Regulatory and Washington

WASHINGTON — A group representing the nation's pharmacy benefit managers is responding to a proposal made by New Jersey governor Chris Christie that seeks to modernize the state's Medicaid program.

Christie said the proposed overhaul, which includes managing prescription drug benefits similarly to those in Medicare and private-sector programs, would save the state $41 million, “while still providing vital services,” the governor said.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas on Friday became the fourth state this year to entertain making the popular decongestant pseudoephedrine available only by prescription.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Generic drug maker Hi-Tech Pharmacal has received Food and Drug Administration approval for its version of a drug used to treat neurological disorders, the company said Tuesday.

Hi-Tech announced the approval of gabapentin oral solution in the 250 mg/5 mL strength, a generic version of Pfizer’s Neurontin oral solution.

The drug is used to treat postherpetic neuralgia and epilepsy. Neurontin had sales of $15 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Generic drug maker Perrigo has filed for approval of a drug to treat psoriasis with the Food and Drug Administration.

Perrigo announced Tuesday that it had filed an application with the FDA for calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate in the 0.005%/0.064% strength. The drug is a generic version of Leo Pharma’s Taclonex and is used to treat psoriasis vulgaris in adults.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Generic Pharmaceutical Association has elected its 2011 executive committee and board of directors, the generic drug industry trade group announced. As part of a reorganization last year, the board has been reduced to 12 members.

The GPhA said Watson Pharmaceuticals president and CEO Paul Bisaro had been reelected as chairman for a second, one-year term. Also elected were Mylan Pharmaceuticals president Tony Mauro, as vice chairman; and Momenta Pharmaceuticals president Craig Wheeler, as secretary treasurer.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association on Friday sent a joint letter to every governor and state Medicaid director on the importance of pharmacies in Medicaid and the industry’s interest in working with state governments to cut costs.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court in December ruled in favor of Wegmans and supermarkets across the state over whether or not the grocers could sell beer on their premises — the ruling expands what many consider to be the most restrictive alcohol distribution laws in the country. 


In Pennsylvania, beer can be purchased only from a restaurant/bar or beer distributor. Beer distributors can sell only by the case or keg, while restaurants and bars cannot sell more than 16 12-oz. beers per purchase. 


HUNTINGTON, N.Y. — Concerns over kids’ medicines and proper dosing is still a prominent issue. Children between the ages of 2 years and 12 years are inaccurately dosed up to 73% of the time, according to a report published by the American Medical Association. This increases emergency room visits in two-thirds of the cases.