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April 10, 2013

Nordic Naturals launches Nordic CoQ10 Ubiquinol

Nordic Naturals launched Nordic CoQ10 Ubiquinol, formulated with 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) ubiquinol in a soft gel delivery format.

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Nordic Naturals on Tuesday launched Nordic CoQ10 Ubiquinol, formulated with 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) ubiquinol in a soft gel delivery format. Shown to support cardiovascular health and the transformation of food into energy, ubiquinol is the active antioxidant form of CoQ-10, a fat-soluble molecule found in nearly every cell, tissue, and organ in the body, the supplier stated.

March 26, 2013

Safeway signs agreement to install SoloHealth Stations across store base

Safeway has agreed to install SoloHealth Station kiosks across almost 700 stores as part of a multiyear agreement, SoloHealth announced Tuesday.

ATLANTA — Safeway has agreed to install SoloHealth Station kiosks across almost 700 stores as part of a multiyear agreement, SoloHealth announced Tuesday.

“Safeway shares our commitment of empowering consumers to take charge of their health,” stated Stephen Kendig, chief commercial officer and EVP SoloHealth. “We believe that access, awareness and education are keys to a healthy lifestyle, and we’re bringing comprehensive health and wellness services directly to Safeway’s customers.”

March 21, 2013

Starbucks expands loyalty program to grocery purchases

Starbucks today at the company's annual meeting of shareholders unveiled plans to expand its My Starbucks Rewards loyalty program to reward customers who purchase Starbucks-brand products in their local grocery stores.

SEATTLE — Starbucks today at the company's annual meeting of shareholders unveiled plans to expand its My Starbucks Rewards loyalty program to reward customers who purchase Starbucks-brand products in their local grocery stores.

February 22, 2013

FDA commissioner praises generic industry's efforts on quality, shortages, follow-on biologics in GPhA speech

One of the FDA's chief duties is ensuring the quality of food and drug products, and that was the focus of a keynote address delivered at the GPhA annual meeting.

NEW YORK — One of the Food and Drug Administration's chief duties is ensuring the quality of food and drug products, and that was the focus of a keynote address delivered Friday morning by FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg at the Generic Pharmaceutical Association's annual meeting.

In the address, viewed via webcast, Hamburg addressed issues ranging from quality to drug shortages to follow-on biologics, praising the generics industry's role in contributing more than $1 trillion in savings to the healthcare system over the past decade.

February 21, 2013

Kettle Brand expands territory with two new chip flavors

Kettle Brand is pushing boundaries with two new flavors the company said reflects the preferences of the current consumer, the company announced.

SALEM, Ore. — Kettle Brand is pushing boundaries with two new flavors the company said reflects the preferences of the current consumer, the company announced today.

February 13, 2013

ThinkGeek introduces nostalgia-scented candles

ThinkGeek's GeekLabs on Wednesday announced the launch of four votive candles scented to evoke special memories, from a pizza arcade to a high school locker room.

FAIRFAX, Va. — ThinkGeek's GeekLabs on Wednesday announced the launch of four votive candles scented to evoke special memories, from a pizza arcade to a high school locker room.

"You always see candles that take you on 'exotic journeys'," staid Ty Liotta, chief of GeekLabs. "We wanted to create something more accessible. Something that every geek will relate to."

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 7, 2013

Verizon Communications elects Walgreens chief Greg Wasson to board

Verizon Communications on Thursday elected Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO, to the Verizon board of directors, effective March 1.

NEW YORK — Verizon Communications on Thursday elected Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO, to the Verizon board of directors, effective March 1.

"Greg Wasson brings to Verizon an in-depth knowledge of the retail and healthcare industries," stated Lowell McAdam, Verizon chairman and CEO. "He offers a unique perspective as the leader of a successful Fortune 50 company focused on innovation, traditional and nontraditional growth, operational and technical excellence, and multichannel integration. We welcome him as a valuable addition to our board."

February 5, 2013

WebMD launches allergy app

WebMD Health launched the WebMD Allergy app for the iPhone, a mobile resource that empowers consumers to take control of their allergies.

NEW YORK — WebMD Health Corp. on Tuesday launched the WebMD Allergy app for the iPhone, a mobile resource that empowers consumers to take control of their allergies.

"The WebMD Allergy app provides consumers with accurate and personalized weather-related allergy information to help them proactively manage their allergy conditions," stated Michael Smith, WebMD chief medical editor. "WebMD's trusted allergy information is delivered through an innovative mobile app to help consumers be better prepared to face the day."

January 30, 2013

Take Care Health collaborates with Indiana health system on better patient care

Walgreens' subsidiary Take Care Health Systems announced a clinical collaboration with Indianapolis-based Community Health Network that will facilitate more coordinated healthcare services and improve patient access to high-quality, convenient and affordable care throughout central Indiana.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens' subsidiary Take Care Health Systems on Wednesday announced a clinical collaboration with Indianapolis-based Community Health Network that will facilitate more coordinated healthcare services and improve patient access to high-quality, convenient and affordable care throughout central Indiana.

January 25, 2013

McKesson Specialty names medical director

McKesson Specialty Health and the U.S. Oncology Network on Friday announced that Marcus Neubauer accepted the position of medical director of oncology services for McKesson Specialty Health, effective March 1.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — McKesson Specialty Health and the U.S. Oncology Network on Friday announced that Marcus Neubauer accepted the position of medical director of oncology services for McKesson Specialty Health, effective March 1.

January 16, 2013

Vestcom launches shelf solution to ease confusion shopping supplements

Vestcom on Tuesday launched VitaAisles, a shopper-friendly, comprehensive in-store education program designed to support consumer demand for health information regarding vitamins, minerals and supplements.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Vestcom on Tuesday launched VitaAisles, a shopper-friendly, comprehensive in-store education program designed to support consumer demand for health information regarding vitamins, minerals and supplements.

January 15, 2013

‘Heat-and-eat’ meals cook up new recipes, sales

In the current economy, microwavable single-serve meals may be the answer to consumers’ decreased restaurant use. “These meals occupy the spot between homemade and restaurant meals,” said Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst and VP at NPD Group. “They represent food
service redefined.”

January 11, 2013

With Walgreens two trends - omnichannel retailing and ACOs - are already taking shape in 2013

Walgreens chief Greg Wasson had a new vision to share with the pharmacy operator's faithful shareholders for 2013. It was a vision that firmly placed the Express Scripts dispute in the rear-view mirror and refocused on the road ahead that includes expanding the role of pharmacy and even what it means to be a U.S. pharmacy operator with its acquisition of Alliance Boots.

Two major announcements were made in the wake of the shareholders meeting, both of which were identified by DSN as two of the top six big trends to watch through 2013. Walgreens reiterated its commitment to fostering an omnichannel experience for its shoppers and, a day after the shareholders meeting, Walgreens became the only retail pharmacy operator to partner on three Accountable Care Organizations.

Walgreens chief Greg Wasson had a new vision to share with the pharmacy operator's faithful shareholders for 2013. It was a vision that firmly placed the Express Scripts dispute in the rear-view mirror and refocused on the road ahead, that includes expanding the role of pharmacy and even what it means to be a U.S. pharmacy operator with its acquisition of Alliance Boots.

January 3, 2013

Safeway chief to retire in May

Safeway late Wednesday announced that Steve Burd, its long-time chairman and CEO, will retire at the company's annual stockholders meeting on May 14, 2013.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway late Wednesday announced that Steve Burd, its long-time chairman and CEO, will retire at the company's annual stockholders meeting on May 14, 2013. Safeway's board will begin a search for a successor, and will consider both internal and external candidates for the job, the grocer stated.

December 11, 2012

RxAlly’s pharmacy advocates find their clinical-care champion

If you’re a student working toward a degree in pharmacy, or a practicing pharmacist, here’s something you can feel good about.

If you’re a student working toward a degree in pharmacy, or a practicing pharmacist, here’s something you can feel good about. The expanding army of pharmacists working to advance patient care, lower health costs and integrate the nation’s fractured health system has found a true champion to lead its clinical-care efforts.

November 27, 2012

Akeso Health launches supplement addressing nutritional deficiencies common to migraine sufferers

Akeso Health Sciences on Tuesday announced the availability of MigreLief Triple Therapy with Puracol, a nonprescription, comprehensive supplement formulated to maintain normal cerebrovascular function by addressing the underlying nutritional deficiencies and imbalances common to many migraine sufferers.

LOS ANGELES — Akeso Health Sciences on Tuesday announced the availability of MigreLief Triple Therapy with Puracol, a nonprescription, comprehensive supplement formulated to maintain normal cerebrovascular function by addressing the underlying nutritional deficiencies and imbalances common to many migraine sufferers.

October 29, 2012

AmerisourceBergen fills new chief strategy officer post

AmerisourceBergen on Monday named Lawrence Marsh, 52, to the new role of chief strategy officer and SVP new market development, effective Nov. 12, 2012.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen on Monday named Lawrence Marsh, 52, to the new role of chief strategy officer and SVP new market development, effective Nov. 12, 2012.

October 19, 2012

WellTransitions couldn't be more timely with a well-vetted solution to reducing hospital re-admissions

WellTransitions could be couched as another way in which Walgreens is striving to create solutions that lower the cost of overall health care outside of the physical retail pharmacy space, because it is. WellTransitions also could be characterized as a program that will routinely chip away at the $25 billion associated with hospital re-admissions by having more prescriptions filled at the pharmacy counter, because it does. But the real impact of this news? The real clincher? Hospitals need retail pharmacy if they're going to focus on reducing re-admissions, eliminating unnecessary healthcare costs and avoiding those penalties.

And that's the direction Walgreens is headed. Most recently, the company added managed care vet Brad Fluegel as chief strategy officer, adding another talented expert to Walgreens chief Greg Wasson’s dream team, which he has described as the “perfect blend of internal, long-term talent” and “external expertise and talents” that is helping to accelerate a massive transformation in its business. (For exclusive coverage of all Walgreens' efforts, click here for the Sept. 24 DSN special report.)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — WellTransitions could be couched as another way in which Walgreens is striving to create solutions that lower the cost of overall health care outside of the physical retail pharmacy space, because it is. WellTransitions also could be characterized as a program that will routinely chip away at the $25 billion associated with hospital re-admissions by having more prescriptions filled at the pharmacy counter, because it does. But the real impact of this news? The real clincher?

October 10, 2012

Consumers plan to spend more this holiday season, NPD finds

It seems that consumers' holiday spending intentions are more positive than last year, according to NPD's 11th annual holiday retail study.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — It seems that consumers' holiday spending intentions are more positive than last year, according to NPD's 11th annual holiday retail study.

September 25, 2012

Re-imagining the great American drug store

How do you transform a drug store into something else? Something new. Something no one has ever seen before. And what would it look like?  

To truly reinvent something, you have to be willing to let go of everything you’ve ever known or thought you knew about it; you need to erase all of the preconceptions and abandon the archetypes of what you think it is, what people told you it should be. You need to find the white space.  

September 18, 2012

Valeant's finance chief joins board

Valeant Pharmaceuticals CFO Howard Schiller has been appointed to the drug maker's board of directors.

MONTREAL — Valeant Pharmaceuticals CFO Howard Schiller has been appointed to the drug maker's board of directors.

Schiller joined Valeant as EVP and CFO in December 2011, following a 24-year career at Goldman Sachs. Schiller also serves on the New York board of Teach for America and on the board of the Cancer Research Institute. In addition, he also is on the business advisory council of the University of Chicago Law School.

September 17, 2012

The Little Clinic, UC Health Partners, King Soopers ink new affiliation

The University of Colorado Health Partners, The Little Clinic and King Soopers have announced an affiliation that will provide consumers with more options to improve their health through improved healthcare services, access to professionals in a variety of fields, such as nutrition and wellness programs.

DENVER — The University of Colorado Health Partners, The Little Clinic and King Soopers have announced an affiliation that will provide consumers with more options to improve their health through improved healthcare services, access to professionals in a variety of fields, such as nutrition and wellness programs.

September 5, 2012

Amid customer complaints, Walmart cuts layaway fee

After announcing it would move up its layaway program for the holiday season to mid-September, Walmart said it also would reduce the program fee from $15 to $5.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — After announcing it would move up its layaway program for the holiday season to mid-September, Walmart said it also would reduce the program fee from $15 to $5.

September 5, 2012

Hain Celestial's finance chief to retire

Hain Celestial announced that EVP and CFO Ira Lamel will retire from the company.

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Hain Celestial announced that EVP and CFO Ira Lamel will retire from the company.

Lamel will remain with Hain Celestial until a successor is named and to ensure an orderly transition, according to the company, which has commenced a global search for Lamel's replacement. Lamel, 65, joined the company in 2001.