INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — As reported, CVS Caremark's annual meeting of stockholders was of special importance as it marked the beginning of a new chapter for both CVS Caremark and its former chairman and CEO Tom Ryan, who officially retired from the company after more than 30 years of service.

(THE NEWS: CVS' Merlo outlines factors for future growth. For the full story, click here)

CHICAGO — In the wake of the turbulent economy, the cosmetic and skin care market, while not yet thriving, is showing signs of improvement. And drug stores and mass merchandisers prove to be the most popular channels for cosmetic purchasing, according to a recent Mintel survey.

WASHINGTON — Patients with HIV who immediately started antiretroviral therapy significantly reduced the risk of spreading the virus to an uninfected partner, compared with those who delayed therapy, according to results of a multinational study. The study also found that antiretroviral therapy reduced the risk of transmission by 96%.

BRUSSELS — Patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who respond to 12 weeks of treatment with a drug made by UCB are more likely to show improvement in their condition in the long run, according to results of a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology.

WASHINGTON — The American Pharmacists Association has published its white paper on risk evaluation and mitigation strategies, the group said.

HORSHAM, Pa. — Patients with seasonal allergies are more likely to experience difficulty sleeping, according to results of a new survey conducted by Teva Respiratory.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The blood test recommended for detecting Type 2 diabetes in overweight children may not be enough, and they may need two different tests to diagnose the disease, according to research conducted at Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo.

The researchers found that the hemoglobin A1C test missed more than two-thirds of diabetes cases in children at high risk for the condition, but they found that performing that test along with the oral glucose tolerance test dramatically could lower the risk of delayed diagnosis in overweight children.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — With all the talk among the investment community and press about what CVS Caremark should do with its PBM business, it really comes as little surprise that president and CEO Larry Merlo hit the topic head on during Thursday's first-quarter conference call — insisting that there are no plans to split the company.

(THE NEWS: CVS off to ‘good start,’ Merlo says; company committed to PBM biz. For the full story, click here)