Content about manager

April 12, 2013

The pitfalls of power: Are you vulnerable?

A leading category manager who purchases a $4 billion category of business shared with me during a recent interview that he believes less than 5% of the companies calling on him “truly create meaningful value” and actually “get it.” He went on to share that, “they don’t understand or appreciate my definition of value.”

February 25, 2013

Duane Reade's social gaming partnership looks to drive foot traffic and a little fun

DSN sat down with Calvin Peters, Duane Reade's PR/online manager, to talk about the launch of the social game Ingress, a mobile platform utilizing location-based services to bridge the game into the physical world, and how the company hopes the game will be the next rung in the evolutionary ladder of social retailing helping to drive foot traffic into its stores.

Audio Q&A: Drug Store News sat down with Duane Reade's Calvin Peters to discuss the launch of Ingress. Ingress is not only the next evolution of social gaming — the mobile platform uses location-based services to help bring the game to life in the physical world — Ingress is also the next evolution of social retailing.

January 23, 2013

Walgreens 'Night at the W' event

In celebration of its involvement in the "People's Choice Awards," which aired in early January, Walgreens hosted "Night at the W" events at stores nationwide. Sure not to miss this Red Carpet event, DSNTV went behind the scenes to talk with Walgreens district manager Jerry Telson and Walgreens senior beauty adviser Erianny Diaz in Manhattan to learn more about "Night at the W" and how Walgreens continues to elevate the beauty experience at mass.

December 27, 2012

Managing HIV/AIDS treatment

The Obama administration recently stressed the importance of increasing coverage of HIV treatment, as well as increasing access to HIV testing and counseling. It's an initiative that Walgreens, with more than 700 HIV-specialized pharmacies and over 2,000 pharmacists with special HIV/AIDS-accredited educational training, follows closely. Walgreens' senior manager for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis pharmacy services Glen Pietrandoni talked with DSN on the scope of Walgreens' HIV/AIDS services.

AUDIO Q&A: Walgreens' senior manager for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis pharmacy services Glen Pietrandoni talked with DSN on the scope of Walgreens' HIV/AIDS services.The Obama administration recently stressed the importance of increasing coverage of HIV treatment, as well as increasing access to HIV testing and counseling.

March 5, 2012

Pharmacy benefit wars

Radio Health Journal's Reed Pence talks with DSN editor in chief Rob Eder; Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness Kermit Crawford; Express Scripts senior director of public affairs Brian Henry; and former Walgreens pharmacy customer Virginia Greathouse about the causes and impact of the Walgreens-ESI dispute.

May 21, 2013

Report forecasts rapid rise in specialty drug spending through 2015

Spending on specialty drugs is likely to increase by 67% over the next couple of years, according to a new study by pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts.

ST. LOUIS — Spending on specialty drugs is likely to increase by 67% over the next couple of years, according to a new study by pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts.

May 20, 2013

Seniors express satisfaction with preferred pharmacy networks in PCMA-commissioned survey

A recent survey commissioned on behalf of a pharmacy benefit manager trade group found a high degree of satisfaction among Medicare Part D beneficiaries with preferred pharmacy plans.

WASHINGTON — A recent survey commissioned on behalf of a pharmacy benefit manager trade group found a high degree of satisfaction among Medicare Part D beneficiaries with preferred pharmacy plans.

May 14, 2013

Kroger promotes two finance executives

Kroger announced two finance executive promotions that will be effective with their elections by Kroger's board of directors expected on June 27.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday announced two finance executive promotions that will be effective with their elections by Kroger's board of directors expected on June 27. Scott Henderson has been named VP pension investment and strategy and Todd Foley has been named VP and treasurer.

Henderson, 57, currently serves as Kroger's VP and treasurer, a position he has held since 2003. He will lead a new team that is responsible for overseeing nearly $12 billion of assets.

May 9, 2013

Geritol brand looks to make a comeback

Meda Consumer Healthcare is quickly developing a reputation for re-energizing iconic brands across new consumer groups. They've done it with Feosol. And now they're looking to reinvent Geritol.

MARIETTA, Ga. — Meda Consumer Healthcare is quickly developing a reputation for re-energizing iconic brands across new consumer groups. They've done it with Feosol. And now they're looking to reinvent Geritol.

"Geritol is a beloved brand that has been in the market for 60-plus years and actually originally targeted stay-at-home moms in their 30s," explained Cigdem Topalli, brand manager for Geritol and Feosol at Meda Consumer.

May 9, 2013

Similasan adds 'heavy hitters' to team

Similasan recently added three heavy hitters to its team, including Haley Ball as product manager, Dora Newlin as director of marketing and Kim Stark, who will direct Similasan's quality assurance and regulatory initiatives.

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Similasan recently added three heavy hitters to its team, including Haley Ball as product manager, Dora Newlin as director of marketing and Kim Stark, who will direct Similasan's quality assurance and regulatory initiatives.

In addition to managing the Similasan brand across the United States and Canada, Ball works as the social media community manager for Similasan USA. Prior, she worked as market category manager for Coca-Cola.

May 9, 2013

U.S. beauty device market gears up

Beauty mavens are loving their beauty devices. As untapped potential exists in Asian and European beauty devices markets, the United States has retained its global market share lead with strong double-digit growth in 2012, according to recent research.

Consulting and research firm Kline Group stated earlier this year that the U.S. beauty device market grew nearly 20% in 2012, driven by both new product launches from existing marketers and new players.

May 7, 2013

Bi-Lo raises more than $550,000 for local charities across Bi-Lo, Winn-Dixie footprints

Bi-Lo raised more than $550,000 to benefit nonprofit organizations within the grocer’s operating area across both its Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie banners.

MAULDIN, S.C. — Bi-Lo raised more than $550,000 to benefit nonprofit organizations within the grocer’s operating area across both its Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie banners.

“Bi-Lo recognizes the important role that we and our loyal customers can play in solving issues and making stronger communities for everyone,” stated Melissa Adams, Bi-Lo Winn-Dixie’s manager of charitable giving.

May 6, 2013

Swiss Precision Diagnostics showcases latest in home pregnancy test technology at OBGYN meeting

Swiss Precision Diagnostics unveiled the new Clearblue Advanced Pregnancy Test with Weeks Estimator at the 61st Annual Clinical Meeting of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists here.

NEW ORLEANS — Swiss Precision Diagnostics on Monday unveiled the new Clearblue Advanced Pregnancy Test with Weeks Estimator at the 61st Annual Clinical Meeting of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists here. The latest home pregnancy test kit not only tells a woman if she is pregnant but also estimates the number of weeks since ovulation.

April 23, 2013

Unnecessary spending related to medications totaled nearly half a trillion dollars last year, and much of that was in the poorest states in the country, according to pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Unnecessary spending related to medications totaled nearly half a trillion dollars last year, and much of that was in the poorest states in the country, according to pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts.

ESI said the country wasted $418 billion on bad medication-related decisions, including $55.8 billion spent on higher-priced medications when cheaper alternatives were available; and $269.4 billion went to expenses related to poor medication adherence.

April 17, 2013

Kleenex sponsors sweepstakes for healthy schools, kids

Starting today, April 17, Kleenex brand, the only facial tissue with Sneeze Shield in all of its tissues, according to the company, is giving three schools a chance to win 250,000 eBoxTops for the 2013-2014 school year through the Kleenex brand in the Classroom sweepstakes.

DALLAS — Starting today, April 17, Kleenex brand, the only facial tissue with Sneeze Shield in all of its tissues, according to the company, is giving three schools a chance to win 250,000 eBoxTops for the 2013-2014 school year through the Kleenex brand in the Classroom sweepstakes.

April 16, 2013

Q&A: PBM evolution

DSN spoke at length with two Catamaran executives — Albert Thigpen, SVP pharmacy operations and industry relations, and Sumit Dutta, SVP and chief medical officer — about the PBM’s new approach to managed pharmacy care and the changes driving that strategy.

The health and pharmacy marketplace is undergoing rapid and fundamental transformation. To navigate profitably in tomorrow’s complex and shifting healthcare system, the pharmacy benefit management industry — along with the pharmacies and health plan payers allied with PBMs — are going to have to change and adapt as well.

April 15, 2013

Navarro Discount Pharmacy celebrates opening of 33rd store

Navarro Discount Pharmacy has opened its 33rd store in Miami, which targets Hispanics from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Cuba.

MIAMI — Navarro Discount Pharmacy has opened its 33rd store in Miami, which targets Hispanics from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Cuba.

April 12, 2013

Rite Aid benefits from customer loyalty, investment

Rite Aid reported a $123.1 million profit for fourth quarter 2013 and $118.1 million for the fiscal year - its first profitable year since 2007 - amid greater generic drug penetration and retention of at least three-quarters of the customers who switched over to the chain during the dispute between Walgreens and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, among other factors.

In other words, the factors that helped fuel the nearly $62 million profit the company reported in third quarter 2013 have continued to hold, which means the 4,623-store chain has put itself on track for strong future growth, which will no doubt be helped along by the debt refinancing the company finished in February.

Rite Aid reported a $123.1 million profit for fourth quarter 2013 and $118.1 million for the fiscal year — its first profitable year since 2007 — amid greater generic drug penetration and retention of at least three-quarters of the customers who switched over to the chain during the dispute between Walgreens and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, among other factors.

April 11, 2013

Pharmavite: SoyJoy earns gluten-free certification from Gluten-Free Certification Organization

Pharmavite on Wednesday announced receipt of the brand's official gluten-free certification across its SoyJoy line from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite on Wednesday announced receipt of the brand's official gluten-free certification across its SoyJoy line from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.

With this certification, SoyJoy's packaging will feature the official "GF" logo starting this summer. The logo symbolizes standards that the GFCO calls all of its certified brands and restaurants to uphold, specifically the requirement that there be less that 10 ppm of gluten in all raw and finished goods, as well as a required audit of all facilities used in manufacturing

April 11, 2013

Rite Aid posts $118.1 million profit for fiscal year 2013

Rite Aid's profits grew in the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2013 amid stronger front-end sales and prescription count, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's profits grew in fourth quarter and fiscal year 2013 amid stronger front-end sales and prescription count, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

April 10, 2013

Chattem launches Cortizone 10 Poison Ivy Relief Pads featuring trademarked Snapplicator

Chattem introduced Cortizone 10 Poison Ivy Relief Pads featuring a new anti-itch format trademarked the Snapplicator.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Chattem on Tuesday introduced Cortizone 10 Poison Ivy Relief Pads featuring a new anti-itch format trademarked the Snapplicator.

"The innovative packaging is the first of its kind for poison ivy relief," stated Liz Roques, assistant brand manager at Chattem. "The individual Snapplicators include a single treatment so consumers don't have to touch the affected area."

April 10, 2013

Duane Reade launches mobile app for iOS devices

Duane Reade announced the launch of its first mobile application for iOS devices.

NEW YORK — Duane Reade on Wednesday announced the launch of its first mobile application for iOS devices. The free app, available in the iTunes store, will facilitate and further enhance customer access to Duane Reade’s pharmacy services, photo printers, prescription refills, Balance Rewards offers, account information and in-store maps.

April 9, 2013

Pharmaceutical balance tipping to specialty side

The new world of targeted, specialized medicines — many of them bioengineered and many of them aimed at smaller and smaller segments of the population — isn’t just on its way. It’s here. And it’s going to radically change the practice of pharmacy.

Here’s an eye-opener: Specialty drugs will likely account for 50% of all drug costs by 2018, up from 28.7% of total prescription drug costs in 2012.

April 8, 2013

Air Wick launches national parks-inspired air fresheners

In recognition of National Park Week April 20 to 28, Reckitt Benckiser's Air Wick is launching a new line of air fresheners inspired by the essence of America's national parks. Proceeds will help benefit the National Parks Foundation.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — In recognition of National Park Week April 20 to 28, Reckitt Benckiser's Air Wick is launching a new line of air fresheners inspired by the essence of America's national parks. Proceeds will help benefit the National Parks Foundation.

April 4, 2013

URAC gives accreditation to PBM-owned specialty pharmacy

Washington-based accrediting organization URAC has accredited pharmacy benefit manager Catamaran Corp.'s specialty pharmacy brand, Catamaran said.

LISLE, Ill. — Washington-based accrediting organization URAC has accredited pharmacy benefit manager Catamaran Corp.'s specialty pharmacy brand, Catamaran said.

The PBM said BriovaRx had been awarded URAC's Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation. Catamaran said URAC offered the only third-party, voluntary accreditation program of this scope for the pharmacy benefit management and prescription services industry.