Specialty Pharmacy

LONDON — The imminent entry of several companies — including big pharma, small biotech and generic participants — into the global biosimilars space will propel the market toward exponential growth. The market is expected to soar from $1.2 billion in 2013 to $24 billion in 2019, reported Frost & Sullivan in research released earlier this week. 

PHOENIX — Avella Specialty Pharmacy on Thursday named Rebecca Shanahan CEO. Shanahan brings more than two decades of successful leadership experience in the healthcare sector, as well as five years of service on Avella’s board of directors, to her new role. 

FLINT, Mich. — A new web platform has gone live from Diplomat, the nation’s largest independent specialty pharmacy reported Thursday. On Jan. 29 the company revealed a completely redesigned site that is "mobile-friendly, easy to use and primed for upcoming changes."

DUBLIN, Ohio — The loss of the Walgreens contract was a key consideration in Cardinal Health's 12% decline in overall revenue for the company's second quarter 2014, George Barrett, Cardinal Health chairman and CEO, told analysts Thursday morning. Revenue totaled $22.2 billion. The loss of the Walgreens contract totaled $5 billion. 

But Cardinal Health is bullish regarding its future. Cardinal Health increased its outlook for the next six months, raising its non-GAAP EPS range to $3.75 to $3.85. 

FLINT, Mich. — Diplomat Pharmacy on Thursday announced that it will be partnering with The Whiting, Flint’s premier performing arts venue on bringing new entertainment opportunities to the area through the Gen X Concert Series. Performers featured will be targeted to “Generation X," or those born in the early 1960s through the early 1980s.

In addition to the concert series, the partnership also will bring entertainment to Diplomat’s corporate headquarters. The Whiting will present local performers during select lunch periods for employees to enjoy.

PHILADELPHIA — Almost two-thirds of specialty pharmacy revenues are attributed to 1-of-3 companies, and the specialty pharmacy market is poised to explode, according to a Drug Channels Institute report released Tuesday. 

JERUSALEM — Teva Pharmaceutical Industries on Tuesday announced that the Food and Drug Administration approved its supplemental new drug application for three-times-a-week Copaxone in 40mg/mL. Daily Copaxone in 20mg/mL dosage will continue to be available.  

Copaxone is administered to patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. The new formulation will allow for a less frequent dosing regimen.

COLUMBUS, OH — Roxane Labs announced the launch of telmisartan tablets USP. The product is available in unit dose packages of 30 tablets.

Roxane Labs' telmisartan is the authorized generic of Micardis tablets from Boehringer Ingelheim. The product, which used to treat high blood pressure, is available for immediate shipment to wholesalers and pharmacies nationwide.