BLOG POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
April 2021
Apr 28
Editor’s Note: Cornerstone of the industry
DSN managing editor David Salazar looks at what Larry Merlo’s career says about the industry’s ability to change in order to move pharmacy practice forward.
Apr 27
Editor’s Note: Strength in numbers
DSN managing editor David Salazar discusses the effectiveness of new NACDS chair Colleen Lindholz’s
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
July 2021
July 30
Good Hemp Wellness debuts CBD softgels
Good Hemp Wellness said the CBD in the softgels uses a self-emulsifying formulation from Barlean, meant to increase absorption into the bloodstream.
July 30
Mahaska Drug named Good Neighbor Pharmacy of the Year at virtual ThoughtSpot 2021
Mahaska Drug was honored during the final general session of the three-day Good Neighbor Pharmacy ThoughtSpot 2021
July 29
Socati, Impact Naturals release line of wellness products
The Revive, Restore and Rest products offer CBD capsules that have been formulated with broad-spectrum, high-absorption Chylosoma CBD, as well as CBG and CBN.
July 28
These chains topped J.D. Power’s 2021 rankings as 51% of shoppers used pharmacy health services
Find out which chains were ranked highest among consumers during a year in which shoppers increasingly used pharmacy health-and-wellness services.
July 28
Poll: What is pharmacy’s biggest challenge?
This week, DSN wants to know what our readers think is the biggest challenge facing the industry.
July 27
Rite Aid to launch 27th funding drive for children’s hospitals
Rite Aid will be running the fundraising campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals from Aug. 1 to 28, encouraging customers to support local children's hospitals.
July 26
Holding on to pharmacy’s pandemic-era gains
Pharmacy’s power and prominence grew during the pandemic — now the industry wants to make it permanent.
July 26
Products to Watch: HRG's 5 picks from June 2021
HRG’s new product team pored over the 189 new products that were launched in June — comprising 32 health items, 79 wellness products and 78 beauty debuts — to find these five standouts.
July 23
GSK names McNamara to lead forthcoming independent consumer healthcare company
As GSK prepares for a demerger that will create an independent consumer healthcare business, GSK Consumer Healthcare CEO Brian McNamara has been named CEO designate of the forthcoming company.
July 23
AllianceRx Walgreens Prime earns URAC reaccreditation for home delivery pharmacy
URAC’s full accreditation status means AllianceRx Walgreens Prime’s home delivery services are meeting industry-leading standards.
July 23
Walgreens, VillageMD bring primary care clinics to Indiana
Walgreens and VillageMD said they would be opening Village Medical at Walgreens clinics in four Indiana communities by the end of 2021.
July 22
CVS Health’s Bernstein takes the reins at Bluemercury
Maly Bernstein has been named CEO of Bluemercury, moving into the role from her position as CVS Health's vice president of e-commerce.
July 22
NCPA’s Hoey elected World Pharmacy Council president
Douglas Hoey is tasked with leading the international group focused on building international recognition of community pharmacy, simultaneous with his leadership of NCPA.
July 22
Breathe Right debuts ‘Everybody Strip’ campaign
The 30-second spot and campaign focus on the different places consumers can use Breathe Right strips.
July 22
Aurobindo’s generic Adalat CC gets FDA OK
The market size of the product was $95 million for the 12-month period ended May 2021, according to IQVIA data.
July 21
Walmart Wellness Day makes in-person comeback
Walmart Wellness Day will take place on July 24 at more than 4,700 locations nationwide, marking its return as an in-person event for the first time since January 2020.
July 21
Second Source Rx hires Mangus to lead sales
Vicki Mangus brings more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry to her new role as Second Source Rx's vice president of sales.
July 21
Nature’s Truth donates $3.5M worth of vitamins, supplements to 2 charities
Nature’s Truth donated $3.5 million worth of vitamins and supplements to those in need via partnerships with Feed the Hungry and Convoy of Hope.
July 20
AAM report: Medicare plans lag in adopting new generics
The Association for Accessible Medicines’ latest report found that Medicare Part D plans are slow to add new generics to their formularies and often place them on nongeneric pricing tiers.
July 20
Lupin intros Kerydin generic
Branded and generic versions of the product had U.S. sales of $53 million for the year ended May 2021, according to IQVIA data.
July 20
APhA Foundation’s Impact Network members gain access to point-of-care COVID antibody test
The APhA Foundation is partnering with NowDiagnostics to make the company’s AdexusDx COVID-19 antibody test available to Impact Network members.
July 20
FDA clears Amneal’s generic TobraDex
IQVIA data for the year ended May 2021 showed annual U.S. sales of TobraDex and its generics was $118 million.
July 20
Lannett rolls out generic of Lescol XL
Lannett’s fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets will be the second generic available of the branded product.
July 20
Alikay Naturals unveils cruelty-free, natural vaginal care products
Her by Alikay offers naturally formulated products, including a foaming feminine wash and a refreshing spray in standard and sensitive formulations.
July 20
Camber debuts generic Revatio OS
Camber’s sildenafil for oral suspension is indicated to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension or high blood pressure in the lungs.
July 19
SpoonfulOne makes brick-and-mortar debut at Target
The company offers mix-ins, puffs and oat crackers designed to introduce infants to food allergens early.
July 19
Albertsons expands COVID-19 pharmacy services, surpasses 6M vaccinations
As it marks the milestone, Albertsons is adding digital vaccine records and rapid antigen self-tests while also including tools for scheduling appointments and transportation to a vaccination appointment.
July 19
PlantFuel becomes GNC platinum partner ahead of August launch
With the brand’s platinum status, PlantFuel will be included in an exclusive marketing campaign and more than 100,000 samples will be sent to GNC's Pro Box customers.
July 16
PharmaSmart lands investment from CPS Capital
The investment is aimed at providing growth capital for new customer contracts to accelerate PharmaSmart’s connected health growth strategy in the United States and Canada.
July 16
Barton joins Natrol, Jarrow Formulas as CEO
Nina Barton, a 10-year veteran of Kraft Heinz and seasoned CPG executive, will lead the combined company of Natrol and Jarrow Formula, both of which are owned by New Mountain Capital.
July 16
HRG Future 50: Outstanding innovation from 2020
Take a look at the 50 products HRG analysts identified as unique and innovative in their category and subcategory in 2020.
July 16
Colgate-Palmolive intros Softsoap Foaming Hand Soap Tablets
The tablets are sold in a starter pack with a recyclable aluminum soap dispenser, as well as in three-packs of refills.
July 16
Walmart adds Bubble to its skin care lineup
Bubble, founded as a direct-to-consumer company focused on the skin care needs of young people, is making its retail debut at Walmart.
July 15
Harry’s expands skin care offerings with 4 products
The new products — a toner, night lotion, spot treatment and eye cream — join the brand's signature razors and its two previously launched skin care offerings.
July 15
Mack sizes up how retailer-supplier partnerships can align better, navigate changes
In a recent DSN webinar, Mack Elevation managing director Dan Mack examined how retailers and suppliers can close the gap in expectations and come together to navigate a changing retail landscape.
July 15
ECRM plans fall Global Market event
The 2021 Global Market: Fall Experience, slated for Oct. 18 to 22, will allow for early product discovery via RangeMe and feature a fireside chat with “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary.
July 15
Giant Food now accepting EBT payments for delivery, pickup orders
Shoppers can now use their electronic benefit transfer cards when placing online orders for Giant Pickup and Giant Delivery orders in three states and Washington, D.C.
July 14
Kroger’s McKinney retiring, Jabbar named next SVP of retail divisions
As a longtime Kroger executive retires, the retailer is promoting one of its own to succeed him.
July 14
P&G unveils Quiet & Roar personal care brand at Target
Quiet & Roar is targeted toward Gen Z with a focus on essential oil-based body washes, lotions and scrubs.
July 13
Poll: Should pickup services continue post pandemic?
Readers: weigh in on this week's poll question.
July 13
Kroger Health releases 1st in series of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination ads
The “Take One for Your Team” campaign will see the company partnering with athletes across the country, with the first starring Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson.
July 13
Sam’s Club pilots new Scan & Go app capabilities
The club retailer is piloting Scan & Ship, a new feature within the Scan & Go feature of its mobile app that allows shoppers to order products from the store to be shipped to their homes.
July 12
Genexa debuts Infants’ Pain & Fever
The product is an oral liquid medication containing acetaminophen and few other inactive ingredients.
July 09
Pharmavite acquires urinary health brand Uqora
Pharmavite said the acquisition of four-year-old Uqora was meant to strengthen its position in the women’s health market, where it already sells the menopause-focused Equelle brand.
July 08
Gaia Herbs adds Black Elderberry Tonic
The tonic combines black elderberry with raw organic honey and raw organic apple cider vinegar for a product that can be taken straight from the spoon or used in recipes.
July 08
Walgreens expanding same-day Rx delivery
The chain is now offering the service seven days a week at almost all of its store locations.
July 08
Walgreens, VillageMD bringing 29 clinics to Texas this year
The companies will open 29 co-located clinics at Walgreens stores in Houston, Austin and El Paso as they continue to push for 600 of the clinics over the next four years.
July 07
Beauty by Imagination, Ampro win Buyers’ Choice Awards at ECRM Hair Care program
Beauty by Imagination won the Drug Store News/ECRM Buyers’ Choice Award and Ampro was a finalist for its Shine n’ Jam Magic Fingers Braid Gel.
July 02
Hy-Vee dietitians focus on women, infants with virtual July events
The programming includes two types of virtual store tours and cooking classes focused on introducing infants to new foods.
July 02
Canopy Growth cracks open CBD beverage Quatreau
The Smiths Falls, Ontario-based company successfully launched the sparkling waters last year in Canada, where Quatreau is now the top-selling ready-to-drink CBD beverage.
July 02
Partnerships in focus at Walgreens as WBA positions chain as health destination
Walgreens Boots Alliance and Walgreens executives recently highlighted the company's partnership with iA and VillageMD as big areas of focus as Walgreens looks to grow its role as a health destination.
July 02
FDA clears new indication for Lupin’s Solosec
Lupin’s Solosec (secnidazole oral granules) has a new indication. The Food and Drug Administration has approved expanding the drug’s use to include treatment of trichomoniasis in adults.
July 01
Big Y, Bonum Health ink telehealth partnership
Under the newly inked telemedicine service distribution deal, Bonum Health will provide telehealth services via its mobile health services offering and its prescriber program.
July 01
NACDS brief supports North Dakota PBM-regulation law
NACDS has filed an amicus brief with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals supporting North Dakota's law regulating PBMs and pointing to recent precedent from the Supreme Court to inform the appeals court's ruling.
July 01
Amneal launches 1st generic of Intelence
Intelence had a U.S. market size of roughly $99.4 million for the year ended April 2021, according to IQVIA data.
July 01
Walgreens Boots Alliance’s strong Q3 fueled by COVID vaccines, international growth
For the quarter, WBA’s sales grew by 12.1% year over year to $34 billion and its earnings per share were $1.27, compared with a loss of $2.05 per share a year ago.
June 2021
June 30
Medly Pharmacy acquiring Pharmaca
Medly’s acquisition of Pharmaca will expand its footprint and add OTC and natural beauty products to its same-day delivery offerings.
June 29
Placer.ai data sizes up how pharmacy foot traffic is faring
Placer.ai vice president of marketing Ethan Chernofsky noted in a blog post that all of the chains are seeing improvements in monthly visits since the beginning of the year.
June 29
P&G debuts Nervive line focused on nerve pain
The Nervive line of products is inspired by Procter & Gamble’s non-U.S. brand Neurobion, which is the world’s top-selling nerve care brand, based on Nicholas Hall data.
June 28
Bragg unveils apple cider vinegar supplement
The company said three of its capsules deliver 750 mg of acetic acid — the equivalent amount found in a tablespoon of liquid apple cider vinegar.
June 28
Green Roads acquired by Valens
Valens is paying $40 million in cash and stock upfront for Green Roads, with an additional $20 million milestone payment available once the business achieves certain financial milestones.
June 25
Walmart MoneyCard now offered as demand deposit account
The companies now offer Walmart MoneyCard as a demand deposit account, which brings with it Green Dot’s more comprehensive digital banking platform, making it more similar to a traditional bank account.
June 25
Rite Aid seeking green, better-for-you product suppliers with upcoming summit
The retailer’s virtual Clean, Green and Better for You product summit on July 29 will identify front-end suppliers whose products support whole health and use clean ingredients.
June 24
Rite Aid’s Q1 delivers on earnings, misses expected revenue target
The company delivered against Wall Street estimates on earnings — posting a net loss of 24 cents per share — but fell short on revenue, even as it rose 2.2% year over year to $6.16 billion.
June 24
Rite Aid’s sustainability report outlines progress on 4 pillars of focus
As it shared its solid first-quarter results on Thursday, Rite Aid also released its third annual corporate sustainability report, outlining its environmental, social and governance strategy.
June 23
Watch DSN: Lynne Fruth highlights Fruth Pharmacy’s commitment to West Virginia patients
The latest installment of the Watch DSN video series features Lynne Fruth, president and chairman of Fruth Pharmacy, discussing how the chain has served patients throughout the pandemic.
June 18
Eyes — and ears — on the horizon: Trends driving eye and ear care
Consumers and retailers are turning their attention to a spurt of activity in the burgeoning eye and ear segments.
June 17
Kadenwood acquiring Social CBD
Kadenwood said acquiring Social CBD will create the largest retail CBD distribution network in the country, including major drug and grocery chains, with products in roughly 18,000 retail stores.
June 16
Path to Purchase Live returns in-person this November
Path to Purchase Live — slated for Nov. 1 to 3 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla. — will feature industry experts presenting new strategies for attendees, as well as key networking opportunities.
June 15
Walgreens offering retail products via Uber Eats
Walgreens is expanding its collaboration with Uber to now include same-day delivery of retail items from the chain via Uber Eats.
June 14
Rite Aid promotes Persaud to chief retail officer
Andre Persaud joined Rite Aid as executive vice president of retail in February 2020, assuming responsibility for new in-store experiences and retail operations processes.
June 14
Watch DSN: Bill Ladwig discusses how Lewis Drug serves its unique communities
In the latest installment of the Watch DSN video series, Bill Ladwig of Lewis Drug talks to DSN publisher John Kenlon about the chain's approach to bringing health care to pharmacy deserts.
June 14
Eosera debuts Nose Well nasal rinse
Nose Well is designed to make rinsing the nasal passages easy and efficient, Eosera said.
June 14
HDA names 2021 DIANA Award winners
The Arlington, Va.-based trade association presented the awards as part of its virtual 2021 HDA BLC Online conference.
June 11
Walmart Health offering COVID-19 vaccines across Georgia
Walmart Health is leveraging its clinic footprint to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates in Georgia.
June 11
Staying strong: VMS will maintain strong post-pandemic role among consumers
Even as vaccines become widely available, consumers remain eager to buy the vitamins, minerals, supplements and nutritional products that have become part of their new health routines.
June 11
Goli Nutrition intros ashwagandha gummies
Goli Ashwa Gummies contain KSM-66, a full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract, as well as vitamin D2, the company said.
June 11
Q&A: Pain Care Labs' Baxter discusses drug-free pain relief
Dr. Amy Baxter, CEO and chief medical officer of Pain Care Labs, discusses the company’s devices, which are designed to offer pain relief without the use of medication.
June 10
ECRM launches RangeMe across the pond
One of the first companies in the United Kingdom to partner with RangeMe is LloydsPharmacy, whose buyers are using the platform for product discovery.
June 10
Chains expand vaccination hours during ‘National Month of Action’
Rite Aid and Walgreens on Thursday unveiled expanded hours on the remaining Fridays in June to make getting vaccinated easier.
June 09
CbdMD adds CBD Body Care line to skin care collection
The cbdMD CBD Body Care line includes three products that feature premium ingredients to keep skin clean and moisturized.
June 08
Walmart+ now includes prescription savings
The new Walmart+ Rx for less program is meant to offer additional savings on some of the most commonly prescribed medications to paying members of Walmart's subscription offering.
June 07
DJ Khaled intros CBD-enhanced men’s grooming line
The lineup includes a face mask, cleanser, shaving cream, moisturizer and beard oil, each of which is formulated with 300 mg of CBD.
June 07
GNC bringing products to Walmart, growing wholesale footprint
Walmart will be carrying a curated selection of GNC’s own-brand products, beginning with a selection of men's and women’s essential vitamins at 4,000 Walmart stores.
June 07
Products to Watch: HRG's 5 picks from May 2021
The HRG new product team pored over 127 products — including 44 health items, 63 wellness products and 20 beauty innovations — to choose five that had big potential on the shelf.
June 07
Walgreens, Abbott pilot brings COVID-19 tests to EBT cardholders in Philadelphia
Through July 4, people with a Pennsylvania EBT card can receive enough supply of the Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test to test every member of their family within the FDA’s testing guidelines.
June 04
HempFusion debuting private-label division with line for leading grocer
The company said the 10-SKU private-label line for a leading, publicly traded grocery retailer is set to ship in July and was the result of its products’ performance among shoppers.
June 04
Kroger partners with Trae Young, Turner Sports to encourage COVID-19 vaccination in Atlanta
The grocer is partnering with Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and Turner Sports to encourage vaccinations in underserved communities in Atlanta.
June 03
DSN names Maynard editorial director
Nigel F. Maynard will lead print and digital operations, including its increasingly popular video content, and expand DSN’s digital platform as it seeks to provide retailer and supplier news and features in whatever format the reader wants.
June 03
Walgreens offering new COVID-19 testing option for international travelers
Walgreens is offering the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test, administered by eMed, which meets CDC requirements for travelers returning to the United States from abroad.
June 02
WBA, AmerisourceBergen complete Alliance Healthcare deal
Walgreens Boots Alliance said the more than $6 billion in cash generated from the sale would go toward reducing debt and investments focused on growing its retail pharmacy and healthcare businesses.
June 02
Albertsons rolls out enhanced supplier diversity efforts
Albertsons is forging new partnerships — including with C2FO, ECRM, RangeMe and Quantum — to strengthen its base of diverse-owned suppliers.