Specialty Pharmacy

FLINT, Mich. — An executive at Diplomat has been named VP corporate services, the specialty pharmacy said Wednesday.

Diplomat, which recently changed its name from Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, announced the appointment of Lance Neill, who will be responsible for analytics, business intelligence, contracting management and project management.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — The Paws Pet Co. is buying an Irvine, Calif.-based compounding pharmacy as it seeks to transition from a pet company into a pharmaceutical company, Paws said.

NEW YORK — In what is emerging as the latest battle over follow-on biologics, a new argument has emerged about what to call them, and supporters of biotechnology companies are the latest to take a shot.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has launched an online learning course aimed at healthcare professionals to educate them about potentially untruthful or misleading drug ads and promotional materials.

DALLAS — Walgreens is collecting donations for breast cancer treatment through a partnership with Susan G. Komen to mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place this month.

NEWARK, Calif. — Depomed has launched a new drug for breakthrough pain in cancer patients, the company said Monday.

The drug maker announced the launch of Lazanda (fentanyl) nasal spray, meant for treating adults who are taking opioid painkillers, but have become tolerant to them. The company also have launched a Signature Support Program designed to streamline patient access to the drug, including reimbursement and co-pay assistance. Other benefits of the program include prescription reminders and eligibility for one month's supply for free.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy has launched a task force to investigate pharmacological management of medical marijuana, the group said.

Currently, according to NASP, there are no national standards of practice for the management of medical marijuana, though according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, 21 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. Two of those states, Washington and Colorado, have legalized recreational use as well.

NEW YORK — Three pharmacy groups are petitioning the World Health Organization to uphold common generic names for biosimilars and their branded reference products.