Content about PHILADELPHIA

January 20, 2012
Study: General sleep disturbance associated with obesity, diabetes, heart disease

People who suffer from sleep disturbances are at major risk for obesity, diabetes and coronary artery disease, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

PHILADELPHIA — People who suffer from sleep disturbances are at major risk for obesity, diabetes and coronary artery disease, according to new research released Thursday from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

January 10, 2012
Shire acquires U.S. rights to constipation drug

Shire has acquired U.S. rights to a drug used to treat chronic constipation in women from Johnson & Johnson, the company said Tuesday.

PHILADELPHIA — Shire has acquired U.S. rights to a drug used to treat chronic constipation in women from Johnson & Johnson, the company said Tuesday.

Shire announced the acquisition of rights to Resolor (prucalopride) from J&J subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Shire acquired European rights to the drug in 2010 when it bought Belgian drug maker Movetis, which itself had acquired rights to the drug from Janssen.

 

January 5, 2012
Safeway prepares to exit Philadelphia market

Safeway on Thursday announced the sale of 16 of its Genuardi's stores in the greater Philadelphia area to Giant Food Stores, a division of Ahold USA.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Thursday announced the sale of 16 of its Genuardi's stores in the greater Philadelphia area to Giant Food Stores, a division of Ahold USA. Safeway will continue to operate these stores until the transaction closes, and the company is working through an orderly transition for all of these stores.

In addition, Safeway plans to close three Genuardi's stores and sell the remaining eight Genuardi's stores, which it will continue to operate while it is working with potential buyers.

December 23, 2011
Thomson Reuters report forecasts post-blockbuster era

Drug makers will focus on patient-specific therapies instead of drugs designed for use by a broad range of people over the next decade, according to a new report released Thursday by Thomson Reuters.

PHILADELPHIA — Drug makers will focus on patient-specific therapies instead of drugs designed for use by a broad range of people over the next decade, according to a new report released Thursday by Thomson Reuters.

The report, titled "The Changing Role of Chemistry in Drug Discovery" and based on drug industry productivity, patent data and other dynamics and trends, was released in recognition of the International Year of Chemistry 2011.

December 9, 2011
Acro hosts Payer/Managed Care Symposium

Attendance at the fifth annual Payer/Managed Care Symposium "far exceeded" that of previous years, the event's sponsor said.

SHARON HILL, Pa. — Attendance at the fifth annual Payer/Managed Care Symposium "far exceeded" that of previous years, the event's sponsor said.

December 9, 2011
FastCare to celebrate new Einstein FastCare Clinic in Philadelphia

Bellin Health Care Systems, which established the FastCare brand of retail health clinics in 2006, is celebrating on Dec. 14 the opening of the new Einstein FastCare clinic in the ShopRite of Cheltenham, owned by Brown’s Super Stores.

PHILADELPHIA — Bellin Health Care Systems, which established the FastCare brand of retail health clinics in 2006, is celebrating on Dec. 14 the opening of the new Einstein FastCare clinic in the ShopRite of Cheltenham, owned by Brown’s Super Stores.

Leaders of the convenient care industry and dignitaries representing the City of Philadelphia and the Cheltenham Township will convene to celebrate the opening.

December 7, 2011
Despite bleeding risk, aspirin may be beneficial before cardiac surgery

Aspirin taken within five days before cardiac surgery is associated with a significant decrease in the risk of major postoperative complications, including renal failure, an intensive care unit stay, and even early death (30-day mortality), according to findings from an observational cohort study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and the University of California Davis Medical Center that are set to appear in the journal Annals of Surgery.

PHILADELPHIA — Aspirin taken within five days before cardiac surgery is associated with a significant decrease in the risk of major postoperative complications, including renal failure, an intensive care unit stay, and even early death (30-day mortality), according to findings from an observational cohort study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and the University of California Davis Medical Center that are set to appear in the journal Annals of Surgery.

December 5, 2011
On the brink of Clinics 2.0

Since the inception of retail-based health clinics in 2000, the concept has grown to more than 1,300 locations throughout the United States. The real question now: Are we on the brink of clinics version 2.0?


Since the inception of retail-based health clinics in 2000, the concept has grown to more than 1,300 locations throughout the United States and, in more recent months, has celebrated several significant milestones that prove clinics are not only an integral part of the U.S. healthcare system but also are a viable model for retailers when handled correctly. The real question now: Are we on the brink of clinics version 2.0?


November 21, 2011
Study: Hand sanitizer use in schools reduces flu illness, absenteeism

A hand and respiratory hygiene program including frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer helped reduce illness caused by influenza A, and reduced the number of missed school days in elementary school children, according to a study in the November issue of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

PHILADELPHIA — A hand and respiratory hygiene program including frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer helped reduce illness caused by influenza A, and reduced the number of missed school days in elementary school children, according to a study in the November issue of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

November 18, 2011
Sandy Ryan's election to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia further paves way for clinics

The convenient care industry continues to hit noteworthy milestones as it grows and becomes an increasingly important player within the U.S. healthcare system. And now the fellowship of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia has elected its first nurse practitioner to its ranks.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The convenient care industry continues to hit noteworthy milestones as it grows and becomes an increasingly important player within the U.S. healthcare system. And now the fellowship of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia has elected its first nurse practitioner to its ranks: Sandy Ryan, chief nurse practitioner officer for Walgreens’ Take Care Health Systems.

November 18, 2011
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia elects first nurse practitioner

The Fellowship of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia on Friday elected the first nurse practitioner to its ranks: Sandra Ryan, Walgreens' Take Care Health Systems chief nurse practitioner officer and clinical advocate.

PHILADELPHIA — The Fellowship of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia on Friday elected the first nurse practitioner to its ranks: Sandra Ryan, Walgreens' Take Care Health Systems chief nurse practitioner officer and clinical advocate.

November 4, 2011
CCA roundtable focuses on role of 
retail clinics in changing health care

No matter the shape healthcare reform takes in the United States, the retail clinic industry will be a crucial cog. Today, healthcare reform means 33 million additional Americans with coverage, most likely split between Medicaid and low-cost providers. That will create a significant demand for cost-efficient solutions like retail clinics. 


PHILADELPHIA — No matter the shape healthcare reform takes in the United States, the retail clinic industry will be a crucial cog. Today, healthcare reform means 33 million additional Americans with coverage, most likely split between Medicaid and low-cost providers. That will create a significant demand for cost-efficient solutions like retail clinics. 


October 26, 2011
Safeskin covers up sports-related injuries for kids, teens

Kimberly-Clark has introduced a new colored sports wrap specifically created for children and teens.

PHILADELPHIA — Kimberly-Clark has introduced a new colored sports wrap specifically created for children and teens.

Safeskin kids sports wrap is designed to secure bandages and splints, as well as cushion or support wounds. The self-adhesive, water-resistant, latex-free and reusable wrap is available in blue, red, green and yellow.

October 25, 2011
Lannett gets OK for generic anti-obesity drug

Lannett has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market its version of an anti-obesity drug.

PHILADELPHIA — Lannett has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market its version of an anti-obesity drug.

The FDA approved Lannett's abbreviated new drug application for diethylpropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets in the 75-mg strength. The company expects to begin shipping the product immediately.

October 18, 2011
Retail crime cost U.S. retailers $41.7 billion in 2011

Shoplifting, employee or supplier fraud, organized retail crime and administrative errors cost the retail industry $41.7 billion in the United States in 2011, representing 1.6% in sales, according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer released Tuesday by Checkpoint Systems.

PHILADELPHIA — Shoplifting, employee or supplier fraud, organized retail crime and administrative errors cost the retail industry $41.7 billion in the United States in 2011, representing 1.6% in sales, according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer released Tuesday by Checkpoint Systems. Of that, $18.4 billion was attributed to employee theft, $14.9 billion to shoplifters, $6.6 billion to internal error and $1.8 billion to suppliers.

October 17, 2011
Lannett begins shipping three generic drugs

Lannett announced that it has begun shipping three generic drugs that recently were approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

PHILADELPHIA — Lannett announced that it has begun shipping three generic drugs that recently were approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The generic drug maker said that it has shipped diethylpropion tablets in the 25-mg strength; phentermine hydrochloride capsules in the 37.5-mg strength and loxapine capsules in 5-mg, 10-mg, 25-mg and 50-mg strengths.

September 29, 2011
FDA declines to approve GSK vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve a vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline, the drug maker said.

PHILADELPHIA — The Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve a vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline, the drug maker said.

September 26, 2011
Fourth Annual Philadelphia Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk raises more than $100K

Despite flooding from severe weather in several parts of Pennsylvania earlier this month, nearly 600 people ran in their underwear in Philadelphia in support of those who have been affected by colon cancer.

PHILADELPHIA — Despite flooding from severe weather in several parts of Pennsylvania earlier this month, nearly 600 people ran in their underwear in Philadelphia in support of those who have been affected by colon cancer.

Participants of the Fourth Annual Philadelphia Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk ran on MLK Drive, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and raised just over $110,000 to fight colon cancer.

September 8, 2011
Pennsylvania legislation would ban mandatory mail order

Bills proposed in Pennsylvania's state legislature would allow patients to have their prescriptions filled through mail-order and at community pharmacies for the same price.

PHILADELPHIA — Bills proposed in Pennsylvania's state legislature would allow patients to have their prescriptions filled through mail-order and at community pharmacies for the same price.

House Bill 511 and Senate Bill 211, which promoters said are designed to give a "booster shot" to local pharmacies and save jobs, are the latest episode in what appears to be a growing battle between pharmacy benefit managers and retail pharmacies.

September 6, 2011
Armada Health Care, Hemispherx sign sales, distribution agreement for Alferon N Injection

Hemispherx Biopharma and Armada Health Care have entered a sales and marketing agreement for a drug designed to treat genital warts.

PHILADELPHIA — Hemispherx Biopharma and Armada Health Care have entered a sales and marketing agreement for a drug designed to treat genital warts.

The two companies announced Tuesday an agreement under which Hemispherx will manufacture and supply Alferon N injection (interferon alfa-n3 [human leukocyte derived]) to physicians and patients through Armada's national specialty pharmacy network. Specialty distributor BioRidge Pharma will warehouse, ship and distribute the drug, the companies said.

September 6, 2011
Back pain intensity increases with weight, study finds

Overweight people with lower back pain is more intense than people of normal weight with back pain, according to a recent study published in the Sept. 15 issue of Spine.

PHILADELPHIA — Overweight people with lower back pain is more intense than people of normal weight with back pain, according to a recent study published in the Sept. 15 issue of Spine.

The study sets up another comorbidity associated with being overweight.

August 26, 2011
A&P opens first new store in Pennsylvania in more than 10 years

Grocer A&P officially opened on Friday its new Superfresh store, featuring a full-service pharmacy and expanded international offerings, in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood.

MONTVALE, N.J. — Grocer A&P officially opened on Friday its new Superfresh store, featuring a full-service pharmacy and expanded international offerings, in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood.

The 51,000-sq.-ft. neighborhood store marks A&P’s first new store in Pennsylvania in more than 10 years, and brings nearly 120 new jobs to the community.

August 12, 2011
Lannett ships morphine product

Lannett announced that it has started shipping morphine sulfate oral solution, a painkiller approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June.

PHILADELPHIA—Lannett has started shipping a painkiller product approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June, the company said.

Lannett announced the shipment of morphine sulfate oral solution. Lannett sought FDA approval using a 505(b)(2) new drug application. Sales of morphine sulfate oral solution at average wholesale price were $31.7 million during the 12-month period ending in June, according to Wolters Kluwer.

August 5, 2011
CDMA to host a product showcase for members in Philly

The Chain Drug Marketing Association recently announced that the debut of its “Make More Money Table Top Show” will take place in Philadelphia from Sept. 23 to 24.

NOVI, Mich. — The Chain Drug Marketing Association recently announced that the debut of its “Make More Money Table Top Show” will take place in Philadelphia from Sept. 23 to 24. The show will provide CDMA-member regional drug chains, regional drug wholesalers and independent pharmacies an opportunity to preview table-top displays of CDMA's hot items, with items from various categories, including seasonal, health-and-beauty and soft goods, among others. 

August 1, 2011
Lannett receives FDA approval for generic Ionamin

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic version of a short-term adjunct treatment for obesity.

PHILADELPHIA — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic version of a short-term adjunct treatment for obesity.

Lannett said that the FDA approved its abbreviated new drug application for phentermine resin extended-release capsules in the 15-mg and 30-mg strengths. The drug, which is equivalent to UCB's Ionamin, will be sold in bariatric clinics.