Regulatory and Washington

ORLANDO, Fla. — The independent community pharmacist members of the National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday approved resolutions addressing a range of pharmacy issues and elected a slate of leaders for the upcoming year during the House of Delegates session held in conjunction with NCPA’s 115th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition.

NEW YORK — The executive director of the Oregon Board of Pharmacy is leaving, according to published reports.

The Lund Report, an online publication that covers Oregon's healthcare system, reported that Gary Schnabel was stepping down to pursue "other interests." Schnabel turned 65 years old this month and has lead the board for 19 years.

DUBLIN — Actavis is hoping to become the first to market a generic version of a drug used to treat patients who have become dependent on opioid drugs, triggering a lawsuit from the branded drug's manufacturer.

The generic drug maker said it had filed a regulatory approval application with the Food and Drug Administration for buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride sublingual film in the 2-mg/0.5-mg and 8-mg/2-mg strengths. The drug is a generic version of Reckitt Benckiser's Suboxone.

SAN ANTONIO — An increase of 1% in prescribed drug use decreases Medicare spending on other medical services by 5%, according to statements made Tuesday at a specialty pharmacy conference by a former chief of staff for the Obama administration.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The National Community Pharmacists Association Tuesday morning spelled out its public policy agenda — including the push to get H.R. 3204, The Drug Quality and Security Act, enacted — and expressed optimism for the future of community pharmacy during a media briefing held in conjunction with NCPA’s 115th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition here. 

WASHINGTON — Calling it a "looming threat," the National Council on Patient Information and Education released a 10-step plan to draw attention to the problem of poor medication adherence among elderly people with multiple chronic conditions.

JERUSALEM — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new generic drug from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries for treating eye infections, the company said.

The Israeli drug maker announced the approval of the antibiotic drug tobramycin inhalation solution, a generic version of Novartis' Tobi.

Tobi has sales of about $350 million during the 12-month period that ended in June, according to IMS Health.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Independent pharmacies are focusing more on helping patients adhere to their medication therapies and save money by using generics, according to a new digest for members of a trade group that represents independents.