ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
April 2021
Apr 16
FDA clears Nextstellis from Mayne, Mithra
Nextstellis is the first and only contraceptive pill containing estetrol, a native estrogen, which is produced from a plant source. It is also the first new estrogen to hit the U.S. market in more than 50 years, the company said.
Apr 16
FDA clears Opdivo as first-line gastric cancer treatment
Opdivo is the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for the first-line treatment of gastric cancer.
Apr 15
NCPA survey highlights how independents are vaccinating underserved groups
Almost half of the respondents in a survey conducted by the National Community Pharmacists Association said they were serving populations with a significant minority population, and nearly 80% operate in places with fewer than 50,000 people.
Apr 15
NACDS lauds CMS administrator, HHS deputy secretary nominations
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is seeking collaboration on pandemic issues and beyond as Health and Human Services’ and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ nominees face the Senate Finance Committee.
Apr 14
KVK taps Ram Kamineni for COO role
Ram Kamineni, previously senior vice president, head of global operations at Jubilant Pharma, brings 38 years of pharma experience to the role.
Apr 14
Hy-Vee names chief data officer
Jason Buhrow will focus on innovation related to enterprise-wide data science, analysis and visualization for the Midwestern grocer.
Apr 14
Schnucks remodeling Kirkwood location
Renovations will include a food hall featuring three local restaurants and an Arch Apparel store-within-a-store concept.
Apr 14
Thrifty White, Upsher-Smith partner on COVID-19 vaccine clinic
The clinic is the result of a partnership between Upsher-Smith and pharmacy chain Thrifty White, which supplied and administered more than 250 vaccines.
Apr 13
Cardinal Health awarded Strategic National Stockpile contract for PPE storage, distribution
Cardinal Health's contract with the Department of Health and Human Services could reach $91.6 million for the storage and distribution of PPE to support the Strategic National Stockpile.
Apr 13
Teva Canada launches new Autoinjector for Ajovy to prevent migraine in adults
AJOVY now offers patients greater flexibility with two dosing options available in both an autoinjector and a prefilled syringe.
Apr 13
CDC, FDA call for pause in use of J&J's COVID-19 vaccine over blood clot concerns
The CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Apr 13
NACDS hails 4 Arkansas laws expanding pharmacists’ roles
The new laws permit Arkansas pharmacists the ability to test and treat health conditions, prescribe and administer vaccinations to individuals age 3 years old and older, initiate therapy, and dispense oral contraceptives.
Apr 13
CVS Pharmacy expands selection of frozen foods, better-for-you snacks
The retailer now offers nearly 250 products across frozen foods and better-for-you snacks, including Beyond Meat, Bird’s Eye Vegetables and more.
Apr 12
APhA announces 2021 Immunization Champion Award recipients
The American Pharmacists Association chose eight recipients of the 2021 Immunization Champion Award.
Apr 12
Xiromed debuts generic Librax
Librax capsules and its generics had a market value of $100.5 million for the 12 months ended February 2021, according to IQVIA.
Apr 12
FDA acting commissioner to deliver keynote speech at AAM’s virtual conference
Janet Woodcock will share the latest FDA actions on quality initiatives, supply chain integrity, inspections during COVID-19, GDUFA III and BsUFA III, and innovation in the generic and biosimilars industry.
Apr 12
Novartis receives FDA approval for self-injection of Xolair
With the new offering of self-injection for Xolair, healthcare providers now have an additional administration option for appropriate patients.
Apr 12
CVS Health to administer COVID-19 vaccines at 14 CVS pharmacy locations in Iowa
Appointments become available April 13 for vaccinations beginning on April 14.
Apr 12
DSN webinar sizes up how retailers can deliver efficient, customer-friendly vaccination experience
The webinar with TTEC and LivePerson highlighted how retailers and pharmacies can leverage messaging and AI to deliver an effortless vaccination experience.
Apr 09
Independent state of mind: HRG report highlights independent pharmacy’s strengths
In releasing the Independent Pharmacy Research Study 2020 report, HRG’s Dave Wendland said independents showed flexibility, creativity and perseverance as they’ve had to reshape their business amid the pandemic.
Apr 09
MinuteClinic Video Visits debut in Montana
The telehealth service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the CVS Pharmacy App and on MinuteClinic.com
Apr 09
Zydus Cadila receives FDA blessing for generic Opsumit
Zydus is eligible for 180 days of shared generic drug exclusivity for generic Opsumit.
Apr 09
Pfizer, BioNTech request FDA expand COVID vaccine for EU in children 12 to 15 years old
Pfizer and BioNTech's FDA filing is based on data from a Phase 3 trial of 2,260 children ages 12 to 15 that they said shows the two-dose vaccine is 100% effective in this age group.
Apr 09
Bristol Myers Squibb, bluebird bio receive FDA nod for Abecma
Abecma provides a treatment for adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy.
Apr 08
Gilead Sciences obtains FDA OK for new indication of Trodelvy
Gilead Sciences' Trodelvy now can be used as a treatment in adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.
Apr 08
NACDS joins National Forum, African American Mayors Association to encourage COVID vaccination
The initiative focuses especially on reaching underserved communities and individuals hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Apr 08
Camber intros generic Urocit-K
Camber's generic Urocit-K tablets provide a treatment for patients with a kidney stone condition called renal tubular acidosis.
Apr 08
Zydus Cadila obtains FDA nod for generic Imbruvica
Zydus is the first company to receive approval for generic ibrutinib 70-mg capsules.
Apr 08
APhA survey: Pharmacists’ confidence in COVID-19 vaccines continues to grow
More than 92% of pharmacists plan to or have been vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a survey conducted by the American Pharmacists Association.
Apr 07
Dr. Reddy's intros generic Kuvan
Dr. Reddy's generic Kuvan offers a treatment for a rare disease.
Apr 07
Jazz Pharmaceuticals gets FDA nod for new indication of Vyxeos
Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ Vyxeos now is approved for the treatment of secondary acute myeloid leukemia in pediatric patients.
Apr 07
Cardinal Health launches Navista TS for oncology practices
Cardinal Health Navista Tech Solutions delivers integrated, AI-enabled solutions and actionable insights to enable improved patient care and enhanced practice performance.
Apr 07
NCPA Innovation Center/CPESN opens enrollment for Community Pharmacy Fellowship
The Community Pharmacy Fellowship is a 12-month online educational program for pharmacists practicing in a CPESN pharmacy, with a focus on clinical services.
Apr 06
ANI expands branded products portfolio with acquisition from Sandoz
ANI is acquiring four dermatology products from Sandoz, which collectively generated net revenues of $13.2 million in 2020.
Apr 06
Mayne Pharma launches generic Ortho-Cept
Mayne has now launched four generic oral contraceptives with a combined market value of roughly $315 million for the 12 months ending January 2021.
Apr 06
Hy-Vee to sponsor Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for 3 IndyCar Series events
Hy-Vee first joined the team as the primary sponsor of Graham Rahal’s entry for Race 2 at the Iowa Speedway in 2020 where he finished third.
Apr 06
Camber intros generic Quelicin
Camber's generic Quelicin is used as an adjunct to general anesthesia, to facilitate tracheal intubation, and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation.
Apr 06
CVS Health affordable housing investments in California surpass $200M
Over the past years, CVS Health and its subsidiaries have invested in over 130 affordable housing communities across California, facilitating the construction or rehabilitation of more than 12,500 affordable homes.
Apr 06
FDA greenlights Aurobindo’s generic potassium chloride
Aurobindo's generic potassium chloride ER tablets will be offered in dosage strengths of 10 mEq, 15 mEq, and 20 mEq.
Apr 05
CVS Health unveils COVID-19 antibody testing at MinuteClinic locations across the nation
CVS Health is offering COVID-19 antibody testing at MinuteClinic locations, with results available within 15 minutes.
Apr 05
Blink Health taps David Chism as VP of pharmacy partnerships
Chism will be responsible for actively managing and growing Blink’s partnerships with the nation’s retailers.
Apr 05
Supernus receives FDA OK for Qelbree
Supernus' Qelbree offers a novel once a day sprinkleable non-stimulant for children and adolescents with ADHD.
Apr 05
Amneal acquires Kashiv Specialty Pharmaceuticals
Through the acquisition of Kashiv Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Amneal has gained a pipeline of 505(b)2 branded products and complex generics.
Apr 05
APhA launches rebranding effort
The American Pharmacists Association is rolling out a new brand identity, including a modernized website, redesigned logo and refined mission statement.
Apr 02
Walmart expands COVID-19 vaccines to 48 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
Walmart is administering vaccines in more than 3,800 stores and clubs across 48 states, including Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
Apr 02
Sanofi’s Sarclisa receives FDA nod for new indication
Sarclisa now is included in two standard of care regimens for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, as early as first relapse.
Apr 02
FDA gives tentative nod to Zydus Cadila's generic Truvada
Zydus Cadila's generic Truvada obtained the FDA's tentative approval in three dosage strengths.
Apr 02
Walgreens, John Legend highlight importance of COVID-19 vaccines
Walgreens is rolling out the “This is Our Shot” campaign, featuring John Legend, to encourage COVID-19 vaccination, as well as address vaccine hesitancy.
Apr 02
Manrex purchases RxMedic's RM1 Pill Counting Technology
Manrex said it intends to expand RxMedic’s Table-Top Pill Counter's market presence in U.S. pharmacies.
Apr 01
CVS Health surpasses 10M COVID-19 vaccine doses administered
CVS Health is offering vaccinations in 44 states at nearly 2,000 stores, with capacity for significant expansion.
Apr 01
Hy-Vee dietitians hosting diabetes-focused virtual events in April
Hy-Vee dietitians will conduct 1,000 free A1C screenings throughout the month at more than 40 store locations.
March 2021
Mar 31
DSN webinar sizes up pharmacy vaccine strategies amid COVID-19 and beyond
A Drug Store News webinar on Wednesday highlighted how technology can modernize pharmacies' workflow as they expand their role from COVID-19 vaccines to providing more clinical services.
Mar 31
Trial: Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is 100% effective in 12 to 15 year olds
Pfizer/BioNTech plans to submit data from a Phase 3 trial to the Food and Drug Administration for expanded emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine for youths ages 12 to 15 years old.
Mar 31
NACDS rolls out ad focusing on COVID-19 vaccine confidence, equity
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ video ad comes on the heels of President Biden’s announcement to more than double the number of pharmacies in the federal program to nearly 40,000 stores.
Mar 31
Hy-Vee offering COVID-19 vaccine at all pharmacy locations
Hy-Vee expands into its eighth state this week, Wisconsin, with COVID-19 vaccines now available at more than 270 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations.
Mar 31
CVS Health releases Transform Health 2030 goals alongside CSR report
For the first time this year, CVS Health launched a standalone Strategic Diversity Management Report to accompany its annual CSR Report.
Mar 30
Aurobindo intros generics of Truvada, Minocin
The company's latest launches offer generics of a popular HIV and PrEP drug, as well as a common antibiotic.
Mar 30
Aurobindo intros generic Atripla, gets FDA nod for Arava
The company's latest generics offer alternatives for branded drugs indicated for HIV, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
Mar 30
NACDS lauds legislation to protect consumers, retailers in e-commerce marketplaces
The INFORM Consumers Act is intended to crack down on organized retail crime, and promote the safety of customers and retailers.
Mar 30
Camber launches generic Lopid
Camber's gemfibrozil tablets are available in a dosage strength of 600 mg.
Mar 30
Industry applauds Biden’s expansion of federal pharmacy partnership
The Biden administration is more than doubling the number of pharmacies in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program from 17,000 to nearly 40,000.
Mar 30
Amphastar receives FDA green light for dextrose injection
Amphastar has received the FDA's blessing for dextrose injection 50% in the 50-ml Luer-Jet Prefilled Syringe system.
Mar 29
NeedyMeds' drug discount card exceeds $300M in savings
NeedyMeds has information on hundreds of programs that offer free medications to those who qualify.
Mar 29
GSK, Vir seek emergency use OK for COVID-19 therapy
Earlier this month, GSK and Vir found that their experimental COVID treatment, VIR-7831, reduced the risk of hospitalization and deaths among patients by 85%, based on interim data from a study.
Mar 29
New York launches nation's first ‘vaccine passport’
The Excelsior Pass — which helps confirm a person's proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results — is expected to be accepted at dozens of events, arts and entertainment venues in New York.
Mar 26
Aurobindo intros generic Gleevec
Imatinib mesylate tablets have a market value of roughly $324 million for the 12 months ended January 2021, according to IQVIA.
Mar 26
Trial to study delivering AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as a nasal spray
An AstraZeneca nasal spray trial could start as early as next week, according to a Financial Times report.
Mar 26
Xiromed launches generic Prilosec
Prilosec delayed-release capsules and its generics had a market value of $104.5 million for the 12-month period ended January 2021, according to IQVIA.
Mar 26
FDA clears new indication, formulation for Astellas’ Myrbetriq
Astellas is bringing forward a new treatment option for children impacted by neurogenic detrusor overactivity, a bladder dysfunction related to neurological impairment.
Mar 25
Aetna Better Health of California taps Verne Brizendine as CEO
Verne Brizendine will be responsible for the health plan’s operations and strategy to help members achieve better health outcomes.
Mar 25
McKesson approved as QCDR for 2021 CMS merit-based incentive payment system
CMS approved all eight of the oncology-specific custom QCDR measures developed by The US Oncology Network and submitted as part of McKesson’s 2021 application.
Mar 24
Alembic issues voluntary nationwide recall of 20-mg telmisartan
The product is being recalled due to a market complaint received, stating that one bottle labeled as 30-count telmisartan tablets 20 mg incorrectly contained 30 tablets of 40-mg telmisartan tablets.
Mar 24
Merck gets FDA nod for new indication of Keytruda
Merck's Keytruda is now FDA approved as a treatment for esophageal cancer or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma.
Mar 24
Uber expands prescription delivery with ScriptDrop
Uber will become the default courier for select pharmacies using ScriptDrop, depending on location and driver availability.
Mar 24
FDA approves Glenmark’s generic Thorazine
Thorazine had a market value of roughly $108.6 million for the 12 months ended January 2021, according to IQVIA.
Mar 24
NCPA releases reports reflecting on COVID-19, advocacy efforts in 2020
With two new reports, the National Community Pharmacists Association is reflecting on its extensive efforts to help independent pharmacists amid the pandemic, as well as its advocacy efforts on behalf of independent community pharmacists.
Mar 23
Biogen sues Teva over generic Vumerity
Biogen and Alkermes claim that Teva’s generic infringes three patents that protect Vumerity, which Alkermes licenses exclusively to Biogen.
Mar 23
Study finds Medicare Part D plans adding more generic drugs onto non-preferred drug tier
A study from Avalere, funded by the Association for Accessible Medicines, found that in 2021, Medicare Part D plans placed generic prescription drugs on generic tiers 45% of the time, a decrease from 64% in 2016.
Mar 23
Glenmark obtains FDA OK for generic Cardizem
Cardizem had a market value of approximately $56.7 million for the 12 months ended January 2021, according to IQVIA.
Mar 23
Merck creates Organon to spin off women’s health, biosimilars portfolio
Organon, a proposed spinoff of Merck's women's health, biosimilars and established brands businesses, intends to appoint a majority-female board of directors.
Mar 23
Zealand Pharma obtains FDA green light for Zegalogue
Zealand Pharma's Zegalogue injection is a diabetes treatment for children and adults that addresses sudden and severe hypoglycemia.
Mar 22
Oakrum, Aucta gain FDA nod for generic Jadenu
Deferasirox granules had a market value exceeding $31 million for the 12-month period ending January 2021, according to IQVIA.
Mar 22
Trial data: AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine protects 100% against severe disease, hospitalization
AstraZeneca will continue to analyze the new data and prepare to apply in the coming weeks for emergency use from the FDA.
Mar 22
Aveo intros oral renal cell carcinoma treatment Fotivda
The medication is an oral, next generation vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Mar 22
Hy-Vee to host 2nd ‘Best of Local Brands’ summit in May
Hy-Vee once again is inviting Midwestern vendors to submit their products for potential distribution on its shelves.
Mar 22
Journey Medical in-licenses, launches Accutane
Journey Medical is adding Accutane to its portfolio of dermatology products.
Mar 19
APhA Foundation adds board member, elects officers
The American Pharmacists Association Foundation named Elizabeth Johnson and established a new slate of officers for the 2021 one-year term.
Mar 19
IRI acquires Intelligent Shopper Solutions from Kognitiv
The acquisition expands IRI’s Loyalty Solutions capabilities for enhanced retailer/supplier collaboration.
Mar 19
Janssen obtains FDA approval for Ponvory
Janssen’s Ponvory is an oral treatment for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Mar 18
Senate confirms Xavier Becerra to lead HHS
The U.S. Senate confirmed Xavier Becerra to lead the Department of Health and Human Services by a narrow vote of 50-49.
Mar 18
CVS Health, Walgreens among retailers joining COVID-19 vaccine education platform
The Ad Council and COVID Collaborative are kicking off a campaign with Walmart, Walgreens and CVS Health that features pharmacists addressing common questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Mar 18
APhA names building annex in honor of John Gans
The American Pharmacists Association announced that its building annex in Washington, D.C., has been named after John A. Gans, its executive vice president and CEO from 1989 to 2009.
Mar 17
Several community pharmacies earn NCPA Innovation Center Excellence Award
The National Community Pharmacists Association’s Innovation Center Excellence Award recognizes pharmacies for their efforts to enhance value, promote services and better serve communities.
Mar 17
Sandoz obtains distribution rights for Proventil HFA generic
With the commercial distribution rights to the brand and authorized generic of Proventil HFA, Sandoz is expanding its respiratory portfolio.
Mar 17
McKesson augments integrated pharmacy services for specialty clinics
McKesson’s health system clients will be offered VHRxS’ full suite of specialty pharmacy consulting services.
Mar 17
Fruth Pharmacy launches medication safety, disposal campaign
Fruth Pharmacy, The West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute and DisposeRx are collaborating on a medication safety and disposal campaign that will run through June 30.
Mar 17
Hy-Vee, Hormel Foods to give away 5K hams
The Fourth Annual Hams for the Holidays initiative includes stops in 14 cities this month where Hy-Vee employees, alongside local law enforcement, fire and EMS first responders, will hand out 5,000 Hormel Cure 81 hams to families in need.
Mar 17
Amazon to widen Amazon Care service availability
Amazon will reportedly roll out its on-demand healthcare service, Amazon Care, across the nation beginning this summer.
Mar 16
Strides Pharma obtains FDA green light for potassium chloride
Potassium chloride oral solution had a market value of $56 million, according to IQVIA January 2021 data.
Mar 16
APhA Foundation names 2021 Jacob W. Miller Award recipient
Susan WInckler, CEO of the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA and a former FDA chief of staff, is the APhA Foundation's 2021 recipient of the Jacob W. Miller Award.
Mar 16
CVS Health offering COVID-19 antibody testing at all MinuteClinics in Massachusetts, Texas
COVID-19 antibody testing is available at nearly 60 MinuteClinic locations in Massachusetts and at more than 100 locations in Texas.
Mar 16
Cipla wins FDA OK for generic Imitrex
Imitrex Nasal Spray and its generic equivalents had a market value of approximately $53.3 million for the 12 months ended December 2020, according to IQVIA.
Mar 16
CVS Health’s transformation leader to take top job at Ontrak
Jonathan Maythew, is departing his role as CVS Health’s chief transformation officer to become CEO of virtual healthcare company Ontrak.
Mar 16
Zydus Cadila receives FDA nod for generic Pamelor
Zydus Cadila's generic Pamelor is indicated to treat such mental/mood problems as depression.
Mar 16
Lannett’s development of biosimilar Lantus advances with FDA feedback
Lannett expects to start a pivotal trial for its biosimilar Lantus early in 2022, with expectations of a launch in 2023.
Mar 16
NACDS RxIMPACT announces Grassroots Awards during 2021 virtual program
Randy Edeker, president and CEO of Hy-Vee received the 2020 NACDS RxIMPACT Key Contact of the Year Award and Lynne Fruth, president of Fruth Pharmacy, won the award for 2021.
Mar 15
APhA, NASP call for comments on ‘Pharmacist’s Fundamental Responsibilities and Rights’
The American Pharmacists Association and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations have released the “Pharmacist’s Fundamental Responsibilities and Rights” for public comment.
Mar 15
Gilead, Merck launch partnership to develop long-acting HIV treatments
Gilead and Merck will co-develop and co-commercialize long- acting HIV treatments that combine Gilead’s lenacapavir, and Merck’s islatravir.
Mar 15
NACDS members offer externships via partnership with Elizabeth Seton High School
CVS Health, Safeway, Weis Markets and Walgreens are offering externship opportunities for students in the school's pharmacy technician program as part of NACDS' broader efforts to build a diverse pharmacy profession.
Mar 15
Lupin debuts authorized generic of Alinia
Nitazoxanide tablets had a market value of $56 million, according to IQVIA January 2021 data.
Mar 15
CMS boosts Medicare reimbursement for administering COVID-19 vaccine
The Biden administration is increasing the COVID-19 vaccine reimbursement for providers to $40 per dose, up from $28, for single-dose vaccines and $80 for two-dose vaccines, up from $45.
Mar 15
Fresenius Kabi intros generic Foscavir
Fresenius Kabi is launching the first to market generic for Foscavir, a treatment for immune-compromised patients.
Mar 11
CVS Health now offering COVID-19 vaccines in 29 states and Puerto Rico
CVS Health now is administering vaccines in nearly 1,200 stores across 29 states and Puerto Rico.
Mar 11
Health Mart's Nancy Lyons highlights pharmacy's role in ending HIV during virtual event
Health Mart’s Nancy Lyons emphasized the ways independent community pharmacies can assist in ending the HIV epidemic during a virtual event held by the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
Mar 10
Xiromed intros 2 generics
The Insud Pharmaceuticals division is launching its generics of Alkeran and Prometrium, which had market sizes of $20.4 million and $74.8 million for the year ended December 2020, according to IQVIA data.
Mar 10
NACDS announces speakers for upcoming 2021 virtual annual meeting
Former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Scott Gottlieb and presidential historian and author Jon Meacham will be featured speakers at the 2021 NACDS virtual meeting's Business Programs in April.
Mar 10
Biden to announce additional buy of 100M J&J COVID-19 vaccine doses
President Biden is expected to announce that he is directing the Department of Health and Human Services to purchase an additional 100 million does of Johson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine.
Mar 09
ANI inks $163.5M deal to acquire Novitium Pharma
ANI's acquisition of New Jersey-based Novitium for $163.5 million will strengthen its generics business and diversify its portfolio, according to the company.
Mar 09
Teva debuts generic Azopt
Brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension 1% has a market value of more than $184 million, according to IQVIA December 2020 data.
Mar 09
NACDS' Anderson discusses INFORM Consumers Act in op-ed
In a Morning Consult op-ed, Steve Anderson, president and CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, welcomed the reintroduction of The INFORM Consumers Act and called on Congress to keep customers safe from organized retail crime.
Mar 09
CVS Health releases Health Trends Report 2021
CVS Health president and CEO Karen Lynch noted that a year of transformational challenges has sparked change and innovation in health care.
Mar 08
Cardinal Health, eMed distribute at-home COVID-19 tests to thousands of pharmacies
Cardinal Health will distribute eMed-virtually guided and verified tests to pharmacies in the continental United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Mar 08
Breckenridge gets FDA nod for 2 generics
The Afinitor brand and its generic versions had a market value of $712 million, while Saphris had a market value of $233 million, during the 12 months ended December 2020.
Mar 08
Kite wins FDA OK for new indication for Yescarta
Kite’s Yescarta is the first CAR T-cell therapy approved for indolent follicular lymphoma.
Mar 08
Viatris, Kindeva Drug Delivery earn tentative nod for generic Symbicort
With tentative approval from the Food and Drug Administration, Viatris faces a legal battle to bring the generic to market and has not planned for any revenue from the product for 2021.
Mar 08
Schnuck Markets donated $200K to the Urban League during Black History Month
Schnuck Markets raised funds for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis via a Round Up at the Register campaign in honor of Black History Month.
Mar 05
Mayne Pharma launches generic Ortho-Cept
Mayne Pharma launched four generic contraceptive products this year. They have a combined market value of approximately $315 million for the 12 months ended January 2021, according to IQVIA.
Mar 05
Unichem receives FDA OK for generic Tenex
Unichem's generic Tenex provides a treatment for the management of hypertension.
Mar 05
FDA approves expanded indication for Flucelvax Quadrivalent flu vaccine
Seqirus’ Flucelvax Quadrivalent influenza vaccine is now approved for use in patients age 2 years old and older.
Mar 05
FDA clears Roche's Actemra/RoActemra
Roche’s Actemra/RoActemra is the first biologic therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration to slow the rate of pulmonary function decline in adults with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease.
Mar 04
Amgen inks deal to acquire Five Prime Therapeutics for $1.9B
Amgen's acquisition of Five Prime Therapeutics will expand its leading oncology portfolio.
Mar 04
CCA, CPESN MA partner to provide medication management services
The Commonwealth Care Alliance will work with CPESN MA over the next year to implement clinical initiatives focused on gaps in care and on medication adherence for individuals with such conditions as diabetes or COPD.
Mar 04
NACDS, CRA call for increase in ratio of pharmacists to pharmacy techs
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and California Retailers Association are urging California Gov. Gavin Newsom to allow pharmacists to work with up to four technicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mar 04
CVS Health invests $12.4M in housing, offers free screenings in Phoenix
CVS Health’s $12.4 million investment in Maricopa County is part of its nearly $600 million commitment to address racial inequity and social determinants of health in Black communities.
Mar 04
Survey: More than 8 in 10 adults prefer their local pharmacist over mail order
Some 85% of adults prefer getting prescription drugs from a local pharmacist instead of a mail-order service, with 36% saying their pharmacist knows them better, according to a survey released by the National Community Pharmacists Association.
Mar 03
KemPharm gets FDA nod for Azstarys
KemPharm's Azstarys is a once-daily product for the treatment of ADHD in patients age 6 years old and older.
Mar 03
Safe Rx announces $2M in new funding, expands staff
Safe Rx's new round of funding will support growth in dispensing and consumer product lines, as well as the hiring of additional staff.
Mar 03
Keycentrix taps Lucas to lead operations
Jeff Lucas brings 27 years of experience in leading and managing client service teams to the pharmacy management software provider.
Mar 03
Virtual 2021 NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill urges pro-patient, pro-pharmacy issues
COVID-19 vaccination speed and equity, DIR fee reform, and organized retail crime are among the key topics to be addressed during The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ virtual RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill.
Mar 02
Report: Merck to help J&J make COVID-19 vaccine
President Biden is expected to announce today that Merck will help J&J make its newly authorized COVID-19 vaccine in an effort to sharply increase the supply of the single-shot vaccine, per a report in the Washington Post.
Mar 02
Hy-Vee awards $75K to 55 schools across the Midwest
Hy-Vee's $75,000 pledge to local schools and $12,500 in additional prizes for Hy-Vee customers contributes to its commitment to supporting teachers, students and customers in response to the pandemic.
Mar 02
Kinney Drugs hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics in partnership with Association on Aging
Kinney Drugs is partnering with the Association on Aging in New York to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics in 21 counties over 10 weeks for people 65 years old and older.
Mar 02
Lupin obtains FDA OK for generic Northera
Droxidopa capsules had a market value of $352 million, according to IQVIA December 2020 data.
Mar 02
Hikma intros generic Northera
Droxidopa capsules had a market value of approximately $353 million in the 12 months ended November 2020, according to IQVIA.
Mar 02
Slayback names Paul Campanelli to board
Endo chairman Paul Campanelli is joining the Slayback Pharma board of directors.
Mar 01
Oncopeptides obtains FDA nod for Pepaxto
Oncopeptides' Pepaxto is the first anticancer peptide-drug conjugate approved in multiple myeloma.
Mar 01
Perrigo to sell generic Rx business for $1.55B
Perrigo is selling its generic prescription business to Altaris Capital Partners for a total consideration of $1.55 billion, including $1.5 billion in cash.
Mar 01
Schnucks launches partnership with DoorDash in St. Louis
Schnuck Markets now offers prepared foods on the DoorDash app from five of its locations in the St. Louis area.
Mar 01
Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccine gets emergency use authorization, shipments begin
Johnson & Johnson expects to supply enough of the single-shot vaccine by the end of March for 20 million people, with the goal of 100 million doses in the first half of 2021.
Mar 01
Study tracks adherence to MS therapies in pregnant women, impact on hospitalizations
A Walgreens study, in collaboration with AllianceRx Walgreens Prime showed that adherence to disease-modifying therapies in pregnant MS patients can reduce hospitalization events and costs.