News Briefs

Walgreens has agreed to pay over $2.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the federal, Massachusetts and Georgia False Claims Acts by submitting inflated prices for certain generic medications to the Massachusetts and Georgia Medicaid programs.   

The Massachusetts Medicaid program and the Georgia Medicaid program are jointly funded and administered federal and state programs that cover medical costs, including medication costs, for persons with limited income. The MassHealth and the Georgia Medicaid program reimburse Walgreens’ pharmacies for dispensing generic medications to beneficiaries using the lowest of four reporting price points. One of the four price points is each pharmacy’s “usual and customary price,” which is generally the amount of money the pharmacy is willing to accept for a medication on that date of service. 

The United States, Massachusetts and Georgia allege that, between 2008 and 2023, Walgreens’ pharmacies submitted a higher usual and customary price to the MassHealth and Georgia Medicaid programs for certain generic medications at certain times. By failing to report the correct usual and customary price, Walgreens’ pharmacies allegedly caused the MassHealth and Georgia Medicaid programs to pay more for these generic medications than they should have. 

The settlement resolves, in part, claims brought by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the federal, Massachusetts, and Georgia False Claims Acts. Under all three False Claims Acts, private parties may sue on behalf of the government and receive a share of a recovery. 

Head & Shoulders’ nine-ingredient anti-dandruff solution line, Bare, is expanding with the newest addition, Bare Sensitive Scalp Care, available now on Amazon. 

This new formula contains just eight carefully selected ingredients. The newest addition to the Bare line is fragrance-free, making it a great choice for those with extra sensitive scalps, the company said. 

Head & Shoulders also recently debuted a new campaign this year starring longtime spokesperson Troy Polamalu and a somewhat cute dandruff-causing microbe. 

[Read more: Head & Shoulders debuts H&S Bare at Walmart]

The company identified the following product attributes:

• Fragrance free. Minimal ingredients dandruff protection.
• 0% sulfates+, silicones, and dyes +sulfated surfactants
• America’s #1 dandruff shampoo brand (based on volume sales)
• Dermatologist Verified Safe & Effective
• For all hair types: Helps relieve itch and irritation (associated with dandruff)
• Ecobottle: 45% less plastic (vs. the company's 370 ml bottle). It also has a recyclable bottle and cap.

Rice Krispies Treats is adding multiple toppings to its iconic bar, including a salty snack, with all-new Rice Krispies Treats Bliss. 

The new line hits shelves in April in two flavors—Chocolate Sea Salt Pretzel and Caramel Sea Salt Pretzel.

“The new Rice Krispies Treats Bliss flavors reimagine our bars as a canvas for gourmet topping combinations,” said Danielle Rappoport, brand director for Rice Krispies Treats. “More and more, we’re seeing fans elevate their Rice Krispies Treats bars at home with over-the-top mix-ins, from candy to pretzels. With Rice Krispies Treats Bliss, we are bringing those confection-inspired creations straight to shelves, making it easier than ever to enjoy a next-level treat whenever the craving strikes.”

Rice Krispies Treats Bliss Chocolate Sea Salt Pretzel: This flavor features combination of crispy rice, semi-sweet chocolate chunks, and crunchy candied sea salt pretzels partially dipped in chocolate. 

Rice Krispies Treats Bliss Caramel Sea Salt Pretzel: This flavor features a blend of crispy rice, smooth caramel-flavored chips and crunchy candied sea salt pretzels partially dipped in caramel. 

Rice Krispies Treats Bliss will be available in April at Walmart, Kroger and other major grocery store chains where Rice Krispies Treats is sold. 

Rice Krispies Treats Bliss will sell for an SRP of $3.99 for a six-count box. 

Quest Nutrition is putting a delicious spin on the traditional protein shake. 

The company recently launched a new line of ready-to-drink beverages titled Protein Milkshakes. 

Packed with 45 g of protein per serving from ultrafiltered milk, the products also contain 2 g of sugar and 4 g or less of net carbs, the company shared. 

"At Quest, we're constantly pushing the boundaries to create products that are big on protein, without compromising on flavor, as seen in our recent Bake Shop line," said Stuart Heflin, senior vice president and general manager at Quest Nutrition. "And now, we're thrilled to expand on this by entering a brand-new territory with our Protein Milkshakes, offering our fans even more delicious options that fuel them with 45g of protein, the highest protein in this category on the market."

Available in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors, Quest Nutrition’s  Protein Milkshakes can be purchased online, as well as at retailers nationwide. 

Rimmel is helping beauty enthusiasts achieve a real-life filter effect with its latest launch. 

New from the brand is the Multi-Tasker Better Than Filters, which is a 3-in-1 complexion booster product. 

Designed to help users prime, highlight and give skin an extra glowy boost, it is formulated with a blend of biopeptides and vitamin C, the brand shared. 

Created to provide skin care benefits while helping prep the skin before makeup application, it can be worn alone, mixed into makeup, as well as over or under for a built-from-within glow. 

Available in eight shades, the product is cruelty-free, vegan and retails for $13.99. 

Olly is rolling out a new chewable supplement designed to target higher iron levels.

New from the brand is Delightful Iron, a chewable supplement designed to replenish iron to support red blood cell production, move oxygen through the body and fight fatigue and tiredness from iron deficiency, the company shared. 

Available in a blend of flavors that include orange, cherry and pineapple, the supplements do not contain a chalky texture and are formulated to be gentler on the stomach via a blend of AB-Fortis. 

Retailing for $13.99, Olly’s Delightful Iron is available for purchase online beginning March 15.