Content about Pharmacist Society

February 9, 2011
Pharmavite’s GreatMind claims vetted by NAD

The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus on Wednesday announced that Pharmavite is able to support advertising claims for the company’s NatureMade GreatMind dietary supplement, pursuant to NAD’s ongoing monitoring of advertising for dietary supplements.

NEW YORK — The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus on Wednesday announced that Pharmavite is able to support advertising claims for the company’s NatureMade GreatMind dietary supplement, pursuant to NAD’s ongoing monitoring of advertising for dietary supplements.

NAD, the advertising industry’s self-regulatory forum, reviewed claims that appeared in print and Internet advertising and on product packaging, pursuant to NAD’s ongoing monitoring of advertising for dietary supplements.

February 9, 2011
Prestige rides OTC crest in Q3 gains

Prestige Brands posted gains of 22.7% in revenue, reaching $90.6 million for its third quarter ended Dec. 31.

IRVINGTON, N.Y. — Prestige Brands posted gains of 22.7% in revenue, reaching $90.6 million for its third quarter ended Dec. 31.

February 9, 2011
Report: Sandoz has as many as 10 follow-on biologics in works

Sandoz is developing as many as 10 new follow-on biologics, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Sandoz is developing as many as 10 new follow-on biologics, according to published reports.

Reuters, citing an interview with Sandoz head Jeff George in the German newspaper Handelsblatt, said the generics arm of Swiss drug maker Novartis had eight to 10 new biosimilar molecules in development.

February 9, 2011
Supervalu assures it has shingles vaccinations available at stores

Supervalu on Wednesday announced the supermarket chain had plenty of shingles vaccinations on hand, despite current reports about a shortage of the vaccinations.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Wednesday announced the supermarket chain had plenty of shingles vaccinations on hand, despite current reports about a shortage of the vaccinations.

February 9, 2011
Teva's Qnaze meets endpoints in phase-3 trial

An investigational drug made by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries for treating allergies is safe and effective, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial announced Wednesday.

JERUSALEM — An investigational drug made by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries for treating allergies is safe and effective, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial announced Wednesday.

Teva said the phase-3 trial of the nasally inhaled drug Qnaze (beclomethasone dipropionate) showed that it significantly relieved symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis compared with placebo while demonstrating a similar safety profile.

February 8, 2011
Beverage industry makes commitment to calorie disclosure

The American Beverage Association announced that consumers across the United States soon will find new front-of-pack labels on their favorite beverages as part of an effort by America's leading nonalcoholic beverage companies to bring the Clear on Calories initiative to stores.

WASHINGTON — The American Beverage Association announced that consumers across the United States soon will find new front-of-pack labels on their favorite beverages as part of an effort by America's leading nonalcoholic beverage companies to bring the Clear on Calories initiative to stores.

February 8, 2011
Biovail Labs to distribute Aczone in Canada

Valeant Pharmaceuticals subsidiary Biovail Labs International has licensed Canadian rights to a treatment for acne from Allergan, Valeant said Tuesday.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Valeant Pharmaceuticals subsidiary Biovail Labs International has licensed Canadian rights to a treatment for acne from Allergan, Valeant said Tuesday.

Under the terms of the agreement concerning the drug Aczone (dapsone) gel in the 5% strength, Biovail will pay Allergan about $500,000 Canadian dollars (about $504,693) upfront, as well as payments based on net sales.

February 8, 2011
Distribution for INGfertility's Pre~Seed expands

INGfertility on Monday announced that its Pre~Seed "fertility-friendly" personal lubricant has added distribution through Walgreens, including Duane Reade.

SPOKANE, Wash. — INGfertility on Monday announced that its Pre~Seed "fertility-friendly" personal lubricant has added distribution through Walgreens, including Duane Reade.

February 8, 2011
Double Pump tapped for LipiGesic-M marketing efforts

In preparation for a retail launch, PuraMed BioScience on Monday announced it has entered into an agreement with Double Pump to enhance marketing efforts and product awareness surrounding the company’s homeopathic analgesic LipiGesic-M.

SCHOFIELD, Wis. — In preparation for a retail launch, PuraMed BioScience on Monday announced it has entered into an agreement with Double Pump to enhance marketing efforts and product awareness surrounding the company’s homeopathic analgesic LipiGesic-M.

February 8, 2011
Medco School of Pharmacy to open at Fairleigh Dickinson

Pharmacy benefit manager Medco Health Solutions is donating $5 million toward the construction of a new school of pharmacy in New Jersey.

MADISON, N.J. — Pharmacy benefit manager Medco Health Solutions is donating $5 million toward the construction of a new school of pharmacy in New Jersey.

Franklin Lakes, N.J.-based Medco announced that the Medco School of Pharmacy at Fairleigh Dickinson University would be New Jersey’s first pharmacy school affiliated with an independent university. The school will admit 85 students per year.

February 8, 2011
NAD turns Iceberg Labs over to federal regulators regarding Immune Shield claims

The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus on Tuesday referred advertising claims made by Iceberg Labs for its Immune Shield dietary supplement to the Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration for further review.

NEW YORK — The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus on Tuesday referred advertising claims made by Iceberg Labs for its Immune Shield dietary supplement to the Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration for further review.

The advertising at issue was challenged before NAD, the advertising industry’s self-regulatory forum, by the Council for Responsible Nutrition.

February 8, 2011
PCMA: Sebelius should continue push for cost cuts among state Medicaid programs

A group representing the nation’s pharmacy benefit managers said Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius should continue encouraging state Medicaid programs to explore affordable pharmacy solutions despite opposition from the independent drug store lobby.

WASHINGTON — A group representing the nation’s pharmacy benefit managers said Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius should continue encouraging state Medicaid programs to explore affordable pharmacy solutions despite opposition from the independent drug store lobby.

February 8, 2011
Pharmavite spokeswoman offers consumers advice about supplements shopping

Pharmavite spokeswoman Suzy Cohen, a noted pharmacist, author and frequent talk show guest, on Monday offered fresh advice for consumers perusing the dietary supplement aisle.

MISSION, Kan. — Pharmavite spokeswoman Suzy Cohen, a noted pharmacist, author and frequent talk show guest, on Monday offered fresh advice for consumers perusing the dietary supplement aisle.

"A recent study by the National Institutes of Health found that about 50% of the U.S. population use dietary supplements, a slight increase from previous studies," Cohen stated. "However, most users aren't aware that all vitamins are not created equal, and you can't always believe everything printed on a label."

February 8, 2011
Save-A-Tooth product recommended as part of first aid kit

Phoenix-Lazerus recently announced that both the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic now recommend the company’s Save-A-Tooth product be included as part of any first aid kit.

WAYNE, Pa. — Phoenix-Lazerus recently announced that both the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic now recommend the company’s Save-A-Tooth product be included as part of any first aid kit.

Phoenix-Lazarus offers a “The Complete First Aid Kit” on Amazon for $24.95. Invented by a dentist, the Save-A-Tooth is a six-part system that protects knocked-out teeth.

According to the company, more than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in the United States.

February 8, 2011
Supervalu continues foray into private-label beer biz

In the wake of Walgreens' Big Flats 1901 entry, Supervalu recently introduced its “high quality, low price” private-label American lager, Buck Range Light.

MINNEAPOLIS — In the wake of Walgreens' Big Flats 1901 entry, Supervalu recently introduced its “high quality, low price” private-label American lager, Buck Range Light.

Buck Range Light, which retails for about $5.99 for a 12-pack, will roll out in Supervalu banners nationwide, including Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Cub Foods and more.

February 8, 2011
Teva reports Q4, full-year results

Drug maker Teva on Tuesday said its North American sales during the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 drove the drug maker's financial well-being.

JERUSALEM — Drug maker Teva on Tuesday said its North American sales during the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 drove the drug maker's financial well-being.

February 8, 2011
Upsher-Smith launches new Nexa vitamin

Upsher-Smith has amplified its Nexa prenatal vitamin line with the launch of Nexa Select Rx.

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Upsher-Smith has amplified its Nexa prenatal vitamin line with the launch of Nexa Select Rx.

February 8, 2011
Vascugel granted fast-track designation by FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has given expedited review to a drug for preventing hemodialysis failure in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Food and Drug Administration has given expedited review to a drug for preventing hemodialysis failure in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

The FDA granted fast-track review status to the cell-based therapy Vascugel, made by Pervasis Therapeutics. The FDA grants the status to accelerate review of treatments for serious and life-threatening conditions, particularly those that address serious, unmet medical conditions.

February 7, 2011
Alli set to launch chewable tablet this year in Europe

GlaxoSmithKline has received a license extension in Europe for its popular weight-loss pill Alli.

LONDON — GlaxoSmithKline has received a license extension in Europe for its popular weight-loss pill Alli.

The drug maker said it plans to sell new chewable tablets this spring, available at pharmacies throughout the United Kingdom.

Alli has been available in the United Kingdom since early 2009.

February 7, 2011
At NACDS conference, Merlo and Anderson note pharmacy victories

Pharmacy's role in the U.S. healthcare system has expanded dramatically over the past two years, thanks to several victories gained through pharmacy care and services.

NAPLES, Fla. — Pharmacy's role in the U.S. healthcare system has expanded dramatically over the past two years, thanks to several victories gained through pharmacy care and services.

Speaking at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' Regional Chain Conference, NACDS board chairman and CVS Caremark president and COO Larry Merlo said that scientific research has further demonstrated how care and services provided by pharmacists and pharmacies have improved health outcomes of patients and cut costs for the healthcare system.

February 7, 2011
FDA approves Hospira's generic Hycamtin

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic cancer drug from Hospira.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic cancer drug from Hospira.

The drug maker announced the approval of topotecan injection for treating small-cell lung cancer sensitive disease after first-line chemotherapy has failed.

The drug is a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline’s Hycamtin, which had sales of more than $140 million in 2010, according to Hospira.

February 7, 2011
Kerr Drug supports Sen. Hagan's MTM legislation

Two pharmacy trade groups already have given their blessings to legislation that would support medication therapy management, and a retail pharmacy chain that has made MTM part of its mission is following suit.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Two pharmacy trade groups already have given their blessings to legislation that would support medication therapy management, and a retail pharmacy chain that has made MTM part of its mission is following suit.

Kerr Drug announced its support for the Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act of 2011, which Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., recently introduced. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association endorsed the bill last week.

February 7, 2011
NACDS reaches out to Sebelius about state Medicaid program expansion

Shortly after Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius reached out to state governors about extending their Medicaid programs, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores sent a letter to Sebelius emphasizing the importance of expanding patient access to prescription drugs and pharmacy services to cut healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Shortly after Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius reached out to state governors about extending their Medicaid programs, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores sent a letter to Sebelius emphasizing the importance of expanding patient access to prescription drugs and pharmacy services to cut healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.

February 7, 2011
Pfizer to acquire Ferrosan's consumer healthcare business

One of the world's largest drug makers has entered a definitive agreement to purchase a Copenhagen-based consumer healthcare business.

NEW YORK — One of the world's largest drug makers has entered a definitive agreement to purchase a Copenhagen-based consumer healthcare business.

Pfizer said Monday that it agreed to acquire from Altor 2003 Fund GP Limited Ferrosan’s consumer healthcare business, which includes a portfolio of such dietary supplements and lifestyle products as Multi-Tabs and Bifiform. Ferrosan caters to such markets as Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Turkey and many countries throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

February 7, 2011
Salix, Progenics ink licensing deal for Relistor

Salix Pharmaceuticals and Progenics Pharmaceuticals have entered a licensing agreement for a drug used to treat side effects of opioid use.

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Salix Pharmaceuticals and Progenics Pharmaceuticals have entered a licensing agreement for a drug used to treat side effects of opioid use.

The two companies signed the agreement for Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide), an injected drug used to treat opioid-induced constipation in patients for whom laxatives haven’t worked.