Content about Final

April 22, 2011

In response to a Food and Drug Administration warning letter, Tec Labs announced on Thursday that the company plans to work with the agency regarding its StaphAseptic first-aid antiseptic and pain-relieving gel.

ALBANY, Ore. — In response to a Food and Drug Administration warning letter, Tec Labs announced on Thursday that the company plans to work with the agency regarding its StaphAseptic first-aid antiseptic and pain-relieving gel.

The FDA on Wednesday issued a total of four warning letters, including the one to Tec Labs, to companies that manufacture and market products claiming to prevent infection from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, or MRSA.

April 22, 2011

United Water and the National Community Pharmacists Association on Thursday announced a partnership to encourage people throughout the United States to properly dispose of their unused or expired medications in an environmentally friendly manner.

HARRINGTON PARK, N.J. — United Water and the National Community Pharmacists Association on Thursday announced a partnership to encourage people throughout the United States to properly dispose of their unused or expired medications in an environmentally friendly manner.

A major part of the campaign will center around the NCPA's website dedicated to the program — DisposeMyMeds.org — that directs people to their local independent pharmacy where they can drop off their unused medications.

April 22, 2011

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International is taking its case directly to Cephalon’s shareholders in its effort to acquire the Frazer, Pa.-based drug maker.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Valeant Pharmaceuticals International is taking its case directly to Cephalon’s shareholders in its effort to acquire the Frazer, Pa.-based drug maker.

In a letter to the shareholders Thursday, Valeant said its $73-per-share offer, totaling $5.7 billion, was a 29% premium over the 30-day stock price of Cephalon, noting that the price had declined over the last five years and that the average stock price in the month before the offer was $57, which Wall Street analysts didn’t expect to rise above $60.

April 22, 2011

Wegmans Food Markets and Walgreens have agreed to settle the lawsuit commenced by Walgreens in November 2010 in which the drug store chain claimed that certain Wegmans logos infringed Walgreens trademarks, the supermarket chain announced Friday.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wegmans Food Markets and Walgreens have agreed to settle the lawsuit commenced by Walgreens in November 2010 in which the drug store chain claimed that certain Wegmans logos infringed Walgreens trademarks, the supermarket chain announced Friday.

April 21, 2011

Specialty pharmacy provider Amber Pharmacy and pharmacy retailer Kubat Pharmacy have joined the first network to electronically exchange clinical patient information and medication therapy with healthcare providers in and around Nebraska, the Nebraska Health Information Initiative said Wednesday.

OMAHA, Neb. — Specialty pharmacy provider Amber Pharmacy and pharmacy retailer Kubat Pharmacy have joined the first network to electronically exchange clinical patient information and medication therapy with healthcare providers in and around Nebraska, the Nebraska Health Information Initiative said Wednesday.

April 21, 2011

Rite Aid is selling whooping cough vaccines to parents in California at a reduced price, the retailer said Thursday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is selling whooping cough vaccines to parents in California at a reduced price, the retailer said Thursday.

As of July 1, a new state law will require proof of vaccination for all students entering grades 7 through 12, and nearly all of the retail pharmacy chain’s 600 stores in California will be able to vaccinate walk-in patients or by appointment. The reduced-price vaccine will sell for $57.99.

April 21, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday issued four warning letters to companies that manufacture and market over-the-counter drug products, including hand sanitizers, that claim to prevent infection from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, or MRSA.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday issued four warning letters to companies that manufacture and market over-the-counter drug products, including hand sanitizers, that claim to prevent infection from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, or MRSA.

April 21, 2011

Companies that make vaccines, drugs and diagnostic tests for influenza will become key stakeholders in the World Health Organization’s Global Influenza Surveillance Network under an agreement reached at the Open Ended Working Group that WHO coordinated to support global preparedness for a future influenza pandemic.

LONDON — Companies that make vaccines, drugs and diagnostic tests for influenza will become key stakeholders in the World Health Organization’s Global Influenza Surveillance Network under an agreement reached at the Open Ended Working Group that WHO coordinated to support global preparedness for a future influenza pandemic.

April 21, 2011

GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant last week responded to the Food and Drug Administration's complete response letter for the companies' investigational anti-epileptic drug.

LONDON — GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant last week responded to the Food and Drug Administration's complete response letter for the companies' investigational anti-epileptic drug.

April 21, 2011

In celebration of Earth Day and as part of its commitment to incorporating sustainable practices into its day-to-day business operations, Harris Teeter announced it has aligned with vendors to offer promotions that will reward customers for their green decisions.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In celebration of Earth Day and as part of its commitment to incorporating sustainable practices into its day-to-day business operations, Harris Teeter announced it has aligned with vendors to offer promotions that will reward customers for their green decisions.

The retailer said that shoppers that sign up for its e-VIC loyalty program by Earth Day will receive a free Harris Teeter reusable shopping bag. What's more, VIC members will receive more loyalty points when they purchase the following products:

April 21, 2011

Supervalu banner Jewel-Osco on Wednesday announced its "Eating Healthy with my Diabetes" in-store tour schedule for 2011.

ITASCA, Ill. — Supervalu banner Jewel-Osco on Wednesday announced its "Eating Healthy with my Diabetes" in-store tour schedule for 2011. The free educational tours are designed to help customers learn to choose better-for-you foods and promote healthy eating, while incorporating foods they love into their meal plans.

April 21, 2011

Kroger's Southwest division, which consists of 208 stores in Texas and Louisiana, announced that it is continuing to reduce waste and conserve energy by moving forward with sustainable practices by renewing its three-step approach.

HOUSTON — Kroger's Southwest division, which consists of 208 stores in Texas and Louisiana, announced that it is continuing to reduce waste and conserve energy by moving forward with sustainable practices by renewing its three-step approach.

April 21, 2011

Merck and Sanofi Pasteur have started a late-stage clinical trial of a combination vaccine for six childhood diseases, the companies said Thursday.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck and Sanofi Pasteur have started a late-stage clinical trial of a combination vaccine for six childhood diseases, the companies said Thursday.

April 21, 2011

Navarro Discount Pharmacy has partnered with Continental National Bank of Miami to open an in-store bank branch inside Navarro's Hialeah Gardens store — marking the first bank in Florida to open an in-store bank in a drug store format.

MIAMI — Navarro Discount Pharmacy has partnered with Continental National Bank of Miami to open an in-store bank branch inside Navarro's Hialeah Gardens store — marking the first bank in Florida to open an in-store bank in a drug store format.

The mini-bank branch will include two teller windows, an ATM and one service desk where customers can speak with a bank representative. Extended hours will be available for an added convenience.

April 21, 2011

Local retail pharmacies are not just a place to get a prescription filled; they also offer several perks that can help consumers save time and money and live healthier lives. That was a key message in a recent "CBS News" segment.

NEW YORK — Local retail pharmacies are not just a place to get a prescription filled; they also offer several perks that can help consumers save time and money and live healthier lives. That was a key message in a recent "CBS News" segment.

The "Drugstore bonuses" segment on April 19 showcased an article in the May issue of ShopSmart magazine that focused on how pharmacy services make drug stores and pharmacists an ideal resource for patients.

April 21, 2011

An Ohio Department of Health study released Wednesday estimated that Ohio’s H1N1 vaccination efforts prevented 64 deaths, 1,400 hospitalizations and 310,402 cases of influenza during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The study also estimated that Ohio’s vaccination efforts saved the state $8.4 million in H1N1-related hospitalization costs.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio Department of Health study released Wednesday estimated that Ohio’s H1N1 vaccination efforts prevented 64 deaths, 1,400 hospitalizations and 310,402 cases of influenza during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The study also estimated that Ohio’s vaccination efforts saved the state $8.4 million in H1N1-related hospitalization costs.

April 21, 2011

The organic industry grew at a rate of nearly 8% to more than $28.6 billion, according to a recent survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — The organic industry grew at a rate of nearly 8% to more than $28.6 billion, according to a recent survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association.

"While total U.S. food sales grew by less than 1% in 2010, the organic food industry grew by 7.7%," said Christine Bushway, OTA's CEO and executive director. "Consumers continue to vote with their dollars in favor of the organic choice. These results illustrate the positive contribution organic agriculture and trade make to our economy, and particularly to rural livelihoods."

April 21, 2011

The American Podiatric Medical Association has awarded the APMA seal of acceptance to Performance Health’s Thera-Band First Step to Foot Relief, a first-line treatment plan for heel pain.

AKRON, Ohio — The American Podiatric Medical Association has awarded the APMA seal of acceptance to Performance Health’s Thera-Band First Step to Foot Relief, a first-line treatment plan for heel pain.

The seal is awarded to a product after the Committee on Podiatric Seals, a standing committee of the American Podiatric Medical Association, scientifically evaluates and determines whether the product allows normal foot function and promotes quality foot health.

April 21, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a diabetes drug made by Lupin Pharmaceuticals, according to published reports.

NEW DELHI — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a diabetes drug made by Lupin Pharmaceuticals, according to published reports.

The FDA approved Lupin’s metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, a generic version of Andrx Labs’ Fortamet.

Fortamet had sales of $83 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

April 21, 2011

The School Administrators Association of New York State will present its 2011 Friend of Education Award to Wegmans Food Markets and the Wegman family, the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer announced Wednesday.

ALBANY, N.Y. — The School Administrators Association of New York State will present its 2011 Friend of Education Award to Wegmans Food Markets and the Wegman family, the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer announced Wednesday.

“There are few organizations as dedicated to the future of [their] community and [their] young citizens [as] Wegmans,” stated Don Nickson, deputy executive director of SAANYS. “We are fortunate to have such a company based right here in western New York and are honored to recognize [its] commitment and service.”

April 21, 2011

Take Care Health Systems on Thursday announced a new relationship with Ochsner Health System that is expected to increase opportunities for clinical collaboration and improve patient access to high-quality, convenient and affordable healthcare options in the greater New Orleans area.

NEW ORLEANS — Take Care Health Systems on Thursday announced a new relationship with Ochsner Health System that is expected to increase opportunities for clinical collaboration and improve patient access to high-quality, convenient and affordable healthcare options in the greater New Orleans area.

April 21, 2011

Vitabath, a bath and body brand that dates back more than 50 years, is looking to attract a whole new generation of women with the introduction of 17 new body washes.

PHOENIX — Vitabath, a bath and body brand that dates back more than 50 years, is looking to attract a whole new generation of women with the introduction of 17 new body washes.

The brand's revival will begin with the rollout of lime citron basil, exclusive to Costco, in June. This will be followed by the release of the 16-scent Vitabath fragrance collection in July.

April 21, 2011

Watson Pharmaceuticals is hoping to become the first company to market a generic treatment for cholesterol.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals is hoping to become the first company to market a generic treatment for cholesterol.

The drug maker said Wednesday that it had filed with the Food and Drug Administration for approval of a generic version of Welchol (colesevelam hydrochloride) tablets in the 625-mg strength, made by Daiichi Sankyo, thus challenging the patents covering the drug.

April 21, 2011

Weis Markets on Thursday reported a 7% increase in sales, to $18.6 million, for the 13 weeks ended March 26.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Thursday reported a 7% increase in sales, to $18.6 million, for the 13 weeks ended March 26.

Basic and diluted earnings per share increased 6.2% to 69 cents per share, Weis reported.

Same-store sales were up 0.6%.

April 21, 2011

Whole Foods Market this week has introduced a comprehensive, color-coded rating system for household cleaners sold at its stores.

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market this week has introduced a comprehensive, color-coded rating system for household cleaners sold at its stores.

The new Eco-Scale rating system features tiered, green household cleaning standards where products are rated and classified based on the specific set of environmental and sourcing standards they each meet.

The Eco-Scale classifies household cleaners in the following categories:

  • Red-rated products do not meet the Eco-Scale standards and will be reformulated or phased out of Whole Foods Market;