Specialty Pharmacy

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Blood-pressure kiosks have become a ubiquitous site in retail pharmacies across the country, but like pharmacy automation and technology as a whole, they’re continuing to advance and offer new features.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for a rare bleeding disorder.

The FDA announced the approval of Corifact, used to prevent bleeding in people with the genetic disorder congenital Factor XIII deficiency, which affects 1-in-3 million to 5 million people in the United States.

The drug is manufactured by Marburg, Germany-based CSL Behring.

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Savient Pharmaceuticals announced changes to its management team as it gears up for the commercial launch of its chronic gout treatment.

The drug maker appointed Louis Ferrari as its SVP corporate development, Christine Mikail as SVP and Stephen Davies as chief information officer and group VP.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration’s proposed budget for 2012 contains an item that could change the game for biosimilars, according to published reports.

According to the reports, the administration would lower the 12-year data exclusivity period for biotech drugs mandated in the healthcare-reform law to seven years.

FLINT, Mich. — Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy has hired a new CFO, the company said.

Diplomat announced the appointment of Sean Whelan, citing his experience as a CFO in the healthcare industry. Whelan will report directly to president and CEO Phil Hagerman.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis will acquire U.S. biotech giant Genzyme for $20.1 billion, under an agreement the two companies announced Wednesday.

CRANBURY, N.J. — Amicus Therapeutics received good results from its mid-stage trial of a drug for a rare, genetic disorder, the drug maker said Wednesday.

INDIANAPOLIS — Following the exit of its oncology unit leader, drug maker Eli Lilly announced two executive changes.

Sue Mahony, currently SVP human resources and diversity, has been named SVP and president of Lilly Oncology, effective immediately. Mahony will remain a member of Lilly's executive committee. She succeeds John Johnson, who resigned from his post at Lilly last month to become CEO of Savient Pharmaceuticals.