Content about Microbiology

August 22, 2011
CVS announces availability of flu shots at all pharmacy, retail clinic locations

CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic have announced the "You vs. Flu" campaign, which is supported by more than 20,000 immunizing healthcare professionals who will vaccinate patients every day, no appointment needed, at all CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic have announced the "You vs. Flu" campaign, which is supported by more than 20,000 immunizing healthcare professionals who will vaccinate patients every day, no appointment needed, at all CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide.

The flu shots are being provided by CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants every day, including evenings and weekends, with no appointment necessary.

August 18, 2011
Forces of Nature launches line of topical homeopathics

Forces of Nature on Wednesday introduced its brand called Control, featuring 14 USDA-certified organic and Food and Drug Administration-registered topical medicines that target seven hard-to-treat conditions, including acne, herpes cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus) and scars.

SONOMA, Calif. — Forces of Nature on Wednesday introduced its brand called Control, featuring 14 USDA-certified organic and Food and Drug Administration-registered topical medicines that target seven hard-to-treat conditions, including acne, herpes cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus) and scars. Each medicine uses a two-in-one approach that merges botanicals with recognized and established homeopathic drugs. The Control line is currently available at select Whole Foods Market stores and is rolling out in independent natural retailers nationwide.

August 16, 2011
Events to raise awareness of AIDS, healthcare initiatives

The Community Education Group and the Urban Coalition for HIV/AIDS Prevention Services will sponsor a series of community mobilizing events around the country in the time leading up to the International AIDS Conference in Washington next July.

WASHINGTON — The Community Education Group and the Urban Coalition for HIV/AIDS Prevention Services will sponsor a series of community mobilizing events around the country in the time leading up to the International AIDS Conference in Washington next July.

August 16, 2011
Pharmaca debuts vaccine offerings

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on Tuesday announced that it is now offering immunizations for influenza, pneumonia and whooping cough on a walk-in basis.

BOULDER, Colo. — Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on Tuesday announced that it is now offering immunizations for influenza, pneumonia and whooping cough on a walk-in basis. The majority of Pharmaca’s pharmacists are trained to provide the shots to any customer who requests one during open pharmacy hours.

In addition, Pharmaca will hold Flu Shot Clinics every Tuesday in September, October and November, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

August 12, 2011
Kerr Drug starts flu vaccinations for 2011-2012 season

Kerr Drug is kicking off its flu shot campaign this month, the regional chain said Friday.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug is kicking off its flu shot campaign this month, the regional chain said Friday.

Kerr pharmacists will administer vaccines for the 2011-2012 flu season at most of its stores in North Carolina. It also plans to offer vaccines at its booth during the 2011 North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, N.C., from Oct. 13 to 23.

August 11, 2011
FDA approves single-pill HIV drug

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new single-pill treatment for HIV made by Gilead Sciences and Johnson & Johnson, Gilead said.

FOSTER CITY, Calif. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new single-pill treatment for HIV made by Gilead Sciences and Johnson & Johnson, Gilead said.

Gilead announced the approval of Complera (emtricitabine, rilpivirine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). The drug combines Gilead's Truvada with J&J's Edurant.

August 8, 2011
Walgreens leverages its points of care to offer immunizations

Walgreens has announced that it is now offering immunizations daily at all of its more than 7,700 stores nationwide, including all Duane Reade pharmacies in New York and more than 350 Take Care Clinics.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has announced that it is now offering immunizations daily at all of its more than 7,700 stores nationwide, including all Duane Reade pharmacies in New York and more than 350 Take Care Clinics.

Flu shots are available daily with no appointment necessary during all pharmacy and clinic hours. New this season, patients who desire a flu shot appointment at any Walgreens may schedule one online at Walgreens.com.

August 4, 2011
FDA reorganizes Office of Generic Drugs

The Food and Drug Administration has reorganized the Office of Generic Drugs in an effort to improve efficiency, according to an internal memo.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has reorganized the Office of Generic Drugs in an effort to improve efficiency, according to an internal memo.

The new organizational scheme will add a new division to the bioequivalence program called Division of Bioequivalence II and a new chemistry division, Division of Chemistry IV.

August 4, 2011
NASN, Sanofi Pasteur team up to raise awareness of meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis is rare but can kill preteens and teenagers in as little as a day. Yet many kids still engage in behaviors that put them at risk of contracting the disease despite not being vaccinated.

NEW YORK — Meningococcal meningitis is rare but can kill preteens and teenagers in as little as a day. Yet many kids still engage in behaviors that put them at risk of contracting the disease despite not being vaccinated.

July 29, 2011
CVS/pharmacy, MinuteClinic gear up for 2011-2012 flu season

CVS Caremark is gearing up for flu season and will leverage both its CVS/pharmacy locations and MinuteClinic sites to provide flu shots for patients every day, including evenings and weekends, and will offer direct medical billing to many national and regional health plans that will cover all or part of the cost of a flu shot.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark is gearing up for flu season and will leverage both its CVS/pharmacy locations and MinuteClinic sites to provide flu shots for patients every day, including evenings and weekends, and will offer direct medical billing to many national and regional health plans that will cover all or part of the cost of a flu shot.

July 29, 2011
Human antibody may protect against all influenza A viruses

Researchers have found a human antibody that may be able to protect against all influenza A viruses, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Researchers have found a human antibody that may be able to protect against all influenza A viruses, according to published reports.

The antibody, FI6, could lead to the development of a universal flu vaccine because it targets groups 1 and 2, the two main groups of the influenza A virus. Previously, researchers had not been able to find an antibody that worked against both groups.

The researchers have found the antibody effective in mice and ferrets, according to the reports.

July 29, 2011
PharmaCline announces plans to launch antibiotic

PharmaCline on Thursday announced it has secured the worldwide rights for drug delivery technology and existing antibiotic products from Phillips Co. that will enable production of a well-tolerated and broad-spectrum topical antibiotic.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — PharmaCline on Thursday announced it has secured the worldwide rights for drug delivery technology and existing antibiotic products from Phillips Co. that will enable production of a well-tolerated and broad-spectrum topical antibiotic.

July 28, 2011
Kiehl's Since 1851 introduces limited-edition face cream in support of amfAR

Skin care company Kiehl's Since 1851 is maintaining its long-standing tradition of supporting HIV/AIDS charities through a continued partnership with amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. The initiative also involves the launch of a limited-edition ultra facial cream.

NEW YORK — Skin care company Kiehl's Since 1851 is maintaining its long-standing tradition of supporting HIV/AIDS charities through a continued partnership with amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. The initiative also involves the launch of a limited-edition ultra facial cream.

July 26, 2011
Study: Deaths related to chickenpox-causing virus decrease, thanks to vaccine

Chickenpox is the scourge of many a schoolchild and usually a convenient, if itchy and feverish, reason to stay home for several days, but it also has been fatal for many who catch it — until recently.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — Chickenpox is the scourge of many a schoolchild and usually a convenient, if itchy and feverish, reason to stay home for several days, but it also has been fatal for many who catch it — until recently.

According to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, since a vaccine for varicella, the virus that causes chickenpox, became available in 1995, deaths from the virus have been virtually eliminated.

July 25, 2011
Awareness of probiotics escalates

The health benefits associated with probiotics already are well-known. A 2010 MaCorr Research consumer survey reported that 73% of consumers correctly suggested that “probiotics are used to help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestine,” when asked to define the supplement.

NEW YORK — The health benefits associated with probiotics already are well-known. A 2010 MaCorr Research consumer survey reported that 73% of consumers correctly suggested that “probiotics are used to help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestine,” when asked to define the supplement. Awareness of the health benefits associated with probiotics in 2010 was similar among the general population, as well as among people with digestive health concerns, 73% and 82%, respectively.


July 25, 2011
New drugs to alter HCV treatment, outcomes

A phrase like “silent killer” sounds creepy enough on its own, but it’s an often-used one for a virus that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infects 1.3% to 1.9% of people in the United States.


A phrase like “silent killer” sounds creepy enough on its own, but it’s an often-used one for a virus that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infects 1.3% to 1.9% of people in the United States.


July 19, 2011
Matrix expands licensing agreement with Gilead for HIV/AIDS therapies

Mylan subsidiary Matrix Labs has expanded its licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences.

PITTSBURGH — Mylan subsidiary Matrix Labs has expanded its licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences.

Under the new terms, Mylan said that Matrix has the rights to produce and market generic versions of three Gilead HIV/AIDS therapies — elvitegravir, an investigational integrase inhibitor; cobicistat, an investigational antiretroviral boosting agent; and the “quad,” a once-daily, single-tablet combination of four separate Gilead medicines — if and when the drugs receive regulatory approval.

July 19, 2011
New ProbioKid Vita+ aims to boost kids' immunity in winter

A new probiotic formula that features added vitamins has entered the market.

MONTREAL — A new probiotic formula that features added vitamins has entered the market.

ProbioKid Vita+, developed by Institut Rosell-Lallemand, combines a synbiotic formula of probiotic strains — Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52, Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71 and Bifidobacterium infantis Rosell-33 — and a prebiotic (fructooligosaccharide, or FOS) with vitamins C and D. The product is designed to boost kids' immunity in the winter, the company said.

ProbioKid Vita+ recently was unveiled at the Vitafoods Europe trade show in Geneva.

July 19, 2011
Ranbaxy to produce, market antiretrovirals under licensing agreement with Gilead

Ranbaxy will produce and market three HIV/AIDS drugs that currently are in late-stage clinical development by Gilead under a new licensing agreement between the drug makers.

GURGAON, India — Ranbaxy will produce and market three HIV/AIDS drugs that currently are in late-stage clinical development by Gilead under a new licensing agreement between the drug makers.

July 19, 2011
Six drug makers OKed to produce flu vaccines

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new influenza vaccine formulation for the 2011-2012 flu season, the agency said Monday.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new influenza vaccine formulation for the 2011-2012 flu season, the agency said Monday.

The FDA said six manufacturers are licensed to produce vaccines. These include GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, manufacturing Fluarix; CSL Limited, manufacturing Afluria; ID Biomedical, manufacturing FluLaval; MedImmune Vaccines, manufacturing FluMist; Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, manufacturing Fluvirin; and Sanofi Pasteur, manufacturing Fluzone.

July 18, 2011
Minimal drug interaction found between Livalo, HIV drugs

A statin made by Eli Lilly and Kowa Pharmaceuticals America appears to work well with drugs used to treat HIV, according to a study presented at the sixth International AIDS Society conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Rome.

INDIANAPOLIS — A statin made by Eli Lilly and Kowa Pharmaceuticals America appears to work well with drugs used to treat HIV, according to a study presented at the sixth International AIDS Society conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Rome.

The study was designed to investigate potential interactions between Livalo (pitavastatin) and Abbott’s antiretroviral protease inhibitor Kaletra (lopinavir and ritonavir). The study found that each drug had only a minimal effect on the other.

July 18, 2011
Sanofi begins shipping flu vaccine for 2011-2012 season

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, on Monday announced that it has begun shipping its 2011-2012 Fluzone influenza virus vaccine in the United States.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. — Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, on Monday announced that it has begun shipping its 2011-2012 Fluzone influenza virus vaccine in the United States. This shipment represents the first of approximately 70 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine the company plans to deliver to the United States in the upcoming season.

July 13, 2011
Studies find HIV drug treatments may reduce infection risk among heterosexual couples

Taking drugs for treating HIV might reduce the risk of infection among heterosexual couples, according to two new studies conducted in Africa.

NEW YORK — Taking drugs for treating HIV might reduce the risk of infection among heterosexual couples, according to two new studies conducted in Africa.

One study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted among 4,758 couples in Kenya and Uganda, found that when taken daily, Gilead’s Viread (tenofovir) reduced the rates of infection by at least 62% compared with placebo. Truvada (tenofovir and emtricitabine), another drug made by Gilead, reduced infection risk by 73%.

July 5, 2011
Probiotics still have room to grow in digestives

Ten years ago the word probiotics wasn’t known, and five years ago it was a new word to most Americans. But thanks to the marketing of Activia yogurt by Dannon, which started in 2006, these microorganisms have garnered national attention.

Ten years ago the word probiotics wasn’t known, and five years ago it was a new word to most Americans. But thanks to the marketing of Activia yogurt by Dannon, which started in 2006, these microorganisms have garnered national attention. After Activia took the dairy market by storm, other foods fortified with probiotics, as well as probiotic supplements, followed suit.


July 5, 2011
VMS segment gets a boost from Wall Street


The latest vindicator to the almost $3.5 billion vitamin and supplement business across all outlets isn’t positive press. It’s not even the continued consumer gravitation toward self-care. It’s Wall Street. 



The latest vindicator to the almost $3.5 billion vitamin and supplement business across all outlets isn’t positive press. It’s not even the continued consumer gravitation toward self-care. It’s Wall Street.