjunction with both the city of Newark and the Heinz Family Philanthropies to provide pharmaceutical services and generic medications at a reasonable cost, for example.

July 25, 2011
Head & Shoulders taps Alyson Hannigan as latest brand ambassador

Procter & Gamble's Head & Shoulders has tapped Alyson Hannigan, star of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" and "American Pie," to be the brand's female ambassador. Hannigan will appear in a campaign targeting female consumers starting this month.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble's Head & Shoulders has tapped Alyson Hannigan, star of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" and "American Pie," to be the brand's female ambassador. Hannigan will appear in a campaign targeting female consumers starting this month.

Hannigan joins Head & Shoulders hair legends, including two-time Super Bowl champion Troy Polamalu, and Minnesota Twins All-Star catcher Joe Mauer.

July 25, 2011
Hostess adds indulgent devil's food flavor to Donettes line

Hostess has added a chocolate-frosted treat to its Donettes line.

IRVING, Texas — Hostess has added a chocolate-frosted treat to its Donettes line.

New frosted devil's food cake Donettes are mini donuts that are dipped in a chocolate-flavored coating and now are available at stores nationwide.

Hostess said its latest Donettes treats can be enjoyed in four convenient sizes, including 10.5-oz. Dunkie bags, 11.25-oz. Dunkie bags, 12.2-oz. Sweet Sixteen Dunkie bags and 3-oz. single-serve sleeves.

July 25, 2011
Lansinoh acquires Earth Friendly Baby brand

Lansinoh Labs has announced the acquisition of the Earth Friendly Baby brand of natural shampoos, bubble bath and skin care products.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Lansinoh Labs has announced the acquisition of the Earth Friendly Baby brand of natural shampoos, bubble bath and skin care products.

July 25, 2011
Nivea celebrates anniversary with pop-up experience in New York

Beiersdorf's Nivea skin care brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary and is bringing the party to New York with a free, five-day pop-up experience in Grand Central Terminal, as part of the yearlong celebration.

NEW YORK — Beiersdorf's Nivea skin care brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary and is bringing the party to New York with a free, five-day pop-up experience in Grand Central Terminal, as part of the yearlong celebration.

The Nivea 100 Year House, located in the West Wing of Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall, will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 25, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26 through Friday, July 29.

July 25, 2011
Prasco to sell authorized generic of Ponstel

Prasco Labs has contracted to sell an authorized generic version of a painkiller made by Shionogi, Prasco said Monday.

CINCINNATI — Prasco Labs has contracted to sell an authorized generic version of a painkiller made by Shionogi, Prasco said Monday.

Under the agreement between the two companies, Prasco will market and distribute an authorized generic version of Ponstel (mefenamic acid) capsules in the 250-mg strength.

July 25, 2011
Rite Aid kicks off back-to-school deals

Rite Aid is offering specials on back-to-school items for the upcoming shopping season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering specials on back-to-school items for the upcoming shopping season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

The National Retail Federation predicted that the weak economy will drive many shoppers to seek items on sale, and 1-in-5 shoppers will look for items at the local drug store. Weekly specials will be featured in circulars during the season, and Rite Aid stores situated near college campuses will carry extra items for students living in dorm rooms.

July 25, 2011
Secret introduces anti-bullying campaign with help from 'Glee' star

In its ongoing commitment to support fearless women, Secret Deodorant has created the Mean Stinks program, a supportive Facebook community that gives young women the courage to stand up to a stinky behavior: bullying.

NEW YORK — In its ongoing commitment to support fearless women, Secret Deodorant has created the Mean Stinks program, a supportive Facebook community that gives young women the courage to stand up to a stinky behavior: bullying.

To help this cause, Secret is partnering with relatable role models — Amber Riley, best known as Mercedes on the hit Fox show "Glee," and nationally renowned relationship expert Rachel Simmons — to start a movement of "nice."

July 25, 2011
Sheets awarded 2011 Best New Product honor at ECRM

An energy strips brand that recently hit the market was honored with the 2011 Best New Product Award at the Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing Diet, Vitamin and Sports Nutrition Show.

NEW YORK — An energy strips brand that recently hit the market was honored with the 2011 Best New Product Award at the Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing Diet, Vitamin and Sports Nutrition Show.

The award, presented by Drug Store News and ECRM, was voted on by the show's attending buyers and distributors. This year's event was held in Champions Gate, Fla., from July 17 through July 20.

July 25, 2011
United Natural Foods inks deal with Safeway

A food distributor has penned a three-year agreement with a supermarket chain to provide customers with nonproprietary natural, organic and specialty products.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A food distributor has penned a three-year agreement with a supermarket chain to provide customers with nonproprietary natural, organic and specialty products.

United Natural Foods said it will assume distribution to all of Safeway's banners, effective this October. The company said it is expecting a brief transition period from Safeway's current distributors.

July 25, 2011
VoicePort partners with Unwired Nation to extend platforms to mobile apps

Speech-recognition software developer VoicePort and mobile-applications-as-a-service company Unwired Nation have entered an agreement to port the former’s customer service software to smartphones and tablets, the companies said.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Speech-recognition software developer VoicePort and mobile-applications-as-a-service company Unwired Nation have entered an agreement to port the former’s customer service software to smartphones and tablets, the companies said.

Rochester, N.Y.-based VoicePort and Austin, Texas-based Unwired Nation will use VoicePort’s Kinita and PharmaPhonetics platform to create mobile apps. VoicePort’s software uses advanced speech recognition self-service technology to automate interactions for the pharmacy and pharmaceutical industries.

July 25, 2011
Walgreens goes digital with online greeting card service

PNI Digital Media on Monday announced an agreement with Walgreens to provide and operate an online stationery service for the Chicago-based pharmacy.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — PNI Digital Media on Monday announced an agreement with Walgreens to provide and operate an online stationery service for the Chicago-based pharmacy.

The service will allow Walgreens customers to create and customize unique cards, invitations and other printed material, including personalized photobooks and photo calendars, wedding invitations and business cards.

According to reports, the PNI Digital Media Platform reaches more than 14,000 retail locations around the world, 9,000 of which offer a one-hour pickup service.

July 25, 2011
Walgreens positions itself as 'healthcare oasis' by combating food deserts

While Walgreens is not alone in its pledge to serve up food oasis stores across urban deserts peppered by supersize-me fast food joints and convenience stores, the Chicago-based chain certainly has made the greatest commitment. In addition, Walgreens is serving up some pretty extensive access to health care along with their focus on “fresh.”

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — While Walgreens is not alone in its pledge to serve up food oasis stores across urban deserts peppered by supersize-me fast food joints and convenience stores, the Chicago-based chain certainly has made the greatest commitment. In addition, Walgreens is serving up some pretty extensive access to health care along with their focus on “fresh.”

July 25, 2011
Walmart, SymphonyIRI to introduce Customer Advantage platform

Just days after announcing a cooperation agreement with Nielsen, Walmart has entered a new relationship with SymphonyIRI Group, through which the two will develop a solution that supports the retailer's customer-centric initiatives.

CHICAGO — Just days after announcing a cooperation agreement with Nielsen, Walmart has entered a new relationship with SymphonyIRI Group, through which the two will develop a solution that supports the retailer's customer-centric initiatives.

July 25, 2011
Watson seeks to market generic Jalyn

Watson Pharmaceuticals is hoping to be the first to market a generic version of a GlaxoSmithKline drug for men with an enlarged prostate, Watson said.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals is hoping to be the first to market a generic version of a GlaxoSmithKline drug for men with an enlarged prostate, Watson said.

Watson announced that it filed a regulatory approval application to market a generic version of GSK’s Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride) capsules, a treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with enlarged prostates.

July 25, 2011
Welchol oral suspension now can be mixed with fruit juice, diet soft drinks or water

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new means of administration for a drug made by Daiichi Sankyo, the drug maker said Monday.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new means of administration for a drug made by Daiichi Sankyo, the drug maker said Monday.

Daiichi Sankyo announced the FDA approval of Welchol (colesevelam hydrochloride) for oral suspension to be mixed with fruit juice or diet soft drinks. The drug, used to improve blood-sugar control and cholesterol levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol, received approval in 2009 for mixing with water.

July 25, 2011
What Walmart's rumored acquisition would mean for Rite Aid's West Coast operations

If the rumors that surfaced last week about Walmart eyeing Rite Aid for a possible buyout turn out to be true, it would be one of the biggest stories of the year: Walmart would acquire the country’s third-largest drug store chain and more than double its U.S. store count.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — If the rumors that surfaced last week about Walmart eyeing Rite Aid for a possible buyout turn out to be true, it would be one of the biggest stories of the year: Walmart would acquire the country’s third-largest drug store chain and more than double its U.S. store count.

(THE NEWS: Report: Walmart may be eyeing Rite Aid. For the full story, click here)

July 25, 2011
Whole Foods launches charity to help kids get healthy food

Whole Foods Market announced that it has launched the Whole Kids Foundation, a charitable organization that will provide children with access to healthy food choices through partnerships with schools, educators and organizations.

AUSTIN — Whole Foods Market announced that it has launched the Whole Kids Foundation, a charitable organization that will provide children with access to healthy food choices through partnerships with schools, educators and organizations.

July 22, 2011
American Diabetes Association introduces guide for mothers with Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes

The American Diabetes Association has released a new guide catering to diabetic women that are planning to expand their brood and those who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Diabetes Association has released a new guide catering to diabetic women that are planning to expand their brood and those who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

July 22, 2011
AmerisourceBergen shows off new initiatives for Good Neighbor Pharmacy

AmerisourceBergen on Thursday showcased a number of initiatives for its Good Neighbor Pharmacy independent franchise operations following its National Healthcare Conference and Exposition held in Las Vegas through the past week.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen on Thursday showcased a number of initiatives for its Good Neighbor Pharmacy independent franchise operations following its National Healthcare Conference and Exposition held in Las Vegas through the past week.

July 22, 2011
Bergmann named Supervalu's independent business organization president

Supervalu's group VP independent sales, marketing and merchandising is stepping into a new role at the company.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu's group VP independent sales, marketing and merchandising is stepping into a new role at the company.

Leon Bergmann will become president of the retailer's independent business organization, Supervalu announced Thursday. Bergmann is replacing Mark Anderson, who is retiring this summer.

July 22, 2011
Bristol to acquire Amira

Bristol-Myers Squibb will acquire San Diego-based Amira Pharmaceuticals for $325 million, the two companies said Friday.

NEW YORK — Bristol-Myers Squibb will acquire San Diego-based Amira Pharmaceuticals for $325 million, the two companies said Friday.

Amira develops pharmaceutical drugs for treating inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, and the deal includes milestone payments of up to $150 million on top of the upfront purchase price. Amira’s drugs include AM152, an investigational treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, currently in early-stage clinical trials and set to enter mid-stage trials.