Content about PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA — GlaxoSmithKline expects to close the deal on the divestiture of several over-the-counter brands that were identified in April, the company stated Tuesday as part of its second-quarter earnings results.

"The divestment of noncore OTC assets in the [United States] and Europe will further aid our strategy to accelerate growth and increase the focus of our Consumer Healthcare business," GSK stated. "We are making progress to divest these products by late 2011, subject to realizing appropriate value for shareholders."

PHILADELPHIA — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Shire for treating ulcerative colitis, the British drug maker said Monday.

Shire announced the approval of Lialda (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets for the maintenance of remission in patients with the disease.

The drug was already approved for inducing remission in patients with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory disease that affects the colon and causes chronic inflammation, sores and ulcers.

SHELTON, Conn. — Bic Soleil and the Sunshine Squad are celebrating summer with Philadelphia and Jersey Shore residents through the "Sunny Moments" mobile tour.

The tour will stop in Philly on June 29 through July 1 and at the Jersey Shore on July 2 and 3.

The Sunshine Squad will give away complimentary gifts, Bic Soleil Bella razors, coupons and treats, such as ice water and popsicles, prepaid parking meters and flowers.

The Sunny Moments Tour will stop at the following Philadelphia locations:

PRINCETON, N.J. — New findings released Tuesday as part of the Trojan U.S. Sex Census revealed the average adult has sex 120 times a year (2.3 times per week), with more people in the Northeast reporting having sex more than any other U.S. region, averaging 130 times per year (2.5 times per week).

The Midwest reported an average of 125 times per year (2.4 times per week), the West reported an average of 120 times per year (2.3 times per week) and the South reported an average of 114 times per year (2.1 times per week).

CHICAGO — Registered dietitians' role in retail was emphasized as health-and-wellness professionals from retailers, manufacturers and other organizations gathered for the third annual Dietitian Summit, which was held in Philadelphia last month.

The third annual invitation-only summit — co-hosted by Ahold USA and Field Trip Factory, which unites commerce and other organizations through education — underscored that grocers stress healthy food choices by utilizing RDs, which offer customers the tools to achieve optimal health.

PHILADELPHIA — Phosphate-free and biodegradable Dropps laundry detergent is getting greener. The premeasured, disposable pack detergent, made by Cot’n Wash, has partnered with TerraCycle to give consumers a zero-waste liquid laundry detergent option.


DEERFIELD, Ill. — The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour is making its way to Philadelphia next week.

The tour, which seeks to administer $14 million of free health tests nationally, will arrive at the Salvation Army Kroc Center of Philadelphia on May 19 and will offer free screenings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tests offered include total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index for adults ages 18 years and older, with no appointment necessary.

PHILADELPHIA — Market research firm Wolters Kluwer Health will acquire drug information provider Lexi-Comp, Wolters Kluwer said Wednesday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

NEW YORK — A new report released this week unveiled the top go-to markets for retailers that are looking to boost their national presence.

In the ChainLinks/Terranomics' 2011 U.S. national retail report, the healthiest retail market in the nation was Washington, D.C., followed by San Francisco; New York; Boston; San Diego; San Jose/South Bay, Calif.; Baltimore; Philadelphia; Seattle and Pittsburgh.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The evolving role of the pharmacist and the growing impact of pharmacist interventions on clinical outcomes were discussed Tuesday by Walgreens chief medical officer Cheryl Pegus at the 11th annual Population Health and Care Coordination Colloquium in Philadelphia.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Cheryl Pegus, chief medical officer at Walgreens, will make a presentation during the 11th annual Population Health and Care Coordination Colloquium in Philadelphia next week.

Pegus, who was named the drug store chain's chief medical officer last May, will present during the “Impact and Value of Pharmacist Interventions in Different Settings” session, which will examine the growing role pharmacists are playing in improving clinical outcomes through interventions at community pharmacies and employer worksite health clinics, Walgreens said.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has announced the launch of the 2011 To Your Health program, offering free preventive health screenings at more than 800 events in communities across the country. The program is designed to help Americans determine their risk for chronic diseases and get them on a path to better health.

The program will get under way in Houston on March 5, and continue in Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago and Miami.