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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 29, 2011
Study: Unintentional drug overdoses 'epidemic' driven by prescription opioid use

The number of unintentional deaths from overdosing on prescription opioid painkillers in 2007 was greater than those from heroin and cocaine combined, according to a new study by medical researchers at the University of North Carolina, Duke University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who in particular called such deaths among teenagers and adults a national epidemic.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The number of unintentional deaths from overdosing on prescription opioid painkillers in 2007 was greater than those from heroin and cocaine combined, according to a new study by medical researchers at the University of North Carolina, Duke University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who in particular called such deaths among teenagers and adults a national epidemic.

April 29, 2011
Walmart pledges $1 million for tornado relief

Walmart announced that through its charitable arm, the Walmart Foundation, it is committing $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to support emergency relief efforts following the recent Southern storms, Midwest floods and Texas wildfires.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that through its charitable arm, the Walmart Foundation, it is committing $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to support emergency relief efforts following the recent Southern storms, Midwest floods and Texas wildfires.

April 29, 2011
Weis expands 2011 cap ex budget

Weis Markets on Thursday announced an increase of its 2011 capital expenditure budget by 7% to $110 million. The current budget includes 14 major remodels, two additions and three new/replacement stores.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Thursday announced an increase of its 2011 capital expenditure budget by 7% to $110 million. The current budget includes 14 major remodels, two additions and three new/replacement stores.

The company currently is building a replacement unit near Reading, a new unit near Easton and a replacement unit near State College, all in Pennsylvania.

April 29, 2011
WheyUp introduces weight-loss beverage

WheyUp on Wednesday announced the launch of its weight-loss beverage WheyUp, which features 20 g of protein, 1 g of carbs and 90 calories per bottle.

TEMPE, Ariz. — WheyUp on Wednesday announced the launch of its weight-loss beverage WheyUp, which features 20 g of protein, 1 g of carbs and 90 calories per bottle.

“WheyUp is the first preworkout drink to market a unique protein beverage that combines whey protein with caffeine,” WheyUp president Erik Rothchild said. “WheyUp is ideal for gaining lean muscle or losing weight, depending upon how and when you drink it.”

April 29, 2011
Zytiga OKed as prostate cancer treatment

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for prostate cancer made by Johnson & Johnson.

HORSHAM, Pa. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for prostate cancer made by Johnson & Johnson.

Centocor Ortho Biotech, J&J’s biotech subsidiary, announced Thursday the approval of Zytiga (abiraterone acetate), a daily pill for use in combination with the corticosteroid prednisone for treating castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in men who have received prior chemotherapy with Sanofi-Aventis’ Taxotere (docetaxel).

April 28, 2011
Mississippi Pharmacy Practice Act signed into law

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour recently signed into law the Mississippi Pharmacy Practice Act, which establishes oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (defined as nonresident pharmacies) by the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour recently signed into law the Mississippi Pharmacy Practice Act, which establishes oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (defined as nonresident pharmacies) by the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy.

The law goes into effect July 1.

April 28, 2011
APF expands PainSafe educational initiative with new information, resources

The American Pain Foundation on Wednesday launched new information and resources on pain medication safety for acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as part of its PainSafe educational initiative.

BALTIMORE — The American Pain Foundation on Wednesday launched new information and resources on pain medication safety for acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as part of its PainSafe educational initiative.

The new information will be launched with a national public service announcement emphasizing the safe use of pain treatment options, particularly medications containing NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen) and acetaminophen (Tylenol and APAP).

April 28, 2011
Bayer extends sponsorship agreement with World Federation of Hemophilia

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and the World Federation of Hemophilia announced Thursday a three-year extension of Bayer’s sponsorship agreement with the WFH.

MONTVILLE, N.J. — Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and the World Federation of Hemophilia announced Thursday a three-year extension of Bayer’s sponsorship agreement with the WFH.

The agreement calls for Bayer to serve as the sole sponsor of the WFH’s International Hemophilia Training Centre program and provide support for other activities of the organiztion, such as its website and Congress. The program trains healthcare professionals in developing countries in diagnosis and management of hemophilia and related bleeding disorders.

April 28, 2011
Beanfields introduces new tortilla chips

Beanfields has introduced a new line of corn- and gluten-free tortilla chips.

LOS ANGELES — Beanfields has introduced a new line of corn- and gluten-free tortilla chips.

Beanfields' bean and rice chips are made with black beans, navy beans and long-grain rice. The company said the line includes four flavors: naturally unsalted, sea salt, sea salt and pepper, and pico de gallo.

A 6-oz. bag of Beanfields chips retails from $2.99 to $3.99.

April 28, 2011
CDC: Low availability of healthy foods in most states

Many states need to improve healthy food access to promote healthy eating habits and curb obesity among children, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ATLANTA — Many states need to improve healthy food access to promote healthy eating habits and curb obesity among children, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC's "2011 Children's Food Environment State Indicator Report" found that 32-out-of-50 states (along with the District of Columbia) scored at or below the national average for the Modified Retail Food Environment Index, a measure of the proportion of food retailers that typically sell healthy foods within a state.

April 28, 2011
Colgate-Palmolive sees boost in sales

Colgate-Palmolive announced on Thursday that worldwide net sales rose 4.5% during the first quarter as net income and diluted earnings per share totaled $576 million and $1.16, respectively.

NEW YORK — Colgate-Palmolive announced on Thursday that worldwide net sales rose 4.5% during the first quarter as net income and diluted earnings per share totaled $576 million and $1.16, respectively.

Worldwide net sales totaled about $4 billion during the first quarter, an increase of 4.5% compared with the year-ago period. Organic sales grew 1.5%.

April 28, 2011
Consumer confidence up despite rising gas prices

Consumer confidence recovered somewhat in April, though the impact of rising gasoline prices still is evident, according to data released Tuesday by the Conference Board.

NEW YORK — Consumer confidence recovered somewhat in April, though the impact of rising gasoline prices still is evident, according to data released Tuesday by the Conference Board.

The confidence index hit 65.4 in April, from an upwardly revised 63.8 in March. The reading still is below the 72.0 mark of February.

April 28, 2011
Costco increases dividend, announces share buyback

Wholesaler Costco on Tuesday said its board of directors has approved a $4 billion share buyback program. The company also raised its quarterly dividend by 17% to 24 cents, up from 20.5 cents.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Wholesaler Costco on Tuesday said its board of directors has approved a $4 billion share buyback program. The company also raised its quarterly dividend by 17% to 24 cents, up from 20.5 cents.

The share buyback program expires in April 2015 and replaces a previous plan set to expire in July, which had $800 million remaining, the company said.

April 28, 2011
Court upholds Lilly's patent for Cymbalta

Drug maker Eli Lilly will get at least two more years of patent exclusivity on a drug used to treat depression, anxiety and pain resulting from diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia, thanks to a court order issued Wednesday.

INDIANAPOLIS — Drug maker Eli Lilly will get at least two more years of patent exclusivity on a drug used to treat depression, anxiety and pain resulting from diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia, thanks to a court order issued Wednesday.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana ruled to forbid Wockhardt and other generic drug companies from selling generic versions of Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) until patent protection expires, which is expected to occur in June 2013.

April 28, 2011
CVS Caremark to complete acquisition of Universal American's Part D business

CVS Caremark is expected to complete its acquisition of the Medicare Part D business of Universal American on April 29, the company has announced.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark is expected to complete its acquisition of the Medicare Part D business of Universal American on April 29, the company has announced.

As previously reported, CVS Caremark will pay Universal American shareholders cash consideration of $1.25 billion plus the excess capital in the entities that operate Universal American's Medicare Part D business, less Universal American's outstanding trust preferred securities, which are being assumed by CVS Caremark.

April 28, 2011
Don Francisco's Coffee introduces limited-edition coffee to benefit MS campaign

Don Francisco's Coffee announced an exclusive and limited-edition coffee created for the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis.

LOS ANGELES — Don Francisco's Coffee announced an exclusive and limited-edition coffee created for the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis.

The 10-oz. Don Francisco's Blend to Erase MS ground coffee bags were created for the "Orange You Happy to Erase MS" awareness campaign and feature the Orange You Happy to Erase MS logo. The bold roast features a hint of smoky, caramel and dark chocolate flavors and retails for $7.99.

April 28, 2011
Frito-Lay breaks Guinness World Record for Facebook 'likes'

Frito-Lay fans really "like" the brand.

PLANO, Texas — Frito-Lay fans really "like" the brand.

The PepsiCo division said that its growing Facebook fan base has helped it garner the Guinness World Record title for "Most Fans on Facebook in 24 Hours," with nearly 1.6 million "likes" in one day, which occurred April 11.

To celebrate this achievement, Frito-Lay is giving away a coupon for a free bag of chips on its Facebook page to the first 24,000 consumers that "like" Frito-Lay, starting on April 29 at 2 p.m. Central Standard Time.

April 28, 2011
Health Station Networks to acquire Sentry Health Monitors

Health Station Networks will acquire “substantially all” of the assets of Sentry Health Monitors, which owns and operates more than 20,000 health monitors in pharmacies and other locations in the United States and Canada previously owned by Lifeclinic International, under a binding letter of intent.

SALT LAKE CITY — Health Station Networks will acquire “substantially all” of the assets of Sentry Health Monitors, which owns and operates more than 20,000 health monitors in pharmacies and other locations in the United States and Canada previously owned by Lifeclinic International, under a binding letter of intent.

April 28, 2011
Merck closer to acquiring Inspire

Merck has cleared a hurdle in its effort to buy eye care company Inspire Pharmaceuticals for $430 million, the company said Thursday.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck has cleared a hurdle in its effort to buy eye care company Inspire Pharmaceuticals for $430 million, the company said Thursday.

The expiration of the waiting period mandated by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 brings Merck one step closer to acquiring Inspire.

Merck announced its intention to buy Raleigh, N.C.-based Inspire for $5 per share on April 15.

April 28, 2011
MillerCoors promotes Tom Long to CEO

The joint venture of SABMiller and Molson Coors has appointed a new CEO.

DENVER — The joint venture of SABMiller and Molson Coors has appointed a new CEO.

MillerCoors on Wednesday said that it is promoting its current chief commercial officer, Tom Long, to CEO, following the retirement of current CEO Leo Kiely, who will leave his post June 1.

April 28, 2011
Navarro Discount Pharmacy launches mobile app

Navarro Discount Pharmacy, which operates 28 stores in the Miami area, has launched a free pharmacy mobile application for its customers.

MIAMI — Navarro Discount Pharmacy, which operates 28 stores in the Miami area, has launched a free pharmacy mobile application for its customers.

The new Navarro Rx App, m.navarro.com, is available for cell phones and smartphones, including iPhone, BlackBerry, Android and Windows Mobile 7 (coming soon), and also supports two-way interactive SMS messaging.

The mobile app enables customers to manage their prescriptions and related health information directly from their mobile device. Features include:

April 28, 2011
P&G's beauty, grooming segments see growth

Procter & Gamble announced on Thursday that its beauty and grooming segments posted single-digit increases in net sales during the third quarter.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble announced on Thursday that its beauty and grooming segments posted single-digit increases in net sales during the third quarter.

Beauty net sales rose 5% to $4.9 billion, on 5% volume growth. Organic volume, which excludes the net impact of Zest and minor fragrance divestitures, increased 6%, and organic sales grew 4%. The company noted that volume growth was driven by double-digit growth in developing regions, while volume in developed regions was flat.