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April 5, 2011
Simon launches installation of electric vehicle charging stations

Mall owner Simon Property Group announced Tuesday that it has completed its first installation of an electric vehicle charging station at one of its shopping centers.

INDIANAPOLIS — Mall owner Simon Property Group announced Tuesday that it has completed its first installation of an electric vehicle charging station at one of its shopping centers.

The initial installation has been completed at Simon's Florida Mall in Orlando and will be complete at Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, Calif., later in April.

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 5, 2011
Walgreens' March sales jump

Walgreens on Tuesday reported March sales of $6.3 billion, an increase of 7.6%. Duane Reade stores, acquired in April 2010, contributed 280 basis points to the total sales increase for the month.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday reported March sales of $6.3 billion, an increase of 7.6%. Duane Reade stores, acquired in April 2010, contributed 280 basis points to the total sales increase for the month.

Total front-end sales increased 8.4% in March, including 470 basis points from Duane Reade stores. Despite the negative impact of this year’s later Easter, which falls on April 24 compared with April 4 last year, comparable-store front-end sales increased 1.6%. Customer traffic in comparable stores increased 0.8%, while basket size increased 0.8%.

April 4, 2011
A&P highlights Kosher offerings for Passover holiday

Grocer A&P has kicked off a new initiative to expand its Kosher product offerings in time for the Passover holiday season.

MONTVALE, N.J. — Grocer A&P has kicked off a new initiative to expand its Kosher product offerings in time for the Passover holiday season.

From now through April 28, Passover shoppers at select A&P, Pathmark, Waldbaum's and Food Emporium stores serving Jewish communities throughout the tri-state area will find new and improved Kosher grocery selections, the retailer stated. Enhanced offerings include Kosher prepared foods and deli meats.

April 4, 2011
CandyRific puts 'twist' on Mike and Ike

CandyRific is boosting Mike and Ike candy offerings with new items.

NEW YORK — CandyRific is boosting Mike and Ike candy offerings with new items.

April 4, 2011
Coca-Cola's PlantBottle packaging for Dasani, Odwalla debuts

Coca-Cola's 100% recyclable beverage packages have premiered on store shelves.

ATLANTA — Coca-Cola's 100% recyclable beverage packages have premiered on store shelves.

The company's Dasani and Odwalla brands' single-serving bottles now will feature PlantBottle packaging, which is touted as the first-ever fully recyclable plastic beverage bottle produced using plants.

Coca-Cola said that in 2010, more than 2.5 billion PlantBottle packages were available across nine countries. For 2011, that number is expected to double to more than 5 billion PlantBottle packages in more than 15 countries.

April 4, 2011
Daiichi Sankyo appoints new CEO

Daiichi Sankyo's SVP commercial operations has taken on a new role at the company.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Daiichi Sankyo's SVP commercial operations has taken on a new role at the company.

The drug maker said that John Gargiulo would become president and CEO, effective Monday, following the retirement of current leader Joseph Pieroni.

Gargiulo has been with Daiichi Sankyo since its inception in 1996. In addition to his role at the company, he currently serves on the board of directors of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association, as well as the National Pharmaceutical Council.

April 4, 2011
David Neu named ABDC president

AmerisourceBergen on Monday promoted David Neu, 53, to president of AmerisourceBergen Drug, the company's largest operating unit, effective immediately. Neu, a 29-year veteran of the company, most recently was SVP operations.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen on Monday promoted David Neu, 53, to president of AmerisourceBergen Drug, the company's largest operating unit, effective immediately. Neu, a 29-year veteran of the company, most recently was SVP operations.

The role of president of AmerisourceBergen Drug previously was held by Steven Collis, currently EVP and COO. Collis recently was named to succeed David Yost as CEO upon Yost's retirement on July 1. In his new role, Neu will continue to report to Steven Collis.

April 4, 2011
Dove encourages women to 'go sleeveless' with new deodorant

Unilever is looking to help women "go sleeveless" with confidence with the launch of its new Dove Ultimate Go Sleeveless deodorant.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — A recent study found that nearly 100% of women think their underarms are unattractive, while more than half said that the condition on their underarms impacts their wardrobe choices. In response to this, Unilever is looking to help women "go sleeveless" with confidence with the launch of its new Dove Ultimate Go Sleeveless deodorant.

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
GNC underwriters exercise option to purchase additional shares

GNC Holdings on Monday announced, in connection with its previously announced initial public offering, the underwriters have exercised in full their option to purchase from the selling stockholders an additional 3.375 million shares of Class A common stock.

PITTSBURGH — GNC Holdings on Monday announced, in connection with its previously announced initial public offering, the underwriters have exercised in full their option to purchase from the selling stockholders an additional 3.375 million shares of Class A common stock.

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
Kmart reveals Hot 8 list for summer toys

Kmart has named the top eight toys for the summer.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart has named the top eight toys for the summer.

The toys on the Hot 8 list all are designed for outdoor use and are made by such brands as Power Wheels, Little Tikes and Fisher Price.

This year's Hot 8 list includes:

  • Banzai Splash Blast Lagoon pool;

April 4, 2011
Kroger discloses customer email breach

A database that held the names and email addresses of Kroger customers has been breached, the retailer announced.

CINCINNATI — A database that held the names and email addresses of Kroger customers has been breached, the retailer announced.

The supermarket conglomerate said that the incident occurred at its third-party vendor, Epsilon, which manages Kroger's customer email database and communications.

Kroger apologized to its customers and urged them not to open any messages from senders that they do not know, noting that Kroger would never ask for personal information (i.e., credit card or social security information) via email.

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
Mercy touts hangover prevention beverage

A new functional beverage that promises to help curb hangovers is hitting the market.

NEW YORK — A new functional beverage that promises to help curb hangovers is hitting the market.

Mercy said its namesake beverage is a 60-calorie drink that's formulated with amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins, which is designed to replenish the body with key nutrients and prevent such hangover symptoms as headaches and nausea from occurring, according to the company.

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
New Uncle Ben's campaign underscores family togetherness

A rice brand has kicked off a global campaign that encourages families to eat healthier and come together for meals.

RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif. — A rice brand has kicked off a global campaign that encourages families to eat healthier and come together for meals.

Uncle Ben's Begin with Ben campaign, which debuted in Europe and Canada earlier this year, has made its way to the United States. The campaign emphasizes home-cooked meals and simple solutions to make meals healthier by adding rice to a meal.

April 4, 2011
Pfizer to sell Capsugel to KKR

Pfizer will sell its Capsugel business to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. for nearly $2.4 billion, the drug maker said Monday.

PEAPACK, N.J. — Pfizer will sell its Capsugel business to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. for nearly $2.4 billion, the drug maker said Monday.

Capsugel, which develops hard capsules and drug-delivery systems, generated about $750 million in sales last year. The company will maintain its New Jersey headquarters after the sale is complete.

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.