ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
Oct 2021
Oct 21
FDA approves new indication for Regeneron, Sanofi’s Dupixent
Dupixent is now approved as an add-on maintenance treatment for patients ages 6 to 11 years old with moderate to severe asthma.
Oct 21
NCPA, MPECrx launch Pathways to Pharmacy Ownership initiative
Pathways to Pharmacy Ownership is an initiative from the National Community Pharmacists Association and Minority Pharmacist Entrepreneur Conference that encourages and supports independent pharmacy ownership among minority pharmacists.
Oct 21
Walgreens Boots Alliance highlights expanding mental health resources
Walgreens Boots Alliance is expanding mental health first aid training for more than 27,000 Walgreens pharmacists, and rolling out new services to meet the growing need in communities across Europe and the United Kingdom.
Oct 21
FDA authorizes Moderna, J&J COVID-19 booster shots, clears mix-and-match brands
The FDA plans to further assess the benefits and risks of the use of booster doses in additional populations, and update the healthcare community and public in the coming weeks.
Oct 20
Walmart set to kick off 2nd annual ‘Black Friday Deals for Days’
Walmart is bringing back its "Black Friday Deals for Days” event and giving Walmart+ members early access to the savings.
Oct 20
White House details COVID-19 vaccine plan for children ages 5 to 11 years old
The Biden Administration said it has secured enough supply to vaccinate 28 million children between the ages of 5 to 11 years old who would become eligible for COVID-19 vaccination if authorization is given.
Oct 20
Adamis secures FDA nod for Zimhi
Zimhi is a high-dose naloxone product for the treatment of opioid overdose.
Oct 20
FDA OKs new indication for Roche’s Tecentriq
Tecentriq is the first and only cancer immunotherapy approved for NSCLC in the adjuvant setting, the company said.
Oct 19
Walmart testing text-to-shop tool
Walmart is working with Global Tech and Store No. 8 on a text-to-shop tool that is being piloted in select areas.
Oct 19
FSD Pharma inks deal with Covar for development of Lucid-PSYCH
FSD Pharma has entered into an agreement with Covar Pharmaceuticals to commence work on providing research quantities of FSD’s drug candidate, Lucid-PSYCH.
Oct 19
Dr. Reddy’s obtains FDA nod for generic Revlimid
Dr. Reddy’s is eligible for 180 days of generic drug exclusivity for lenalidomide capsules in 2.5 mg and 20 mg dosage strengths.
Oct 19
AAM presents facts, figures during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Generic and biosimilar prescription medicines represent significant savings for U.S. breast cancer patients and the overall health system.
Oct 19
Alembic intros doxycycline hyclate
Alembic's doxycycline hyclate is used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
Oct 19
FDA expected to approve mix-and-match COVID-19 boosters
The Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize boosters of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines by Oct. 20, at which time it could also allow the mix and match of boosters.
Oct 18
Boehringer Ingelheim obtains FDA OK for interchangeable Humira biosimilar
The Food and Drug Administration originally approved Cyltezo in 2017 for the treatment of multiple chronic inflammatory diseases and this latest approval designates it as interchangeable across all of these indications.
Oct 18
CVS Health appoints new VP, chief health equity officer
In this role, Joneigh Khaldun will be responsible for advancing health equity for patients, members, providers, customers, and communities served across all lines of CVS Health.
Oct 18
FDA approves new indication for Gilead’s Biktarvy
The approval expands the indication for Biktarvy to include young children living with HIV-1 infection.
Oct 18
Walgreens once again tracking flu activity
Walgreens Flu Index shows that flu activity is up 23% compared to last flu season as people return to more in-person activities.
Oct 18
Dr. Reddy's unveils generic BiCNU
The BiCNU brand and generic had a market value of approximately $19.4 million for the most recent 12 months ended August 2021, according to IQVIA.
Oct 15
FDA OKs expanded indication for Flucelvax Quadrivalent flu vaccine
Flucelvax Quadrivalent is now indicated for everyone eligible to receive an influenza vaccine in the United States.
Oct 15
Ascendis Pharma intros Skytrofa
Skytrofa is the first and only FDA-approved, once-weekly treatment for pediatric growth hormone deficiency.
Oct 15
FDA panel recommends J&J COVID-19 booster shot
The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted to recommend a booster for all recipients of the J&J Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, aged 18 years old and older, at least two months after their first dose.
Oct 15
Cardinal Health pays tribute to Hispanic pharmacists
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll, Cardinal Health is recognizing Hispanic pharmacists for their work to address health disparities.
Oct 15
Hy-Vee Medicare Aisle offers free digital quoting, enrollment tool
Using Hy-Vee Medicare Aisle, customers can select from coverage plans including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medicare Supplement plans offered by a number of national and regional health insurance carriers.
Oct 14
NACDS, Johns Hopkins report: Pharmacies play a vital role in achieving health equity
The report describes pharmacies’ success before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in confronting health inequities and disparities, and issues recommendations for further progress in these critical areas.
Oct 14
FDA panel recommends emergency use clearance for Moderna’s COVID-19 booster shot
Vaccine advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously to recommend emergency use authorization for a half dose of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine to be used as a booster.
Oct 14
NCPA’s 2021 Digest Report reveals state of community pharmacy
In 2020, independent community pharmacies represented 34% of all retail pharmacies and a $67.1 billion marketplace, according to the organization’s 2021 Digest Report.
Oct 13
Eli Lilly’s Verzenio obtains new indication
Verzenio is the first and only CDK4/6 inhibitor approved for certain people with HR-positive, HER2-negative high risk early breast cancer.
Oct 13
NCPA appoints new president
Michele Belcher of Grants Pass Pharmacy was named president from 2021 to 2022 of the National Community Pharmacists Association.
Oct 13
ChemoCentryx selects Amber Specialty Pharmacy to dispense Tavneos
Tavneos is used as an adjunctive treatment of adult patients with severe active ANCA-associated vasculitis, in combination with standard therapy.
Oct 13
NACDS Foundation cancels annual foundation dinner
The foundation cited industrywide corporate travel restrictions in its decision to cancel its 23rd annual foundation dinner previously slated for December.
Oct 12
Hikma intros micafungin for injection
Micafungin for injection had a market value of $132 million in the 12 months ended August 2021, according to IQVIA.
Oct 12
Retailers bolster specialty pharmacy capabilities as its role in the industry grows
Specialty pharmacy provides customers with a wide range of services, including in-depth monitoring and patient counseling, as well as reimbursement assistance.
Oct 12
Ira Katz receives 2021 NCPA Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year Award
Katz is known for his tireless effort in combating the opioid epidemic in his community, the organization said.
Oct 12
Bartell Drugs partners with Shipt to launch same-day delivery in Washington
Bartell Drugs shoppers in Washington’s King, Snohomish and Pierce counties can now get delivery through the Shipt marketplace in as soon as one hour.
Oct 12
FDA gives Zydus Cadila tentative OK for generic Epiduo Forte
Zydus Cadila's generic Epiduo Forte provides a treatment for acne.
Oct 12
PTCB launches point-of-care testing credential for pharmacy technicians
Technicians who earn the PTCB Point-of-Care Testing Certificate demonstrate their advanced knowledge in screening patients, administering tests, collecting specimens, and reading and recording test results.
Oct 12
SpartanNash pharmacies to host COVID-19 vaccine booster clinics
SpartanNash is hosting free COVID-19 vaccine booster clinics throughout October.
Oct 12
Dan Leonard reflects on first year at helm of AAM
Dan Leonard is celebrating his first year as president and CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines.
Oct 11
BioCareSD to provide 2 new specialty medications
Specialty distributor BioCareSD is offering Tepezza and Krystexxa, which offer treatment for thyroid eye disease and chronic gout, respectively.
Oct 11
NCPA Annual Convention honors pharmacists, students
The organization honored outstanding students and pharmacists at its 2021 Annual Convention, which was held in person.
Oct 11
Merck, Ridgeback seeks FDA emergency use clearance for COVID-19 treatment
If approved, molnupiravir would be the first oral antiviral pill for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.
Oct 07
FDA gives tentative OK for Lupin's generic Rexulti
Brexpiprazole tablets had a market value of roughly $1.3 billion, according to IQVIA data from July 2021.
Oct 07
Schnucks to hike wages
The retailer shared plans to increase the hourly wage for its store, bakery plant and floral design center teammates.
Oct 07
Tris Pharma taps Anthony Amato to lead generics business development
Amato will lead the business development of the company's generics division.
Oct 07
Cardinal Health reports on the success, diversity of its 2021 summer internship program
Cardinal Health’s 2021 internship class of nearly 100 undergraduates and six MBA students was the most diverse in the program’s history — comprised of 64% of women and 60% of ethnically diverse students.
Oct 06
EnlivenHealth, FDS Amplicare to showcase tech solutions at NCPA convention
EnlivenHealth and FDS Amplicare will showcase their pharmacy technologies at the upcoming NCPA Annual Convention & Expo next week.
Oct 06
APhA, NASPA launch confidential portal for pharmacy personnel to report workplace experiences
The Pharmacy Workplace and Well-being Reporting portal was developed because pharmacy personnel wanted a venue to address workplace concerns and suggest improvements without fear of retribution.
Oct 06
SingleCare presents 3rd annual Best of the Best Pharmacy Awards
SingleCare is recognizing 25 of the nation’s top pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and teams.
Oct 06
NACDS applauds House introduction of INFORM Consumers Act
The legislation is intended to crack down on organized retail crime and protect consumers by promoting transparency and accountability of online marketplaces.
Oct 06
Schnucks encouraging mammograms, raising funds for United Way
Schnucks is working with Pink Ribbon Girls and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to encourage mammograms, and is kicking off its annual fundraiser supporting United Way.
Oct 06
AAM promotes Christine Simmon to EVP of policy, strategic alliances
Christine Simmon, who also serves as executive director of the Biosimilars Council, has been with the Association for Accessible Medicines for 13 years.
Oct 05
J&J submits data to FDA for emergency use green light of COVID-19 booster shot
Johnson & Johnson’s data shows that its COVID-19 booster increased protection to 94% against moderate to severe/critical COVID-19.
Oct 05
Sandoz resolves legacy federal government civil investigation regarding generic drugs
Sandoz will pay $185 million, plus interest from the date of the agreement in principle to settle, and has agreed to corporate integrity obligations with the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services through 2026.
Oct 05
Biocon rolls out generic Afinitor
Everolimus tablets have a market value of approximately $675 million in the 12 months ended July 2021, according to IQVIA.
Oct 04
Zydus Cadila obtains FDA OK for generic Trintellix
Zydus Cadila's generic Trintellix tablets provide a treatment for depression.
Oct 04
Sun Pharma intros sunitinib
Sun Pharma's sunitinib capsules are available in four dosage strengths.
Oct 04
Hy-Vee dietitians hosting free virtual events focused on gluten-free lifestyles
Hy-Vee dietitians are providing a health fair, virtual cooking classes, and store tours for gluten-free customers.
Oct 01
Merck’s molnupiravir effective in reducing hospitalization, death for patients with moderate COVID-19
If authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, molnupiravir could be the first oral antiviral medicine for COVID-19.
Oct 01
Schnucks to host company-wide career fair
Those hired at the career fair are eligible for the up to $600 performance and retention bonus.
Oct 01
Aurobindo receives FDA green light for generic Sabril
Vigabatrin for oral solution has an estimated market size of $262.5 million for the 12 months ended July 2021, according to IQVIA.
Oct 01
Pharmacy pioneer Bruce Kneeland selects 4 road trip pharmacies
The trip, dubbed “Four Savvy Southern Pharmacies,” will include on-site visits and interviews with the owners of pharmacies in Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina.
Sep 2021
Sep 30
Breckenridge receives FDA OK for generic Aubagio
Aubagio had a market value of roughly $1.9 billion during the 12 months ended July 2021, according to industry sales data.
Sep 30
Kinney Drugs appoints John Marraffa president
Marraffa, a former Walgreens executive, joined KPH Healthcare Services in 2019 as vice president of government affairs and healthcare services integration.
Sep 30
FDA gives AbbVie approval for Qulipta
Qulipta is the first and only oral calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist (gepant) specifically developed for the preventive treatment of migraine.
Sep 30
Amber Specialty Pharmacy, Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions to provide Lilly’s COVID-19 antibody treatment
Amber Specialty Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions have 21 locations licensed to administer the antibody treatment and serve patients in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Sep 29
NACDS’ Anderson to chair ASAE
Top priorities will be the promotion of the “Power of Associations” to improve society and effect positive change.
Sep 29
Arcalyst, Gavreto available at AllianceRx Walgreens Prime
Two medicines prescribed for the treatment of specific kinds of cancer and an autoinflammatory cardiovascular disease are now available through AllianceRx Walgreens Prime.
Sep 29
CVS Health to invest $25M in affordable housing in Louisiana
The company will invest $25 million with R4 Capital to build 224 affordable housing units for families and seniors in Louisiana.
Sep 29
Genoa Healthcare opens 600th pharmacy for behavioral health patients
Genoa said the new facility at Southwest Network in Chandler, Ariz., will support medication adherence and better health outcomes.
Sep 29
Upsher-Smith intros three new dosage strengths for generic Absorica
Upsher-Smith is partnering with Mayne Pharma to expand product access.
Sep 28
FDA approves Samsung Bioepis’ Lucentis biosimilar
Byooviz, which is the first biosimilar to Lucentis, provides a treatment for several eye diseases and conditions.
Sep 28
Impel NeuroPharma intros migraine treatment Trudhesa
Trudhesa is launching with an end-to-end process meant to offer savings and home delivery of the treatment for acute migraines.
Sep 28
Lilly expands affordability of Insulin Lispro Injection
Lilly's Insulin Lispro Injection, 100 units/ml, will now have a 70% lower list price than Humalog U-100, starting Jan. 1, 2022.
Sep 28
NCPA’s 2021 Annual Convention speakers focused on leveraging disruption
The National Community Pharmacists Association’s 2021 Annual Convention is slated to take place Oct. 9 to 12 in Charlotte, N.C.
Sep 28
Hy-Vee debuts state-of-the-art store in Wisconsin
Hy-Vee’s new reimagined store in Eau Claire is the first of its kind in Wisconsin and the second for the retailer overall.
Sep 28
Kinney Drugs provides COVID-19 booster shots
In addition to administering booster shots to eligible individuals, Kinney pharmacy teams are ready to answer questions, administer other vaccines and fill prescriptions, according to the retailer.
Sep 27
Zydus Cadila gets FDA blessing for generic Otezla
Zydus Cadila’s generic Otezla provides treatment for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Sep 27
Schnucks to award 4th bonus to front-line employees
Schnucks teammates who qualify could receive up to $600 in a one-time bonus, paying out in January 2022.
Sep 27
Hikma to acquire Custopharm
Custopharm, a generic sterile injectables company, markets its products through Leucadia Pharmaceuticals.
Sep 24
Aurobindo obtains FDA nod for generic Tricor
Aurobindo's fenofibrate capsules will be available in dosage strengths of 67 mg, 134 mg and 200 mg.
Sep 24
CDC director overrules agency's advisors on COVID-19 boosters
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky overruled her agency advisory panel by recommending COVID-19 boosters for people at risk of the coronavirus because of their jobs.
Sep 23
Glenmark gets FDA green light for generic Evoclin
Evoclin Foam had a market value of approximately $12 million for the 12 months endedJuly 2021, according to IQVIA.
Sep 23
Incyte wins FDA nod for Opzelura
Opzelura is the first and only topical formulation of a Janus kinase inhibitor approved in the United States.
Sep 23
FDA OKs Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine booster for older adults, people at high risk
The Food and Drug Administration granted an emergency use authorization for the booster in individuals age 65 years old and older, and individuals age 18 to 64 years old within certain high-risk groups.
Sep 22
Par intros generic Chantix
Chantix had a market value of approximately $1 billion for the 12 months ended June 30, according to IQVIA.
Sep 22
Scynexis debuts Brexafemme
Brexafemme is the first and only oral non-azole prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat vaginal yeast infection.
Sep 21
Pfizer, BioNTech Phase 2/3 trial data show COVID-19 vaccine is safe in 5 to 11 year olds
The companies plan to submit these data to the Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency and other regulatory agencies around the world as soon as possible.
Sep 21
Camber debuts generic Bystolic
Camber's nebivolol tablets provide a generic treatment for patients with hypertension.
Sep 21
AAM report: Generic savings totaled $338B in 2020
Biosimilar drugs saved $7.9 billion dollars in 2020 alone, more than tripling the $2.5 billion saved in 2019, according to the latest report from the Association for Accessible Medicines.
Sep 20
Hayat Pharmacy honored as Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year
Milwaukee-based Hayat Pharmacy is the first Health Mart franchisee to win the award twice, having previously earned the honor in 2014.
Sep 20
CVS Health looks to add 25K employees with 1-day virtual career event
Available positions are for full-time, part-time, and temporary licensed pharmacists; trained pharmacy technicians; and nurses at CVS Pharmacy store locations.
Sep 20
Hikma, FAES Farma ink licensing agreement for Bilastine
Hikma will be responsible for commercializing Bilastine once it is FDA approved.
Sep 20
Cipla obtains FDA nod for generic Durezol
Durezol had a market value of approximately $106 million for the 12-month period ended June 2021, according to IQVIA.
Sep 20
NACDS Foundation awards $130K in scholarships
The awards recognized seven colleges of pharmacy for their innovative and diverse educational programs, which aim to advance patient care and public health.
Sep 17
Hy-Vee to host 4th ‘Best of Local Brands’ summit in November
Midwestern vendors are invited to submit their products for potential Hy-Vee distribution.
Sep 17
Walgreens offering new round of employee bonuses, rewards
The retailer is awarding new bonuses and rewards for pharmacy teams, as well as offering employees an incentive of $200 in myWalgreens cash to those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Sep 17
FDA, EMA launch pilot program to provide scientific advice on complex generic, hybrid products
The goal of the pilot program is to allow American and European assessors the ability to concurrently exchange their views with applicants on scientific issues during the development phase of complex generic/hybrid products.
Sep 17
Hy-Vee intros pharmacy technician apprenticeship, seeks to hire 2K pharmacy techs
The apprenticeship is free for all Hy-Vee pharmacy technicians and can be completed in as few as eight months, depending on state requirements, while working at its pharmacy.
Sep 17
CVS Health to collaborate with Novo Nordisk to tackle obesity
The initial offering will be available at three HealthHUB locations in the Phoenix area — two in Chandler and one in Gilbert — with plans to expand to additional locations later in the year.
Sep 17
FDA advisory committee rejects Pfizer COVID booster outside of high-risk groups
FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee rejected Pfizer's application to add a third booster shot to its two-dose coronavirus vaccine for patients age 16 years old and older.
Sep 16
FDA gives tentative nod to generic Rexulti from Zydus Cadila
Brexpiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for use as adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder and schizophrenia.
Sep 16
Pfizer will seek FDA emergency use for its COVID-19 vaccine in younger children
Former FDA commissioner and Pfizer board member Scott Gottlieb said that Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine could be available to children aged 5 to 11 years old by Halloween.
Sep 16
BioFactura inks material transfer agreement with Rani Therapeutics for Stelara biosimilar
Rani has agreed to evaluate BFI-751 in its RaniPill capsule, a novel, proprietary and patented platform technology intended to replace subcutaneous or IV injection of biologics with oral dosing.
Sep 15
Lupin intros authorized generic Duexis
Ibuprofen and famotidine tablets are indicated for the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and to decrease the risk of developing upper gastrointestinal ulcers, the company said,
Sep 15
Alembic launches generic Anafranil
Alembic's generic Anafranil capsules provide a treatment for obsessions and compulsions in patients with OCD.
Sep 15
CVS Caremark launches new efforts to tackle health disparities
CVS Caremark is expanding its efforts to address systemic inequities with a long-term, collaborative focus on community-based programs for patients with serious chronic illnesses.
Sep 15
Upsher-Smith partners with Cove to expand access to Tosymra for migraine
Upsher-Smith's migraine medication Tosymra will now be offered through Cove's telemedicine platform.
Sep 14
Amber Specialty Pharmacy, Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions to administer Regeneron monoclonal antibody treatment
Amber Specialty Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions have 21 locations in the United States and Puerto Rico that are licensed to administer Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment.
Sep 14
AAM makes 2 key appointments
The organization is welcoming Polly Webster as vice president of federal affairs and Erik Komendant as senior vice president of government affairs.
Sep 14
First look: Hy-Vee opens state-of-the-art store in Grimes, Iowa
The 93,000-sq.-ft. store features Hy-Vee’s newest technology, innovations and partnerships.
Sep 14
UCI to welcome inaugural Pharm.D. class with white coat ceremony
Pharm.D. students at the University of California, Irvine will mark the start of their education on Sept. 24.
Sep 14
Sandoz enters agreement with Bio-Thera Solutions for Avastin biosimilar
Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor, a key mediator of angiogenesis in cancer.
Sep 03
FDA gives BeiGene green light for new Brukinsa indication
BeiGene's Brukinsa is now FDA approved for the treatment of adult patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.
Sep 03
FDA OKs Impel NeuroPharma's Trudhesa
Trudhesa is a nasal spray used for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.
Sep 02
FDA to weigh Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster application
The virtual meeting of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee will take place Sept. 17.
Sep 02
AMA, APhA and AHSP: Stop using ivermectin to treat, prevent COVID-19 outside of clinical trials
The three organizations issued a statement saying they oppose ordering, prescribing and dispensing ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 outside the context of a clinical trial.
Sep 02
Dr. Reddy's intros generic Revlimid in Canada
Reddy-Lenalidomide capsules are available in six dosage strengths.
Sep 02
Hy-Vee adding in-store kiosks from online retailer Pair Eyewear
Hy-Vee plans to open more than a dozen in-store Pair Eyewear kiosks across its eight-state region over the next year.
Sep 01
Hikma, Bio-Thera Solutions partner on potential Stelara biosimilar
Bio-Thera will maintain responsibility for development, manufacturing and supply of the biosimilar Stelara while Hikma will have exclusive rights to commercialize the product in the United States.
Sep 01
DSN webinar with SPINS, ClearCut Analytics examines ominchannel brand success strategies
Daniel Harari of ClearCut Analytics and Michael Friedman of SPINS examined how brands can leverage data to offer cutting-edge and in-demand products.
Sep 01
Cara, Vifor receive FDA nod for Korsuva
Korsuva for injection is a kappa-opioid receptor agonist that targets the body’s peripheral nervous system.
Sep 01
Schnucks to give away more than $500K in rewards points in September
Five Schnucks Rewards members will win points every day in all locations.