Specialty Pharmacy

GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. — Specialty pharmacy service provider Noble Health Associates, a newly created subsidiary of regional player Kinney Drugs, is looking to open a mail-order facility in DeWitt, N.Y., according to a local news report.

Director of specialty pharmacy for Noble Health Michael Becker told The Post-Standard that it plans to open the facility in the spring or summer and will employ 31 people.

NEW YORK — While replacing a single combination pill for HIV with generics would save the healthcare system money, it could also diminish the effectiveness of treatment, a new study suggests.

The study, led by investigators at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, and published in the Jan. 15 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, found $1 billion in potential savings, but the more complicated treatment regimen might result in more patients missing doses and a loss of drug effectiveness.

LINCOLN, Calif. — A drug-security product has won a drug-abuse prevention award.

The Locking Cap was named as one of the "Top 5 Technologies to Reduce Prescription Drug Abuse" by the Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence.

The cap is a four-digit combination-locking lid for prescription medication bottles. The maker of the cap, Cap-n-Lock, launched an updated version of the cap at the beginning of the year to attract the attention of shoppers.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H. D. Smith on Tuesday announced plans to secure majority ownership in Triplefin, a privately held reimbursement, patient assistance and pharmaceutical brand support services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. H. D. Smith will immediately obtain majority board vote, and by mid-2013, majority stock ownership.

NEW YORK — Demand among consumers for online services from drug companies to help manage chronic conditions is strong, according to a new study from healthcare market research firm Manhattan Research.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has expanded its program lineup for the upcoming 2013 Regional Chain Conference to now include a new session of specialty pharmacy.

The conference will take place Feb. 3 to 5 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and is designed to address the challenges facing senior retail executives who operate up to 250 stores.

Drug Store News has introduced a new app for print subscribers to DSN magazine: DSN+.

Available for free download at the Apple Store, DSN+ turns a page of Drug Store News into an interactive experience, linking readers seamlessly from print to digital, as quickly and easily as it is to take a picture with a smartphone.

NEW YORK — Ten issues will take center stage as the healthcare industry moves to meet the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to a new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers.