Content about Massachusetts

December 9, 2011

Carex Health Brands recently launched four new products — the Carex Mobilator, the Carex Self Standing Cane Tip, the Carex E-Z Bath & Shower Seat and the Bathroom Safety Rail — across its portfolio of durable medical equipment and life assistance offerings.

NORWELL, Mass. — Carex Health Brands recently launched four new products — the Carex Mobilator, the Carex Self Standing Cane Tip, the Carex E-Z Bath & Shower Seat and the Bathroom Safety Rail — across its portfolio of durable medical equipment and life assistance offerings.

December 6, 2011

As many as 95% of women reported having at least attempted to breast-feed their babies, with 35% continuing between four and six months, and another 52% breast-feeding for seven to 12 months, according to the Philips Mother & Child Care Index that was released Monday by the Philips Center for Health and Well-being.

ANDOVER, Mass. — As many as 95% of women reported having at least attempted to breast-feed their babies, with 35% continuing between four and six months, and another 52% breast-feeding for seven to 12 months, according to the Philips Mother & Child Care Index that was released Monday by the Philips Center for Health and Well-being.

November 23, 2011

An online data sharing platform announced it will debut a daily blood-glucose monitoring feature for its more than 2,000 diabetes patients.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — An online data sharing platform announced it will debut a daily blood-glucose monitoring feature for its more than 2,000 diabetes patients.

PatientsLikeMe said patients will be able to report daily glucose levels, as well as continue sharing and learning from HbA1C scores, treatments and dosages, in addition to symptoms and severity.

The feature will be launched in early December, PatientsLikeMe said.

November 23, 2011

British drug maker Shire is looking to make a biotech drug for a rare genetic disorder at a new manufacturing plant in Massachusetts.

LEXINGTON, Mass. — British drug maker Shire is looking to make a biotech drug for a rare genetic disorder at a new manufacturing plant in Massachusetts.

The company said Tuesday that it had filed with the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for approval to produce the Gaucher disease drug Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) at its Lexington, Mass., plant. The company expects to win approval to make the drug there early next year.

November 14, 2011

A late-stage clinical trial of a drug under development as a treatment for multiple sclerosis has shown "successful" results.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A late-stage clinical trial of a drug under development as a treatment for multiple sclerosis has shown "successful" results.

Genzyme, acquired earlier this year by French drug maker Sanofi, announced results of the phase-3 "CARE-MS II" trial of Lemtrada (alemtuzumab), saying the drug "significantly reduced" worsening of disability and relapse in patients with MS, compared with Rebif (interferon beta-1a), made by Pfizer and German drug maker Merck KGaA, a separate company from U.S.-based Merck.

November 10, 2011

Genzyme has named leaders of two units that are part of the core focus of the drug maker's business.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Genzyme has named leaders of two units that are part of the core focus of the drug maker's business.

Bill Sibold, former chief commercial officer at Avanir Pharmaceuticals, was appointed to serve as head of the multiple sclerosis business, while Rogério Vivaldi, who most recently served as president of Genzyme’s renal and endocrinology business, now is the head of the rare diseases business.

Both Sibold and Vivaldi will report to Genzyme president and CEO David Meeker, who recently became part of the company's executive team.

November 8, 2011

Stop & Shop announced that it is debuting a new store format in Chelmsford, Mass.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop announced that it is debuting a new store format in Chelmsford, Mass.

According to the company, the 72,000-sq.-ft. store will replace the former 38,500-sq.-ft. location in Chelmsford.

November 7, 2011

A regional supermarket chain is looking to enhance its customers' shopping experience with the introduction of a new mobile application.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — A regional supermarket chain is looking to enhance its customers' shopping experience with the introduction of a new mobile application.

Big Y said that its mobile app — powered by mobile commerce platform provider AisleBuyer's mShop, which allows shoppers to scan barcodes to view and compare product and nutrition information, access customer reviews and receive personalized coupons and offers — is designed to deliver enhanced customer service and engagement.

November 2, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration has approved changes to the labeling of a cancer drug made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the drug maker said.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved changes to the labeling of a cancer drug made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the drug maker said.

Takeda and Millennium, the Japanese drug maker's cancer-drug subsidiary, announced Tuesday that the FDA approved a supplemental new drug application for the injectable multiple myeloma drug Velcade (bortezomib) that updates its label to include additional data from a clinical study showing that the drug extended patients' survival time.

October 31, 2011

Watson Pharmaceuticals and a partnering company are barred from launching a generic version of a blood-thinning drug under a federal court decision issued Friday.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals and a partnering company are barred from launching a generic version of a blood-thinning drug under a federal court decision issued Friday.

October 25, 2011

BJ's Wholesale Club is slated to open its newest store in Massachusetts this weekend, the company announced Tuesday.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — BJ's Wholesale Club is slated to open its newest store in Massachusetts this weekend, the company announced Tuesday.

The more than 85,000-sq.-ft. club, located in Pittsfield, joins 23 other BJ's clubs throughout the state.

The club's operating hours will befrom 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

October 25, 2011

Kaz has boosted its SmartTemp portfolio with the introduction of a reusable gel pad that combines hot and cold therapy.

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. — Kaz has boosted its SmartTemp portfolio with the introduction of a reusable gel pad that combines hot and cold therapy.

New SmartTemp Dual Action hot and cold pad is designed to provide therapeutic relief for general aches and pains, as well as trouble areas caused by sports injuries, joint pain and arthritis, Kaz said.

The SmartTemp Dual Action hot and cold pad is available online and at Rite Aid for a suggested retail price of $26.99.

October 25, 2011

Sanofi has appointed David Meeker as CEO of Genzyme, the French drug maker said.

PARIS — Sanofi has appointed David Meeker as CEO of Genzyme, the French drug maker said.

Sanofi bought the Cambridge, Mass.-based biotech manufacturer for $20.1 billion earlier this year.

"After working closely with David over the past six months, I am confident that he is the best person to lead Genzyme," Sanofi CEO Christopher Viehbacher said. "David's commitment to employees, physicians and patients has been a key success factor in the successful integration of Genzyme as part of the Sanofi Group."

October 20, 2011

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has filed for Food and Drug Administration approval of a drug for cystic fibrosis, the company said.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Vertex Pharmaceuticals has filed for Food and Drug Administration approval of a drug for cystic fibrosis, the company said.

Vertex announced the submission to the FDA of an application for approval and priority review of Kalydeco (ivacaftor), which it said was potentially the first medicine to target the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis, namely mutations in the CFTR gene that causes defective or missing CFTR proteins that inhibit the flow of salt and water across cell membranes and lead to mucus buildup.

October 19, 2011

Hair care brand Living Proof, which is sold at such retailers as Sephora and Ulta, has launched its latest breakthrough in hair care: Restore.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Hair care brand Living Proof, which is sold at such retailers as Sephora and Ulta, has launched its latest breakthrough in hair care: Restore.

"Restore really challenges the status-quo. It is a solution that addresses the causes of dryness and damage, offering immediate and long-term benefits, without oils and silicones," Living Proof co-founder and CEO Jon Flint said. "Living Proof aims to solve the toughest beauty problems. We're not satisfied with offering just a quick fix."

October 14, 2011

Baskin-Robbins on Friday announced the launch of Cake Bites, a new bite-sized line of mini desserts that combine ice cream and cake in a single serving.

CANTON, Mass. — Baskin-Robbins on Friday announced the launch of Cake Bites, a new bite-sized line of mini desserts that combine ice cream and cake in a single serving. 

Cake Bites are available at Baskin-Robbins throughout the country for $2.99 individually or $9.99 for a mix-n-match 4-pack, in four flavors, including:

October 14, 2011

Two classes of drugs for treating Type 2 diabetes will experience the biggest growth in market share of all classes of drugs for the condition, according to a new study by Decision Resources.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Two classes of drugs for treating Type 2 diabetes will experience the biggest growth in market share of all classes of drugs for the condition, according to a new study by Decision Resources.

The study found that DPP-IV inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues would experience the biggest growth in market share among all drug classes, with a combined market share that will increase from 20% in 2010 to 47% in 2020 in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Japan.

October 13, 2011

More than half of parents in Massachusetts said their children have access to prescription drugs that could be abused, according to a new survey.

BOSTON — More than half of parents in Massachusetts said their children have access to prescription drugs that could be abused, according to a new survey.

October 11, 2011

Carex Health Brands on Monday introduced its new Hot & Cold Compression 2-in-1 Universal Wrap.

NORWELL, Mass. — Carex Health Brands on Monday introduced its new Hot & Cold Compression 2-in-1 Universal Wrap.

Featuring doctor-recommended moist heat to increase blood flow, reduce pain and relax muscles, the flexible compression wrap offers the benefit of compression with the added support of hot and cold therapy. Compression therapy supports tired or injured muscles and increases circulation in the affected area, while moist heat dilates blood vessels bringing fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients to the muscle enabling it to heal faster. 

September 30, 2011

The American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations have announced the winners of the Bowl of Hygeia, an annual award that recognizes civic and community leadership among pharmacists, sponsored by the APhA Foundation and NASPA and awarded by state pharmacy associations.

WASHINGTON — The American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations have announced the winners of the Bowl of Hygeia, an annual award that recognizes civic and community leadership among pharmacists, sponsored by the APhA Foundation and NASPA and awarded by state pharmacy associations.

The award recipients are:

September 30, 2011

BJ's Wholesale Club officially is owned by Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners, just a few weeks after the retailer's stockholders approved the agreement.

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — BJ's Wholesale Club officially is owned by Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners, just a few weeks after the retailer's stockholders approved the agreement.

BJ's was required in an all-cash transaction valued at $51.25 per share, or $2.8 billion.

BJ’s common stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange prior to the opening of business on Monday, Oct. 3, the companies said.

The deal was announced in late June after months of speculation. BJ’s board of directors unanimously approved the agreement.

September 29, 2011

To curb avoidable hospital readmissions among seniors, CVS Caremark has teamed up with a provider of transitional care services to help these patients better manage and understand their medication regimens.

WOONSOCKET, R.I., and NEEDHAM, Mass. — To curb avoidable hospital readmissions among seniors, CVS Caremark has teamed up with a provider of transitional care services to help these patients better manage and understand their medication regimens.

September 15, 2011

Big Y is saying "so long," to its self-service checkout lanes at its stores, according to published reports.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y is saying "so long," to its self-service checkout lanes at its stores, according to published reports.

The New England-based retailer is slated to phase out self-serve lanes at all 61 locations.

September 9, 2011

At a special meeting held Friday, BJ's Wholesale Club stockholders approved the definitive agreement between the company and Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners to be acquired in an all-cash transaction valued at about $2.8 billion.

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — At a special meeting held Friday, BJ's Wholesale Club stockholders approved the definitive agreement between the company and Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners to be acquired in an all-cash transaction valued at about $2.8 billion.

BJ's anticipates the closing of the transaction, which was announced in late June, will occur around the end of the month.

September 9, 2011

Stop & Shop has teamed up with Unilever to support the hunger relief efforts of Feeding America and its local member food banks.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop has teamed up with Unilever to support the hunger relief efforts of Feeding America and its local member food banks.

The companies said that they are donating $150,000 to the organization, which will provide more than 1 million meals to families in need.