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NEW YORK — A drug made by Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb undergoing late-stage clinical trials was more effective than the generic drug warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, according to study results released Sunday.

The phase-3 "ARISTOTLE" trial of Eliquis (apixaban) showed that the drug reduced the risk of stroke and systemic embolism by 21%, major bleeding by 31% and death by 11% in AF patients. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was conducted at 1,034 centers in 39 countries and enrolled 18,201 patients.

JOPLIN, Mo. — Walgreens on Monday celebrated the reopening of two Joplin, Mo., stores within three months after one was severely damaged and the other completely demolished by a tornado that swept through the city May 22. The drug stores are the first among major retailers in the area to reopen since the storm, Walgreens reported.

SLOUGH, England — Second-quarter net revenue increased to 2.34 billion pounds ($3.83 billion) for Reckitt Benckiser, the company announced in an earnings statement Monday.

The company attributed its increases to growth in developing markets. For the quarter, RB said net revenue increased by 13% and 5% on a like-for-like basis. LFL growth excludes the impact of changes in exchange rates, major acquisitions and disposals, RB noted.


It’s like stepping into a time machine and jumping ahead a decade or more.
 Housed in a historic 1930s property that once was the tallest building in the world, Duane Reade’s newest flagship store at 40 Wall St. in New York — the first co-branded Duane Reade/Walgreens store — offers a glimpse of how retailers will use technology and develop new in-store services to create a much more interactive shopping experience.


DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has signed on to convert or open at least 1,000 stores across the country using its food oasis concept over the next five years as part of First Lady Michelle Obama's and the Partnership for a Healthier America's recent announcement to bring healthy, affordable food to nearly 10 million people during that time period.

NEW YORK — Patients taking an investigative antidepressant undergoing late-stage clinical development showed “significant” improvement, according to study results released Monday.

Forest Labs and Pierre Fabre Medicament announced results of a phase-3 trial of levomilnacipran in adults with major depressive disorder. Results showed a statistically significant improvement in patients treated with the drug, compared with those taking placebo.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — A 25% increase in the health and beauty care product assortments at Family Dollar contributed to overall inventory growth during the company’s third quarter, the retailer announced Wednesday morning with the release of its financial results.

In addition to the major expansion of the health and beauty category at 5,000 of the company’s 6,900 stores, Family Dollar said it also expanded assortments of food by 20%, which, combined with the health and beauty care initiative, resulted in an overall increase in inventory levels of 15%.

NEW YORK — Private-label sales across all three major retail channels reached new heights in 2010, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association.

IRVING, Texas — Hostess is kicking off a summer sweepstakes that celebrates America's favorite national pastime.

The company, whose brands include Drake's Hostess, Wonder and more, said that its "You Could Win A Dream Road Trip" promotion offers three grand prize winners and their families the chance to follow their favorite major league baseball team to a city of their choice. What's more, more than 200 daily prize winners will receive $100 Stub Hub gift cards redeemable for approximately four home game tickets.

NEW YORK — The major consumer press is beginning to understand the value of community pharmacy and the importance of medication adherence in managing outcomes in healthcare spending, as evidenced by the recent USA Today article "Studies: Missed meds could cost more than $250B a year."

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Tuesday endorsed the Community Pharmacy Fairness Act of 2011 (H.R. 1839), legislation recently introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y.

If passed, the bill will create a more competitive marketplace for the delivery of pharmacy services by enhancing the ability of independent community pharmacies to negotiate with pharmacy benefit managers, the association stated.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Mike Jackson was named to the board of directors of iControl Systems USA, where he also will serve in the capacity of senior adviser to iControl president and CEO Tal Zlotnitsky.

Jackson is a 30-year veteran of Supervalu who retired from the company in late 2009 as president and COO.