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March 31, 2011
Peter Henry nominated to join Kraft's board

Kraft Foods said its board of directors has nominated Peter Henry as its newest member.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods said its board of directors has nominated Peter Henry as its newest member.

Henry, an international economist, is dean of New York University's Stern School of Business.

March 31, 2011
Poise taps Kris Jenner for campaign

The Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner has signed on to be part of Poise’s “Great Women in History” series, launched last year, to highlight the fact that many great women throughout history have had to contend with light bladder leakage, Poise manufacturer Kimberly-Clark announced Thursday.

NEW YORK — The Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner has signed on to be part of Poise’s “Great Women in History” series, launched last year, to highlight the fact that many great women throughout history have had to contend with light bladder leakage, Poise manufacturer Kimberly-Clark announced Thursday.

March 31, 2011
Report: Generic utilization can save Medicaid millions

The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research on Monday published a working paper that identified $329 million in overspending as a result of underutilization of generics.

WASHINGTON — The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research on Monday published a working paper that identified $329 million in overspending as a result of underutilization of generics.

As total spending on 20 medicines with generic equivalents totaled approximately $1.5 billion, AEI concluded Medicaid overspent by 22% ($1.5 billion versus $1.17 billion) on these pharmaceuticals.

March 31, 2011
Report: Mutchler to lead McNeil

Johnson & Johnson on April 4 will install Pat Mutchler as head of the McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit, according to a Wednesday evening Associated Press report.

NEW YORK — Johnson & Johnson on April 4 will install Pat Mutchler as head of the McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit, according to a Wednesday evening Associated Press report.

According to the report, Johnson & Johnson said the changes will allow the company to "give focused attention to quality and compliance, and the critical task of restoring McNeil Consumer Healthcare brands."

March 31, 2011
Ripken Power Shred named official beef jerky of Babe Ruth League

A beef jerky brand that made its debut at the 2010 National Association of Convenience Stores trade show last October has been named the official beef jerky of the Babe Ruth League.

LONG VALLEY, N.J. — A beef jerky brand that made its debut at the 2010 National Association of Convenience Stores trade show last October has been named the official beef jerky of the Babe Ruth League.

March 31, 2011
Rite Aid's pharmacy sales, Rxs filled rise

Total and front-end same-store sales at Rite Aid decreased during March, while pharmacy sales and prescriptions filled increased, the pharmacy retailer said Thursday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Total and front-end same-store sales at Rite Aid decreased during March, while pharmacy sales and prescriptions filled increased, the pharmacy retailer said Thursday.

Compared with last year, front-end same-store sales decreased by 1.8% during the four-week period that ended March 26, which the 4,711-store chain attributed to Easter falling on a later date this year, April 24, than last year, when it occurred on April 4.

March 31, 2011
Rite Aid's skin care tour on road again

Thousands of Rite Aid customers across the United States can get free, full-body skin cancer screenings this spring.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Thousands of Rite Aid customers across the United States can get free, full-body skin cancer screenings this spring.

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Road to Healthy Skin Tour will visit more than 60 Rite Aid stores in 19 states, sponsored by the retail pharmacy chain and Aveeno. The tour has screened more than 10,000 people since 2008, according to Rite Aid, catching 3,700 potential skin cancers and precancers, including about 200 suspected cases of the deadly skin cancer melanoma.

March 31, 2011
Sambazon touts organic acai with orange juice

Sambazon has added an organic acai with orange juice drink to its lineup.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Sambazon has added an organic acai with orange juice drink to its lineup.

One serving of organic acai with orange juice provides consumers with 150% of the daily value of vitamin C and contains no added sugar, while delivering powerful antioxidants, healthy omegas and vibrant flavor in every sip, the company said.

The new Sambazon beverage is available in 10.5-oz. and 32-oz. bottles for a suggested retail price of $2.99 and $7.99, respectively. Sambazon products are sold at select grocers and Whole Foods nationwide.

March 31, 2011
Study finds Januvia use could help prevent diabetes

A drug used to treat diabetes also may prevent it, according to a new study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine.

CLEVELAND — A drug used to treat diabetes also may prevent it, according to a new study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University took specially bred obese, prediabetic rats and gave them either Merck’s Januvia (sitagliptin), placebo or glyburide, an older diabetes drug. Both of the diabetes drugs lowered blood-glucose levels after the rats had eaten, but only Junuvia raised the total output of insulin by the pancreas while lowering levels of glucagon.

March 31, 2011
Veteran diabetics experience less complications, study finds

Patients that have been handling their diabetes for a long time are less likely to experience complications, according to a new study conducted by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers.

NEW YORK — Patients that have been handling their diabetes for a long time are less likely to experience complications, according to a new study conducted by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers.

Among 351 participants in the "Joslin 50-Year Medalist Study," researchers found that among veteran Type 1 diabetics — who have been living with the condition for 50 years or more — 43% were free from advanced diabetic eye complications, while 87% were free from kidney disease, 39% were free from nerve disease and 52% were free from cardiovascular disease.

March 30, 2011
Amanda Brown named BioPlus' Rx coordinators director

BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy has promoted its supervisor of Rx coordinators.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy has promoted its supervisor of Rx coordinators.

Amanda Brown, who joined the company in 2003, now will serve as director of Rx coordinators. In this role, she will manage and train BioPlus' sales team, but also will be involved in building business relationships with prescribers, achieving territorial goals and maximizing potential revenue for BioPlus.

March 30, 2011
Biodel elects new board chairman

A biopharmaceutical company that specializes in diabetes treatments has appointed a new board chairman.

DANBURY, Conn. — A biopharmaceutical company that specializes in diabetes treatments has appointed a new board chairman.

Biodel said that effective immediately, Brian Pereira, who has served on the drug maker's board since 2007, will become chairman. Current chairman Charles Sanders, who served as chairman since March 2010 after joining the board in August 2006, will continue to serve as a board member, Biodel said.

March 30, 2011
Dr. Reddy's completes acquisition of U.S. penicillin facility, products from GSK

Dr. Reddy’s Labs will assume ownership of a penicillin manufacturing site in Bristol, Tenn., from GlaxoSmithKline.

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy’s Labs will assume ownership of a penicillin manufacturing site in Bristol, Tenn., from GlaxoSmithKline.

The generic drug maker said it completed the acquisition of the facility and related product portfolio, including Augmentin and Amoxil brands. GSK will retain the existing rights for the aforementioned brands outside the United States.

Further financial terms and conditions of the transaction are not being disclosed.

March 30, 2011
Drugstore.com shareholders challenge Walgreens’ acquisition

The law firm of Brower Piven on Tuesday announced that a class action lawsuit has commenced in the Delaware Chancery Court on behalf of all shareholders of Drugstore.com, alleging violations of state law by the company’s board of directors relating to the proposed acquisition by Walgreens.

STEVENSON, Md. — The law firm of Brower Piven on Tuesday announced that a class action lawsuit has commenced in the Delaware Chancery Court on behalf of all shareholders of Drugstore.com, alleging violations of state law by the company’s board of directors relating to the proposed acquisition by Walgreens.

The complaint alleged that Drugstore.com's board of directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to maximize shareholder value, among other things.

March 30, 2011
Family Dollar posts sales and profit improvement

Profit grew by nearly 10% to $123.2 million and sales advanced 8.3% to nearly $2.3 billion as Family Dollar remained on a consistent growth trajectory during its second quarter, ended Feb. 27.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Profit grew by nearly 10% to $123.2 million and sales advanced 8.3% to nearly $2.3 billion as Family Dollar remained on a consistent growth trajectory during its second quarter, ended Feb. 27.

Earnings per share for the period increased 21% to 98 cents, compared with 81 cents in the prior-year's second quarter.

March 30, 2011
Hansen's sweetens beverages with Truvia

Hansen's is introducing two beverages that tout natural, zero-calorie sweetener Truvia.

MINNEAPOLIS — Hansen's is introducing two beverages that tout natural, zero-calorie sweetener Truvia.

Hansen's Natural Fruit Stix and Tea Stix offer consumers a new way to enjoy great-tasting beverages in a water-soluble powdered drink mix, the company said, adding that each serving contains 100% of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C. Each serving also touts 5 calories per serving and is free of sugar, gluten and artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors or preservatives, according to the company.

March 30, 2011
Heart failure patients skip meds due to cost, study finds

Many patients with heart failure skip pills due to medication costs, according to research by the Mayo Clinic.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Many patients with heart failure skip pills due to medication costs, according to research by the Mayo Clinic.

The study, published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, tracked the pharmacy records of 209 patients ages 60 to 86 years in Olmsted County, Minn., who were asked how often they missed doses or didn’t take their drugs at all and why.

March 30, 2011
Jack Black touts new sports therapy line with triathlon sponsorship

Jack Black is promoting its new Performance Remedy sports therapy collection by sponsoring the Revolution3 Triathlon.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Jack Black is promoting its new Performance Remedy sports therapy collection by sponsoring the Revolution3 Triathlon.

The Performance Remedy sports therapy line offers naturally based, active body treatment and sun protection products to help fight fatigue, speed recovery and promote peak sports performance. The collection includes six products infused with Eastern and Western herbs to provide holistic, performance-enhancing benefits, the company stated.

March 30, 2011
Kline projects growth in professional skin care market

A rise in visits to professional outlets for skin care treatments in 2010 gave way to sales growth for the professional skin care products market, with Europe and the United States posting rebounds, according to a recently released study by consulting and research firm Kline.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — A rise in visits to professional outlets for skin care treatments in 2010 gave way to sales growth for the professional skin care products market, with Europe and the United States posting rebounds, according to a recently released study by consulting and research firm Kline.

March 30, 2011
Legendary 1970s rock band fires off ‘picture condoms’

Graphic Armor, in association with Kiss and Condomania, on Wednesday announced the release of Kiss Kondoms, FDA-approved "picture condoms" featuring a full color image on the latex.

NEW YORK — Graphic Armor, in association with Kiss and Condomania, on Wednesday announced the release of Kiss Kondoms, FDA-approved "picture condoms" featuring a full color image on the latex.

March 30, 2011
Madame Ines de la Fressange joins L'Oréal Paris as brand ambassador

French beauty company L'Oréal Paris has tapped French model Madame Ines de la Fressange to join its family of brand ambassadors.

PARIS — French beauty company L'Oréal Paris has tapped French model Madame Ines de la Fressange to join its family of brand ambassadors.

She joins the L'Oréal Paris family of spokeswomen, which includes Milla Jovovich, Beyonce Knowles, Diane Keaton, Diane Kruger, Evangline Lilly, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Andie MacDowell, Julianna Margulies, Aimee Mullins, Freida Pinto, Gwen Stefani and Kerry Washington.

March 30, 2011
McNeil announces third recall of 2011

McNeil Consumer Healthcare on Tuesday recalled one product lot of the analgesic Tylenol 8 Hour extended-release caplets 150-count bottles distributed in the United States, and three brands at the wholesale level.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — McNeil Consumer Healthcare on Tuesday recalled one product lot of the analgesic Tylenol 8 Hour extended-release caplets 150-count bottles distributed in the United States, and three brands at the wholesale level.

“McNeil is taking this action as part of our ongoing surveillance and monitoring efforts that identified a small number of complaints of a musty or moldy odor,” the company stated, specifically referencing only the Tylenol 8 Hour recall. The lot number found on the label on the side of the bottle is ADM074; UPC Code 300450297181.

March 30, 2011
MedPro Rx makes Facebook debut

A specialty infusion pharmacy has joined the social media realm.

RALEIGH, N.C. — A specialty infusion pharmacy has joined the social media realm.

MedPro Rx's president, Nancy McFarlane, said that the company has launched a Facebook page, which will share MedPro Rx’s news, updates, blog posts and photos with its community. Additionally, the page will expand the company's online presence and customer service focus for clients, healthcare consumers, providers and third-party payers, McFarlane said.

March 30, 2011
Navarro recognized for community involvement

Recognized for its commitment to the community, Navarro Discount Pharmacies won the Top 100 Minority Business Award for large-company community involvement from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

MIAMI — Recognized for its commitment to the community, Navarro Discount Pharmacies won the Top 100 Minority Business Award for large-company community involvement from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Navarro received the award during a special luncheon honoring other minority-owned businesses at Jungle Island in Miami on March 24.

March 30, 2011
Orville Redenbacher 'pops'

A popcorn brand is rolling out a new bag that gives way to easy sharing and cleanup, the company said.

OMAHA, Neb. — A popcorn brand is rolling out a new bag that gives way to easy sharing and cleanup, the company said.

Orville Redenbacher's pop up bowl is a ready-to-serve, free-standing bowl, a first for the brand, the company said. How it works: the pop up bowl cooks on its side and features a transparent top, allowing snack lovers to watch their popcorn pop and see when it’s ready.

The pop up bowl, now available at grocery and mass retailers nationwide, retails for $2.99 for a 3-pack and $4.49 for a 6-pack.