Content about North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Racing fans at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina this past Saturday broke a Guinness World Record for most flashlights simultaneously lit.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug said that it will offer customers a solution to properly dispose of their unused or expired medications.

The pharmacy chain said that Sharps Compliance's TakeAway Environmental Return System envelopes will be available in all stores May 23. The envelopes sell for $3.99.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Napo Pharmaceuticals has filed a lawsuit against Salix Pharmaceuticals, alleging that the latter breached commitments under an agreement to develop and commercialize a proprietary gastrointestinal compound.

Salix said that Napo's claims over its collaboration agreement concerning the development of crofelemer are without merit, adding that the drug maker plans to continue with the development and commercialization of crofelemer, in accordance with its past guidance and the terms of its collaboration agreement with Napo.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sandwich cracker brand Lance has teamed up with lifestyle expert Colleen Burns to kick off the Mom on the Run Loves Lance campaign.

The fully integrated marketing campaign, which kicked off in mid-April and will run through June, will include a Facebook page and a microsite (MomsLoveLance.com), where consumers can access springtime fun tips, videos with Mom on the Run Burns and weekly parenting discussions.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The link between high-fat diets and Type 2 diabetes has been known for a long time, but researchers at the University of North Carolina said they’ve found out how that link occurs.

Led by UNC at Chapel Hill School of Medicine professor Jenny Ting, the team found that the key contributor to Type 2 diabetes is a diet high in saturated fat, but not unsaturated fat. Such diets cause immune cells to produce interleukin-1beta, an inflammatory protein.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The number of unintentional deaths from overdosing on prescription opioid painkillers in 2007 was greater than those from heroin and cocaine combined, according to a new study by medical researchers at the University of North Carolina, Duke University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who in particular called such deaths among teenagers and adults a national epidemic.


One way for a supermarket to convey its health-and-wellness commitment to customers is to build a marketing campaign around it. 


In Harris Teeter’s case, the campaign is “Yourwellness.” Now in its sixth year, the initiative offers “evidence-based guidance on important health issues” and help with nutritional choices throughout the store, according to the company.


Kerr Drug describes its free prescription delivery service — launched in fall 2010 and renewed to positive customer response for 2011 — as “old school innovation.” If “old school” means anticipating consumers’ health and everyday-product needs, and meeting them with a down-home approach to store service and a broader-than-usual menu of pharmacy care options, then the tag could apply to Kerr’s entire business strategy.


CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In celebration of Earth Day and as part of its commitment to incorporating sustainable practices into its day-to-day business operations, Harris Teeter announced it has aligned with vendors to offer promotions that will reward customers for their green decisions.

The retailer said that shoppers that sign up for its e-VIC loyalty program by Earth Day will receive a free Harris Teeter reusable shopping bag. What's more, VIC members will receive more loyalty points when they purchase the following products:

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar announced that it has named Brad Rogers to the position of VP real estate development.

Rogers will report to Keith Gehl, SVP real estate and facilities.

“Accelerating new store growth is a key element of our strategic agenda,” Gehl said. “Through Brad’s leadership, we will continue our aggressive growth in both new and existing markets to provide budget-conscious customers with a compelling shopping experience in more areas of the country.”

HAYWARD, Calif., and HIGH POINT, N.C. — Impax Labs will collaborate with a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and manufacturing of unique gelatin-based dosage forms.

Impax said it has entered a deal with Banner Pharmacaps in respect to the supply and commercialization of two softgel capsule products.

The products and terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Indian drug maker Lupin and U.S. drug maker Salix Pharmaceuticals announced Wednesday a licensing deal for technology related to a drug for traveler’s diarrhea.

Under the deal, Salix will receive exclusive worldwide rights for Xifaxan (rifaximin) drug technology developed by Lupin and jointly by both companies in all countries except India.

Salix is required to pay Lupin $10 million upfront, as well as potential payments related to regulatory milestones.