Content about Specialty pharmacy

February 14, 2013

Cardinal Health announced plans to acquire privately held AssuraMed, a provider of medical supplies to patients in the home, for $2.1 billion.

DUBLIN, Ohio — Cardinal Health on Thursday announced plans to acquire privately held AssuraMed, a provider of medical supplies to patients in the home, for $2.1 billion.

February 14, 2013

Eisai receives orphan drug designation for thyroid cancer drug

The Food and Drug Administration has granted special designation to a drug made by Eisai for treating thyroid cancer.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has granted special designation to a drug made by Eisai for treating thyroid cancer.

The drug maker said Thursday that its experimental drug E7080 (lenvatinib) had received orphan drug designation from the FDA for follicular, medullary, anapestic and metastatic or locally advanced papillary thyroid cancer.

February 13, 2013

FDA gives breakthrough therapy designations to experimental cancer drug

The Food and Drug Administration has given a special, new designation to a cancer drug under development by Johnson & Johnson and Pharmacyclics, the companies said.

RARITAN, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has given a special designation to a cancer drug under development by Johnson & Johnson and Pharmacyclics, the companies said.

J&J subsidiary Janssen Research & Development and Pharmacyclics announced that the FDA had given breakthrough therapy designations to the experimental drug ibrutinib as a standalone therapy for relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma in patients who have received prior therapy and for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

February 13, 2013

Nearly 90 representatives call on USPS to preserve Saturday delivery of medications

More than seven dozen members of the House of Representatives are urging the U.S. Postal Service to continue delivering medications to all Americans six days a week.

WASHINGTON — More than seven dozen members of the House of Representatives are urging the U.S. Postal Service to continue delivering medications to all Americans six days a week.

February 13, 2013

State of the Union address draws mixed responses from drug industry

Some people liked President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night, and some people didn't, and the response from the drug industry was no less mixed.

WASHINGTON — Some people liked President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night, and some people didn't, and the response from the drug industry was no less mixed.

The Generic Pharmaceutical Association called for measures to lower healthcare costs, including ensuring that generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars reach patients' hands quickly and also avoiding measures intended to provide savings that the GPhA said would raise prescription drug costs, though the grow didn't specify what those measures were.

February 12, 2013

Post-approval drug problems could be due to poor adherence in trials, study finds

Unexpected toxicities from prescription drugs that emerge years after regulatory approval may be due to poor medication adherence in clinical trials, according to a new study.

MCLEAN, Va. — Unexpected toxicities from prescription drugs that emerge years after regulatory approval may be due to poor medication adherence in clinical trials, according to a new study.

While much attention on medication adherence has focused on patients not taking the already approved drugs prescribed to them or not taking them properly, the new study, released Tuesday by Consumer Health Information, found problems with adherence in clinical trials as well.

February 12, 2013

Sanofi named CCCF's corporate partner of the year

The Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing colorectal cancer incidence and death throughout the United States, presented Sanofi with its annual Blue Star Corporate Award.

NEW YORK — Sanofi US was named corporate partner of the year by the Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation (CCCF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing colorectal cancer incidence and death throughout the United States, and presented with CCCF's annual Blue Star Corporate Award.

February 12, 2013

Tough new regulations for compounding pharmacies could be on the way, attorney says

Massachusetts and New Jersey lately have been cracking down on sterile compounding pharmacies alleged to violate safety regulations, but the crackdown may soon go nationwide, predicted a legal firm focused on the matter.

WASHINGTON — Massachusetts and New Jersey lately have been cracking down on sterile compounding pharmacies alleged to violate safety regulations, but the crackdown may soon go nationwide, predicted a legal firm focused on the matter.

LeClairRyan attorney Michael Ruggio said officials in several states were increasing scrutiny of compounding pharmacies in the wake of an outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to the New England Compounding Center, which so far sickened 696 people and killed 45, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

February 11, 2013

Walgreens Infusion Services saves $850,000 in three-month period

Home nutrition support team interventions improved patient care and potentially prevented an estimated 429 hospital days over a three-month period, at a cost savings of more than $850,000, according to new data presented by Walgreens Infusion Services at the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Clinical Nutrition Week meeting Monday in Phoenix.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Home nutrition support team interventions improved patient care and potentially prevented an estimated 429 hospital days over a three-month period, at a cost savings of more than $850,000, according to new data presented by Walgreens Infusion Services at the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Clinical Nutrition Week meeting Monday in Phoenix.

February 8, 2013

Elan sells Tysabri rights to Biogen Idec

Elan will sell the rights to its drug for multiple sclerosis to partnering company Biogen Idec for $3.25 billion plus royalties, the Irish drug maker said.

DUBLIN - Elan Corp. will sell the rights to its drug for multiple sclerosis to partnering company Biogen Idec for $3.25 billion plus royalties, the Irish drug maker said.

February 8, 2013

FDA approves multiple myeloma drug

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug made by Celgene for treating the cancer multiple myeloma, the agency said Friday.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug made by Celgene for treating the cancer multiple myeloma, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the approval of Pomalyst (pomalidomide) for patients whose disease has progressed after treatment with other cancer drugs.

February 8, 2013

Reports: Amgen plans six biosimilars

Biotech drug maker Amgen plans to launch six biosimilar drugs starting in 2017, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Biotech drug maker Amgen plans to launch six biosimilar drugs starting in 2017, according to published reports.

February 8, 2013

Reports: Mass. health authorities shut down 10 compounding pharmacies over violations

Surprise inspections at 40 compounding pharmacies in Massachusetts last fall have led to 10 being ordered to stop sterile compounding, according to published reports.

NEW YORK - Surprise inspections at 40 compounding pharmacies in Massachusetts last fall have led to 10 being ordered to stop sterile compounding, according to published reports.

State health authorities sent cease-and-desist letters to 11 pharmacies, telling 10 to stop compounding altogether and one to stop compounding the drug sildenafil citrate. Twenty-one other pharmacies were allowed to continue compounding, but were cited for minor violations.

February 6, 2013

McKesson, Safecor Health partnership generating cost savings, efficiencies for alternate site pharmacies

Alternate site pharmacies, including those serving long-term care and correctional care facilities, are realizing significant cost savings and greater efficiencies as a result of an innovative partnership forged by McKesson and Safecor Health.

SAN FRANCISCO — Alternate site pharmacies, including those serving long-term care and correctional care facilities, are realizing significant cost savings and greater efficiencies as a result of an innovative partnership forged by McKesson and Safecor Health, the San Francisco wholesaler announced Monday. According to McKesson, the year-over-year benefit can be as high as 15.5%.

February 5, 2013

Report documents opportunities, challenges for biosimilars

A new report sheds light on some of the opportunities and challenges that exist in follow-on biologics, arguing that their opportunity to generate value depends on factors like the speed of development, clarity of regulation, ease of access and the roles of all stakeholders.

NEW YORK — A new report sheds light on some of the opportunities and challenges that exist in follow-on biologics, arguing that their opportunity to generate value depends on factors like the speed of development, clarity of regulation, ease of access and the roles of all stakeholders.

February 5, 2013

Rx Timer Cap introduces easy-to-remove version

Rx Timer Cap has introduced a new version of the cap designed for ease of use among elderly patients.

LOS ANGELES — Rx Timer Cap has introduced a new version of the cap designed for ease of use among elderly patients.

The company announced Tuesday the introduction of the new EZ-Twist removal system for making the cap easy to open and close for people who don't require childproof caps.

February 4, 2013

CVS expands ExtraCare loyalty card program to reward customers for filling prescriptions

CVS Caremark has launched what it called the "latest evolution" of its ExtraCare loyalty card program.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has launched what it called the "latest evolution" of its ExtraCare loyalty card program.

The chain announced Monday the launch of the ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards program, which allows members to earn larger and more frequent rewards when filling prescriptions or making healthy decisions, as well as providing another choice for members and giving them the ability to opt-in to parts of the program most relevant to their needs and preferences.

February 4, 2013

FDA approves generic cancer drug

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic version of a cancer drug in a move that the agency said would help relieve shortages.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic version of a cancer drug in a move that the agency said would help relieve shortages.

The FDA announced the approval of Sun Pharma Global's doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection, a generic version of Johnson & Johnson's Doxil. The drug is currently on the agency's list of drugs experiencing shortages.

February 4, 2013

H. D. Smith names new EVP for specialty arm Smith Medical Partners

H. D. Smith announced the appointment of Tim Booth to EVP, Smith Medical Partners. Smith Medical Partners is a wholly owned subsidiary of H. D. Smith focused on specialty pharmaceutical distribution and services, and is part of the newly formed H. D. Smith Specialty Solutions group.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H. D. Smith on Monday announced the appointment of Tim Booth to EVP, Smith Medical Partners. Smith Medical Partners is a wholly owned subsidiary of H. D. Smith focused on specialty pharmaceutical distribution and services, and is part of the newly formed H. D. Smith Specialty Solutions group.

February 4, 2013

Rexam, Rx Timer Cap partner to promote medication adherence

Prescription vial manufacturer Rexam has a deal with Rx Timer Cap to adapt the cap to its vials, Rexam said.

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Prescription vial manufacturer Rexam has a deal with Rx Timer Cap to adapt the cap to its vials, Rexam said.

Rexam said the partnership would help improve medication adherence. The Rx Timer Cap has a built-in LCD timer that automatically counts the minutes and hours since patients last took their medication.

February 1, 2013

FDA approves new drug for potentially deadly ammonia conditions

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for treating some disorders that harm the body's ability to remove ammonia from the blood, the agency said Friday.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for treating some disorders that harm the body's ability to remove ammonia from the blood, the agency said Friday.

February 1, 2013

Study finds men on long-acting opioids have lower testosterone

Men taking long-acting medications for chronic pain are almost five times more likely to have low testosterone levels, according to a new study by Kaiser Permanente.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Men taking long-acting medications for chronic pain are almost five times more likely to have low testosterone levels, according to a new study by Kaiser Permanente.

The study, which the healthcare system called the first to show a significant difference in risk between short-acting and long-acting opioids, appeared in The Clinical Journal of Pain.

January 31, 2013

Armada to launch new specialty pharmacy organization at annual summit

Armada Health Care will launch a new association of specialty pharmacy at its upcoming annual summit, the specialty pharmacy services company said Thursday.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Armada Health Care will launch a new association of specialty pharmacy at its upcoming annual summit, the specialty pharmacy services company said Thursday.

January 31, 2013

NCPDP releases updated acetaminophen white paper

A standards-development organization for the pharmacy services industry has updated a white paper on protecting consumers and patients from accidental overdoses of the painkiller acetaminophen.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A standards-development organization for the pharmacy services industry has updated a white paper on protecting consumers and patients from accidental overdoses of the painkiller acetaminophen.

The NCPDP announced the updated white paper, "NCPDP Recommendations for Improved Prescription Container Labels for Medicines Containing Acetaminophen Version 1.1."

January 30, 2013

Costco offers Aetna insurance to California members

Aetna is offering individual health insurance plans to Costco members in California, the health insurer said.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Aetna is offering individual health insurance plans to Costco members in California, the health insurer said.

The Costco Personal Health Insurance program includes five plans and offers broad medical benefits, dental options and a large network of doctors and hospitals. The program also is available to members of the club retailer in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Aetna plans to expand the program to other markets in the coming months.