Content about PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA — Watson Labs is hoping to be the first to market a generic version of a popular drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

British drug maker Shire announced Thursday that it had received notification that Watson filed for regulatory approval of a version of Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) capsules with the Food and Drug Administration. Watson’s application contained a Paragraph IV certification, a legal assertion that the patent covering Adderall XR is invalid, unenforceable or won’t be infringed by Watson’s product.

PHILADELPHIA — An increase in consolidation among generic drug companies could be in the works, according to a new report from Thomson Reuters.

According to the report, “Gaining Market Share in the Generic Drug Industry Through Acquisitions and Partnerships,” generic drug makers face competition, as well as government-mandated price cuts in Europe and such policies as lowest-price tendering. As a result, many could seek deals that would cause them to diversify their portfolios.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — In a major alliance to foster preventive health in the United States, Walgreens has partnered with the Department of Health and Human Services to provide free flu vaccinations to as many as 350,000 low-income and uninsured Americans.

Walgreens will provide more than $10 million worth of vouchers for free flu shots, which HHS will help distribute.

PHILADELPHIA — The specialty pharmacy market is set to reach $90 billion this year, so it’s clear that managed care organizations have a lot at stake.

That was the overarching theme at a symposium organized by specialty pharmacy provider ACRO Pharmaceutical Services, in conjunction with Armada Health Care, last Thursday at the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia.

NEW YORK — The makers of Zestra held a symposium on Oct. 28 at New York’s Penn Club to promote the over-the-counter product designed to address women’s sexual dysfunction.

AKRON, Ohio Hygenic/Performance Health on Tuesday announced its Perform pain-reliever brand will be the official external analgesic for the 2010-2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.

PHILADELPHIA — Safeway will sell two stores in the Philadelphia area to one of Ahold’s supermarket banners, according to published reports.

The Philadelphia Business Journal reported Thursday that Giant-Carlisle will buy two Genuardi’s supermarkets in Bucks County, Pa.

Each store will be closed on Nov. 13 and will re-open in first quarter 2011 under the Giant banner. Store employees will have the opportunity to transfer to other Genuardi’s stores or interview to work at Giant.

PHILADELPHIA —According to a recent study released by the Relational Capital Group, consumer purchase intent and brand loyalty for Tylenol still is high despite the recent spate of Tylenol product recalls. According to the study, 76% of consumers reported positive purchase intent, and 67% reported positive brand loyalty for Tylenol.