Content about Science

Sometimes shifting trends in business, society or technology can seem to crystallize, giving business leaders who are paying attention a clear view of a market’s future direction and forcing a fundamental realignment of their companies’ strategy. Such was the case four years ago for Innovation Associates, a leading pharmacy technology provider and the company behind the PharmAssist robotic automation system.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Building up its automated packaging capabilities for high-output pharmacies, Tension International Automation Solutions has acquired the exclusive rights to Maverick Enterprise’s automation technology.


The agreement includes Maverick’s UPM Tote and BottlePacker systems, along with the company’s Single BottlePacker and ErgoPack packaging technologies. TIAS also will take over service and support for Maverick’s existing automation systems.


ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Community pharmacists still are among the nation’s most trusted professionals.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A group representing the nation's independent pharmacies praised a local drug store's participation in a drug take-back program.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The natural affinity that has sprung up between independent pharmacy and the generic drug industry — both viewed as underdogs in the relentless fight for market position and profits: one versus powerful chain and big-box retailers, the other versus the far more entrenched and well-funded branded drug industry — was never more fully realized than it was at the end of October, when the National Community Pharmacists Association introduced its new top manager to its members at the group’s annual meeting.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association heralded the withdrawal of two provisions from the Medicaid program that would have had retail pharmacies selling generic drugs at a loss.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Community Pharmacists Association Tuesday unveiled its complete list of newly installed officers and executive committee members for 2010-2011. All are practicing pharmacists who will serve one-year terms.

The independent pharmacy group tapped the new slate of leaders at its 112th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition, held Oct. 23 to 27 in Philadelphia.

BOSTON An investigative treatment for hepatitis C got strong results in patients who had failed previous treatments or who were new to treatment, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial program announced this week.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. Amgen's SVP research and development, Joe Miletich, urged members of a Food and Drug Administration panel to establish approval standards for biosimilars that ensure patient safety and follow a science-based approach.

“Put patients first and sound policy will follow,” Miletich said. “Amgen believes biosimilars have a meaningful role to play in the healthcare system. However, dissimilar — unlike generic drugs — are not identical to the innovative biological products.” 

WOONSOCKET, R.I. A recent study of diabetes information shared on Facebook raised questions about the accuracy of the information on social media sites and its sources, according to the research sponsored by CVS Caremark.

CINCINNATI Procter & Gamble is looking to expand its open innovation partnerships, which would triple the impact of its Connect + Develop open innovation strategy.