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October 9, 2012
CVS Caremark turns to innovation 
to capture a growing healthcare market

With healthcare reform on track to bring 32 million more Americans into the healthcare system in 2014, and with payers and patients looking for solutions to curb costs as the nation battles a shortage of primary care physicians and access to quality care, CVS Caremark’s role in reinventing pharmacy through its distinctive business model couldn’t be more imperative than it is today.


With healthcare reform on track to bring 32 million more Americans into the healthcare system in 2014, and with payers and patients looking for solutions to curb costs as the nation battles a shortage of primary care physicians and access to quality care, CVS Caremark’s role in reinventing pharmacy through its distinctive business model couldn’t be more imperative than it is today.


October 9, 2012
Flagship programs promote drug adherence

With its sights firmly fixed on delivering innovative solutions that address emerging customer needs that no stand-alone PBM or stand-alone retail pharmacy could provide, CVS Caremark is seeing growing interest in its proprietary programs — or integration sweet spots — known as Maintenance Choice and Pharmacy Advisor.


With its sights firmly fixed on delivering innovative solutions that address emerging customer needs that no stand-alone PBM or stand-alone retail pharmacy could provide, CVS Caremark is seeing growing interest in its proprietary programs — or integration sweet spots — known as Maintenance Choice and Pharmacy Advisor.


October 9, 2012
FlavoRx: Taste of meds boosts loyalty

A two-part study by the Temple University School of Pharmacy and market research firm WilsonRx found the availability of custom flavoring for children’s medications boosted customer satisfaction and loyalty.

A two-part study by the Temple University School of Pharmacy and market research firm WilsonRx found the availability of custom flavoring for children’s medications boosted customer satisfaction and loyalty. The study, consisting of an intercept survey of 200 mothers at Philadelphia and 
New Jersey drug stores and a review of a WilsonRx mail survey of 34,454 customers, found that 50% of parents were very or extremely likely to recommend a pharmacy that actively informed them about flavoring services, while 7% were not. 


October 9, 2012
Future is healthy for PBM business

Remember back in 2009, when some on Wall Street swore the sky was falling as Caremark came off a tricky selling season? Oh, how times have changed.


Remember back in 2009, when some on Wall Street swore the sky was falling as Caremark came off a tricky selling season? Oh, how times have changed.


“Everything we’ve seen this year demonstrates that CVS is a stable company that is well-positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities in the industry,” stated Barclays Capital analyst Meredith Adler in a recent research note.


October 9, 2012
Happy pets, happy owners

Nestle Purina PetCare Company is touting its newest pet food brand, Be Happy, as a brand that “celebrate[s] our pets as our happiness heroes.”

ST. LOUIS — Nestle Purina PetCare Company is touting its newest pet food brand, Be Happy, as a brand that “celebrate[s] our pets as our happiness heroes.” In just three months, the brand’s Facebook page has grown to more than 100,000 fans. Be Happy is available in two varieties for cats — Deep Sea Duos Crunchies with Ocean Fish and Salmon Flavors, and Poultry Pair-adise Crunchies with Chicken and Turkey Flavors — and two varieties for dogs — beef and chicken.

October 9, 2012
Hi-tech accessories lead category sales

Sales of pet supplies (excluding pet food) reached $11.1 billion last year, an increase of 2% over 2010, according to a new Packaged Facts study.

Sales of pet supplies (excluding pet food) reached $11.1 billion last year, an increase of 2% over 2010, according to a new Packaged Facts study. Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association expects annual spending on pet products to increase, especially in the convenience segment of the pet accessories segment.

Vetere said sales of products that help pets care for themselves — such as programmable feeding and drinking systems, automatic and battery-operated toys, self-cleaning litter boxes and self-warming pet mats — are on the rise.

October 9, 2012
High-fashion looks for low cost raise sales

Nail polish continues to be the rock star of the beauty world, and it shows no signs of slowing. A recent report by Packaged Facts, titled “The Nail Care Market in the U.S.,” addresses the robust growth of the nail care market and suggests “several intertwined factors are driving 
the market.”


Nail polish continues to be the rock star of the beauty world, and it shows no signs of slowing. A recent report by Packaged Facts, titled “The Nail Care Market in the U.S.,” addresses the robust growth of the nail care market and suggests “several intertwined factors are driving 
the market.”


October 9, 2012
Immunization offerings expand past flu, shingles

While much of the focus on pharmacist-administered vaccinations has been on influenza and shingles, there also have been efforts to significantly expand the number of diseases against which customers at the local pharmacy can get protection.


While much of the focus on pharmacist-administered vaccinations has been on influenza and shingles, there also have been efforts to significantly expand the number of diseases against which customers at the local pharmacy can get protection.


October 9, 2012
In-store, online benefits target cardholders

While CVS/pharmacy’s store clustering initiatives and store brands are fueling front-store profitability, there’s no doubt that its successful, long-standing ExtraCare loyalty program remains a key driver of front-store sales, and it arms the company with a powerful competitive advantage, especially as CVS looks to take the program to new heights. 


While CVS/pharmacy’s store clustering initiatives and store brands are fueling front-store profitability, there’s no doubt that its successful, long-standing ExtraCare loyalty program remains a key driver of front-store sales, and it arms the company with a powerful competitive advantage, especially as CVS looks to take the program to new heights. 


October 9, 2012
Innovative products cater to growing do-it-yourself trend

It is clearly no secret that nail care products at mass are red hot, as manufacturers continue to develop innovative do-it-yourself products that imitate nail salon effects and beauty mavens increasingly turn to at-home, cost-effective solutions.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — It is clearly no secret that nail care products at mass are red hot, as manufacturers continue to develop innovative do-it-yourself products that imitate nail salon effects and beauty mavens increasingly turn to at-home, cost-effective solutions. New research estimates that the segment will reach $2 billion in 2016.

According to “The Nail Care Market in the U.S.,” a recent report from market research firm Packaged Facts, dollar sales of nail care products in the mass market will reach $2 billion in 2016.

October 9, 2012
Integration key to managing specialty patients

Specialty may be the fastest-growing segment, but it may also be the most complicated, as this segment is comprised of very complex medications to treat such serious diseases as cancer, multiple sclerosis and hemophilia.

Specialty may be the fastest-growing segment, but it may also be the most complicated, as this segment is comprised of very complex medications to treat such serious diseases as cancer, multiple sclerosis and hemophilia. The good news for CVS Caremark is, unlike the typical PBM, it can serve specialty patients through multiple touch points that include specialty mail pharmacies, as well as CVS/pharmacy and retail specialty 
pharmacy locations.


October 9, 2012
Medicare, telemedicine to affect testing supplies sales

There are two issues concerning the business of diabetes monitoring that are playing out right now, one a little more immediate. 


There are two issues concerning the business of diabetes monitoring that are playing out right now, one a little more immediate. 


As soon as 2013, when Medicare’s competitive bidding of durable medical equipment — which includes diabetes testing supplies — as it relates to mail order goes into effect, many pharmacies may be precluded from delivering diabetes test supplies to their patients. Currently 45% of community pharmacies deliver diabetes supplies to assisted living facilities, according to the National Community 
Pharmacists Association. 


October 9, 2012
MinuteClinic expands scope of services

On pace to reach about 1,000 clinic locations by 2016 and a robust team of 1,800 nurse practitioners and physician assistants working tirelessly to provide patients convenient access to quality care, MinuteClinic has demonstrated the integral role that it plays not only within CVS Caremark’s healthcare offering but within the entire U.S. healthcare system.


On pace to reach about 1,000 clinic locations by 2016 and a robust team of 1,800 nurse practitioners and physician assistants working tirelessly to provide patients convenient access to quality care, MinuteClinic has demonstrated the integral role that it plays not only within CVS Caremark’s healthcare offering but within the entire U.S. healthcare system.


October 9, 2012
Moving beyond dispensing and toward adherence

CVS Caremark is also working to reinvent the role of its retail pharmacists and is gaining share by focusing on customer service, greater adherence, increased access and patient 
care improvements.

CVS Caremark is also working to reinvent the role of its retail pharmacists and is gaining share by focusing on customer service, greater adherence, increased access and patient 
care improvements.

Pharmacy same-store sales increased 3.1% in 2011 — pushing CVS/pharmacy’s share of the total U.S. retail prescription market to 19.5%, up nearly six percentage points 
since 2004.


October 9, 2012
NCPA survey challenges MAC, audits

Abusive auditing and unfair reimbursement practices harm community pharmacists’ ability to provide critically needed patient counseling and care to seniors, according to a new survey released Sept. 18 by the National Community Pharmacists Association.


Abusive auditing and unfair reimbursement practices harm community pharmacists’ ability to provide critically needed patient counseling and care to seniors, according to a new survey released Sept. 18 by the National Community Pharmacists Association.


NCPA polled more than 350 community pharmacists about their recent experience with audits conducted by pharmacy benefit managers and other Medicare Part D plan intermediaries. The survey also asked about generic drug reimbursement caps known as maximum allowable costs, or MACs. 


Among the findings:


October 9, 2012
New products boast affordable indulgence

Manufacturers are striving to jazz up the bath and body segment with new, spa-inspired fragrances and formulations as sales show a ho-hum attitude among 
beauty shoppers. 


Manufacturers are striving to jazz up the bath and body segment with new, spa-inspired fragrances and formulations as sales show a ho-hum attitude among 
beauty shoppers. 


According to data provided by SymphonyIRI Group, sales of bath fragrances/bubble bath rose about 3% for the 12 weeks ended Aug. 12 at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart). During that same period, sales of body scrubbers/massagers declined 5%, as sales of liquid body wash also dropped about 5%.


October 9, 2012
NewsBytes — Chain Pharmacy, 10/15/12

Drug maker Dr. Reddy’s Labs has launched a generic antibiotic drug, the company said. The India-based company announced the launch of amoxicillin tablets, capsules and oral suspension.

Dr. Reddy's launches antibiotics

October 9, 2012
NUT-rition in a jar

Planters NUT-rition brand has entered the peanut butter category.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Planters NUT-rition brand has entered the peanut butter category. NUT-rition peanut butter is nutrient-dense and a good source of energy, providing 6 g to 7 g of protein per serving and, depending on variety, at least five vitamins and minerals. The products have 0 g of trans fat per serving. The line — which includes Cinnamon Raisin Granola Nut, Banana Granola Nut and Berry Nut flavors — is available nationwide in 12-oz. jars, with a suggested retail price of $3.49 
to $3.99.

October 9, 2012
Q&A: Campaigning 
against the flu

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of French drug maker Sanofi, recently unveiled an effort to promote flu vaccinations that includes advertising and celebrity endorsements. DSN had the opportunity to talk to Sanofi Pasteur director of U.S. public relations and communications Michael Szumera about the campaign.

Flu vaccinations have received a lot of attention lately, and that’s no surprise, considering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that everyone ages 6 months and older get yearly vaccinations, not to mention the H1N1 pandemic flu scare.

October 9, 2012
Q&A: Upscale retail

In this exclusive interview with Drug Store News, Christina Hennington, divisional merchandising manager of beauty for Target, talks about the hottest trends in beauty and how Target is taking beauty to the next level.


In this exclusive interview with Drug Store News, Christina Hennington, divisional merchandising manager of beauty for Target, talks about the hottest trends in beauty and how Target is taking beauty to the next level.


DSN: What are some of the biggest trends you are seeing in beauty?


October 9, 2012
ReportersNotebook — Chain Pharmacy, 10/15/12

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Acton Pharmaceuticals for asthma, the company said.

SUPPLIER NEWS — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Acton Pharmaceuticals for asthma, the company said. The drug maker announced the approval of Aerospan (flunisolide HFA) inhalation aerosol as a maintenance treatment for asthma in patients ages 6 years and older. The drug maker plans to launch the drug in early 2013.

October 9, 2012
ReportersNotebook — Consumables, 10/15/12

Dasani has introduced Dasani Drops, a zero-calorie liquid beverage enhancer that allows people to add a burst of flavor to their water, the company said.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Dasani has introduced Dasani Drops, a zero-calorie liquid beverage enhancer that allows people to add a burst of flavor to their water, the company said. Packaged in a squeezable 1.9-fl.-oz. bottle with a flip-top cap, the product comes in strawberry kiwi, pink lemonade, pineapple coconut and mixed berry flavors, and will be available at stores nationwide in October. 


October 9, 2012
ReportersNotebook — General Merchandise, 10/15/12

A remedy for odors that lurk in trash cans has entered the market. Trash Dash, a new item marketed under the BestAir brand, is a sodium bicarbonate-based product that is designed to enhance indoor air quality and add a fresh scent to trash or recycling containers by absorbing odors.

SUPPLIER NEWS — A remedy for odors that lurk in trash cans has entered the market. Trash Dash, a new item marketed under the BestAir brand, is a sodium bicarbonate-based product that is designed to enhance indoor air quality and add a fresh scent to trash or recycling containers by absorbing odors. Available in citrus burst or lavender vanilla scents, BestAir Trash Dash is available in 8-oz. containers and carries a suggested retail price of $3.99 
to $4.49.


October 9, 2012
ReportersNotebook — Over the Counter, 10/15/12

Summit Laboratories recently launched a pair of skin care items ideal for people with diabetes. Aside from kidney and eye disorders, skin disorders are one of the top challenges for diabetics.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Summit Laboratories recently launched a pair of skin care items ideal for people with diabetes. Aside from kidney and eye disorders, skin disorders are one of the top challenges for diabetics. Summit Laboratories’ Dr. Fred Summit Type 1 & 2 Diabetic Rehydrating Cleanser and Cream provide a one-two punch to help promote proper leg and foot care. The pair of products are being merchandised as a solution for dry and itching skin associated with diabetes, and retail for $6.99 and 
$12.99, respectively.


October 9, 2012
Retail clinics vs. urgent care — it’s a numbers game

A few months ago, I found myself commenting on another website focused on healthcare-related news about the future growth potential for retail clinics versus urgent care centers. Actually, I was on the verge of a full-on debate with some other user, saved only by the grace of a site error. It is an ironic example of how technology can make humans more efficient — even if by mistake.


A few months ago, I found myself commenting on another website focused on healthcare-related news about the future growth potential for retail clinics versus urgent care centers. Actually, I was on the verge of a full-on debate with some other user, saved only by the grace of a site error. It is an ironic example of how technology can make humans more efficient — even if by mistake.