Content about Health & Wellness

April 6, 2011
Walk with Walgreens kicks off in New York's Times Square

Walgreens on Wednesday morning launched a national health initiative, Walk with Walgreens, at its flagship store in Times Square.

NEW YORK — Walgreens on Wednesday morning launched a national health initiative, Walk with Walgreens, here at its flagship store in Times Square.

The new initiative was created to lead to the prevention and early detection of leading diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes, the pharmacy operator stated.

April 5, 2011
Bioniche Pharma launches generic Sandostatin

Mylan subsidiary Bioniche Pharma has launched an injectable treatment for a rare metabolic disorder, Mylan said Tuesday.

PITTSBURGH — Mylan subsidiary Bioniche Pharma has launched an injectable treatment for a rare metabolic disorder, Mylan said Tuesday.

Mylan announced the launch of octreotide acetate injection in prefilled syringes, a generic version of Novartis’ Sandostatin, used to treat the disorder acromegaly and suppress or inhibit severe diarrhea related to certain tumors. Acromegaly results from excess growth hormone produced in the pituitary gland, causing fatigue and weakness, body odor and carpal tunnel syndrome.

April 5, 2011
FDA simplifies food recall search for consumers

The Food and Drug Administration Tuesday unveiled its easier-to-use search engine for consumers that are concerned about food and other product recalls.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration Tuesday unveiled its easier-to-use search engine for consumers that are concerned about food and other product recalls.

April 5, 2011
Identigene announces winners of online video contest

In coordination with STD Awareness Month, Identigene last week announced the two winners of the company’s “Talk About STDs” online video contest, each of which received cash prizes of $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.

SALT LAKE CITY — In coordination with STD Awareness Month, Identigene last week announced the two winners of the company’s “Talk About STDs” online video contest, each of which received cash prizes of $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.

April 5, 2011
Mark Cieslinski named Help Remedies' SVP sales

Help Remedies on Monday named 20-year industry veteran Mark Cieslinski SVP sales.

NEW YORK — Help Remedies on Monday named 20-year industry veteran Mark Cieslinski SVP sales.

“We are excited to have Mark’s energy, enthusiasm and retail partnership experience as we expand on a national level,” stated Help Remedies CEO Richard Fine.

April 5, 2011
Merck eyes Inspire

Drug maker Merck is looking to boost its eye care portfolio by acquiring a company focused on developing and commercializing ophthalmic products. The deal carries a cash value of about $430 million.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Drug maker Merck is looking to boost its eye care portfolio by acquiring a company focused on developing and commercializing ophthalmic products. The deal carries a cash value of about $430 million.

April 5, 2011
Nipro receives award from South Florida Manufacturers Association

Nipro Diagnostics last month was named the South Florida Manufacturer of the Year in the 200-plus employee category by the South Florida Manufacturers Association. The award was presented March 23 at the 32nd Annual Recognition of Excellence Awards Banquet.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Nipro Diagnostics last month was named the South Florida Manufacturer of the Year in the 200-plus employee category by the South Florida Manufacturers Association. The award was presented March 23 at the 32nd Annual Recognition of Excellence Awards Banquet.

April 5, 2011
Sam's Club awards programs that promote healthy living

The philanthropic arm of Sam's Club has committed funds to organizations that promote healthy living.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The philanthropic arm of Sam's Club has committed funds to organizations that promote healthy living.

The Sam's Club Giving Program said it will award more than $2.8 million to prevention and awareness programs — which include YMCA of the USA, Sesame Workshop, Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the OASIS Institute — that emphasize positive lifestyle changes and help reduce such conditions as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and more.

April 5, 2011
Senate repeals 1099 tax reporting requirement

The U.S. Senate Tuesday voted to repeal a law that posed a burdensome tax reporting requirement for businesses.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate Tuesday voted to repeal a law that posed a burdensome tax reporting requirement for businesses.

In an 87-12 decision, the legislative body passed H.R. 4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act, sponsored by Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif. The bill repeals a provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 that required businesses to file a Form 1099 with the Internal Revenue Service whenever they made noncredit-card payments totaling $600 or more to a vendor during a single year.

April 5, 2011
Takeda tries to block Impax's launch of generic Dexilant

Generic drug maker Impax Labs is hoping to become the first to market a version of a gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment made by Takeda Pharmaceutical.

HAYWARD, Calif. — Generic drug maker Impax Labs is hoping to become the first to market a version of a gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment made by Takeda Pharmaceutical.

Impax said Tuesday that it had filed an approval application with the Food and Drug Administration for dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules in the 30-mg and 60-mg strengths. The drug is a version of Takeda’s Dexilant.

April 5, 2011
Takeda: Dexilant, Prevacid have less inhibiting effects on Plavix's efficacy than counterparts

Studies have indicated that proton-pump inhibitors, used for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, reduce the efficacy of a popular blood-thinning drug, but Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America announced on Tuesday the results of a new study indicating that its own PPIs may have less of an effect.

NEW ORLEANS — Studies have indicated that proton-pump inhibitors, used for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, reduce the efficacy of a popular blood-thinning drug, but Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America announced on Tuesday the results of a new study indicating that its own PPIs may have less of an effect.

April 5, 2011
Viramune XR approved by the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals' single-pill antiretroviral for HIV-1 patients, BI said Tuesday.

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals' single-pill antiretroviral for HIV-1 patients, BI said Tuesday.

The FDA approved Viramune XR (nevirapine), a single-pill, once-daily, extended-release formulation of nevirapine for use in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.

April 4, 2011
Drew Crawford takes helm at Benecard PBF

Former Caremark Rx executive Drew Crawford has been appointed president and CEO of Benecard PBF, an administrator of prescription benefits and services to public and private plan sponsors.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Former Caremark Rx executive Drew Crawford has been appointed president and CEO of Benecard PBF, an administrator of prescription benefits and services to public and private plan sponsors.

Crawford is a former member of the executive management of Caremark Rx and is the son of Mac Crawford, who served as chairman, president and CEO of Caremark Rx and also is the former chairman of CVS Caremark.

April 4, 2011
Intellipharmaceutics seeks to market generic Seroquel XR

Canadian drug maker Intellipharmaceutics International is seeking approval for a generic version of a treatment for mental disorders.

TORONTO — Canadian drug maker Intellipharmaceutics International is seeking approval for a generic version of a treatment for mental disorders.

Intellipharmaceutics announced Monday that it had filed an application with the Food and Drug Administration for quetiapine fumarate extended-release tablets, a generic version of AstraZeneca’s Seroquel XR.

April 4, 2011
Kansas pharmacy school dean receives award

The dean of the Kansas University School of Pharmacy has won an award in recognition for service to the elderly, according to published reports.

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The dean of the Kansas University School of Pharmacy has won an award in recognition for service to the elderly, according to published reports.

The Lawrence Journal World reported Monday that dean Ken Audus had won the Douglas County Senior Center’s Seaver Award.

The article noted that the school has started many programs for local residents, such as health fairs and free bone-density screenings.

April 4, 2011
Lilly launches Axiron

A topical medication for treating low testosterone in men now is available, drug maker Eli Lilly said.

INDIANAPOLIS — A topical medication for treating low testosterone in men now is available, drug maker Eli Lilly said.

Lilly announced the availability of Axiron (testosterone), a topical solution designed for application under the arm.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Axiron in November, making it the only testosterone replacement therapy applied to the underarm.

April 4, 2011
Mylan's generic Xalatan receives regulatory approval

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug made by Mylan that reduces pressure in the eye, Mylan said Monday.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug made by Mylan that reduces pressure in the eye, Mylan said Monday.

Mylan announced the approval of latanoprost ophthalmic solution in the 0.005% strength. The drug is a generic version of Xalatan, made by Pharmacia and Upjohn, now part of Pfizer.

Various versions of the drug had sales of around $711 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

April 4, 2011
NACDS responds to proposed Rx labeling recommendations

Following the release of U.S. Pharmacopeia's Proposed General Chapter Prescription Container Labeling recommendations, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores issued a letter to USP urging flexibility and an open dialogue with pharmacy and prescriber communities as review of the recommendations continues.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Following the release of U.S. Pharmacopeia's Proposed General Chapter Prescription Container Labeling recommendations, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores issued a letter to USP urging flexibility and an open dialogue with pharmacy and prescriber communities as review of the recommendations continues.

April 4, 2011
New Cardinal Health toolkit helps independent pharmacists with social media outreach

Cardinal Health on Monday released the independent pharmacist’s social media toolkit, available exclusively to its independent retail pharmacy customers in recognition of the fundamental change in how independent pharmacies interact today with their patients and market their businesses.

DUBLIN, Ohio — Cardinal Health on Monday released the independent pharmacist’s social media toolkit, available exclusively to its independent retail pharmacy customers in recognition of the fundamental change in how independent pharmacies interact today with their patients and market their businesses.

April 4, 2011
PL Developments to sell, distribute store-brand generic Zegerid OTC

PL Developments on Monday announced that it has acquired the exclusive rights to sell and distribute store-brand over-the-counter versions of omeprazole sodium bicarbonate capsules, the generic version of Merck’s Zegerid OTC.

WESTBURY, N.Y. — PL Developments on Monday announced that it has acquired the exclusive rights to sell and distribute store-brand over-the-counter versions of omeprazole sodium bicarbonate capsules, the generic version of Merck’s Zegerid OTC.

Par Pharmaceutical currently has approval for the prescription product and has filed for the OTC version. Upon FDA approval and upon favorable resolution of intellectual property litigation, PL Developments will begin marketing the new store-brand proton-pump inhibitor, the company stated.

April 4, 2011
Report: Sanofi-Aventis may shorten name

French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis may get a name change soon, according to a published report.

NEW YORK — French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis may get a name change soon, according to a published report.

Bloomberg reported that the drug maker had scheduled a vote at its May 6 stockholders meeting to shorten the name to “Sanofi.” The article paraphrased a spokesman as saying that the current name is difficult for people in some countries to pronounce.

The Sanofi-Aventis name came into being following the 2004 acquisition of Aventis by Sanofi-Synthelabo.

April 4, 2011
Walgreens' executive client forum emphasizes employer health programs

Representatives from leading employers and payers met Monday to discuss the evolving role of employers in health care at the first Walgreens Employer Health and Wellness Executive Client Forum.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Representatives from leading employers and payers met Monday to discuss the evolving role of employers in health care at the first Walgreens Employer Health and Wellness Executive Client Forum.

The event features presentations from Walgreens executives on clinical outcomes data supporting the benefits of utilizing employer health programs beyond traditional services.

April 1, 2011
DDF develops calendar of events to prevent diabetes, complications

A nonprofit charity that focuses on diabetes prevention efforts announced the launch of a calendar of events on its website, in line with what has been designated as Defeat Diabetes Month.

MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — A nonprofit charity that focuses on diabetes prevention efforts announced the launch of a calendar of events on its website, in line with what has been designated as Defeat Diabetes Month.

The Defeat Diabetes Foundation said that the calendar is designed to empower families with tools to prevent diabetes or related complications. The calendar also provides links to articles, downloads, tools, puzzles and games, nutrition tips, healthy recipes and more.

April 1, 2011
Impax says Parkinson's disease treatment is safe, effective

An investigational drug for Parkinson’s disease was safe and effective, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial scheduled for presentation next week.

HAYWARD, Calif. — An investigational drug for Parkinson’s disease was safe and effective, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial scheduled for presentation next week.

Impax Pharmaceuticals, the branded products division of Impax Labs, said it would present data from a phase-3 trial of extended-release IPX066 (carbidopa-levodopa) at the American Academy of Neurology Conference’s annual meeting in Hawaii, which takes place from April 9 through April 16.

The company also said there were no unexpected serious side effects observed in patients.

April 1, 2011
USDA features Purell product as BioPreferred

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has chosen Purell green certified instant hand sanitizer foam as a featured product for the formal launch of its new BioPreferred label program.

AKRON, Ohio — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has chosen Purell green certified instant hand sanitizer foam as a featured product for the formal launch of its new BioPreferred label program.

USDA deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan made the announcement Thursday at a biobased product meeting in Glenwillow, Ohio.