Drug Store News articles from June 2006

Drug Store News archives from June 2006

Deal to buy Happy Harry's vaults Walgreens into Delaware.(News)
June 26, 2006... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- In a striking departure from its ground-up growth strategy of developing its own new stores from scratch, Walgreen Co. struck an agreement to purchase Delaware regional drug store powerhouse Happy Harry's Inc. for an...

Levin 'Happy' for employees, Delaware customers.(News)(Alan Levin, Happy Harry's Inc.)
June 26, 2006... NEWARK, Del. -- The merger with Walgreen Co. will be a plus both for Happy Harry's customers and its employees, chairman and chief executive Alan Levin said in mid-June. In an interview June 15, Levin said the chain's customers would...

FDA won't budge on drug pedigree deadline.(News)
June 26, 2006... BETHESDA, Md. -- The Food and Drug Administration announced earlier this month that it would not extend the deadline for the implementation of its industrywide pedigree requirement that's set to take effect Jan. 1, 2007. Consequently, FDA...

Rite Aid could pick off piece of Brooks-Eckerd.(News)
June 26, 2006... NEW YORK -- A Credit Suisse analyst speculated earlier this month there was a 1-in-4 chance that Rite Aid will pick off at least a portion of the Eckerd stores presently owned by Brooks Pharmacy, should its parent company, Quebec-based Jean...

Eckerd record bodes well for integration of Osco, Sav-on.(Books close on Albertsons breakup)
June 26, 2006... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- "All signs point to growth" was the theme of CVS' recent analyst meeting in Manhattan, and many sources agree that it also holds true for its recent acquisition from Albertsons of about 700 Say-on and Osco stores. "The...

Tripp should speed up learning curve in Rx.(News)
June 26, 2006... EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- As expected, Supervalu closed its acquisition of Albertsons on June 2 and instantly became a powerhouse in both food and drug retail. But now it remains to be seen how it handles the transition, especially in its new role...

As expected, 'new' Albertsons cuts bait on 100 old stores.(News)
June 26, 2006... BOISE, Idaho -- Less than a week after closing its acquisition of more than 600 Albertsons stores, the investment group led by hedge fund Cerberus Capital Management L.P. announced that it will shutter 100 underperforming locations by early...

Wal-Mart out to prove to Wall Street it can restore productivity.(News)
June 26, 2006... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart's ability to expand its distribution network, build new stores and pile on sales volume is the stuff of legends. During the past five years, its sales increased 73 percent to $312 billion from $180 billion while...

Longs re-affirms expansion plans as Part D boosts first quarter sales.(News)(Longs Drug Stores Corp.)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- Longs Drug Stores reported strong first quarter results and continued progress on its store remodel program at its annual meetIng May 23. Longs chief executive officer Warren Bryant told shareholders at the brief,...

Longs closes purchase of network pharmacies.(News)(Longs Drug Stores Corp., Network Pharmaceuticals )(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- Longs completed a major acquisition on June 12 when it purchased 23-store Network Pharmaceuticals in a $10 million deal. The chain based in Redlands, Calif. has 21 small pharmacies in the Los Angeles area that are...

MSI unveils specialized care centers.(News)(Medicine Shoppe International Inc.)
June 26, 2006... ST. LOUIS -- Medicine Shoppe International executives unveiled several important new initiatives for its stores at the company's annual meeting here earlier this month. Topping the list: a new specialized care center program that will educate...

Target meeting site 'much ado about nothing'.(News)
June 26, 2006... ACWORTH, Ga. -- If Wal-Mart hosts the Super Bowl of shareholder meetings, Target s is more like a single performer during the half-time show: brief, to the point, lightly attended and with little fanfare. Target s move of its shareholder...

CVS.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)(CVS Pharmacy Inc. promotes Carol DeNale)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS has promoted Carol DeNale, who joined the company in 1997 and most recently served as assistant treasurer, to vice president and corporate treasurer. In her new role, DeNale will direct and oversee the company's...

PrairieStone Pharmacy.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... PLYMOUTH, Minn. -- PrairieStone Pharmacy has appointed Craig Stephens chief operating officer. Most recently, Stephens served as vice president of industry relations and networks at UnitedHealth Group, where he was, responsible for the...

SupplyScape Corp.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... WOBURN, Mass. -- SupplyScape Corp., a provider of RFID-based drug supply chain security solutions, has elected to its board of advisors Bill Hubbard, retired Food and Drug Administration senior associate commissioner for policy and planning;...

Supervalu.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... MINNEAPOLIS -- Supervalu announced that, in connection with its proposed acquisition of certain operations of Albertsons, if will boost the size of its board to 14 directors. The three new directors: A. Gary Ames, retired president and...

Lornamead Brands.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Lornamead Brands--the North American subsidiary of the Lornamead Group, which recently acquired from Unilever the Finesse and Aqua Net brands--has appointed George Russell to serve as its chief executive officer, a newly...

Sally Beauty Co.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... DENTON, Texas -- Sally Beauty Co. has named former Jewel/Osco executive Michael Spinozzi president of Sally Beauty Supply for the United States and Canada. As president of Sally Beauty Supply, Spinozzi will direct the store operations,...

Affable 'retail maverick' Jeffers, dead at 78.(News)(Obituary)
June 26, 2006... SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- George Jeffers, one of the retail drug industry s most highly regarded and entrepreneurial regional operators, died June 11 in Fair Oaks, Calif. His death was attributed to lung cancer. Jeffers, who was 78, was chief...

Adams coughs up cash for Delsym line.(Adams Respiratory Therapeutics)
June 26, 2006... CHESTER, N.J. -- Adams Respiratory Therapeutics late last month acquired the Delsym cough suppressant brand from UCB, a move that will decidedly increase Adams' share of shelf, especially in the pediatric cough and cold aisles. Adams...

Cartridge shortage puts strain on Byetta scrips.
June 26, 2006... INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Eli Lilly is asking physicians to limit the number of patients they prescribe with Byetta, its newest diabetes regimen, because of a shortage of cartridges containing the injectable drug. Spokesman Jamaison Schuler...

Rx for progress: fast-track drug R&D.(News)
June 26, 2006... WASHINGTON -- A critical path for drug development should be created to speed to market a new generation of targeted medicines that will be safer and more effective than those that are currently available, according to a panel of experts who...

Drug Store News, WCBS News Radio team up to host second annual Caregiver Expo in NYC.(Drug Store News is hosting its 2nd Annual Caregiver Expo)
June 26, 2006... NEW YORK -- In an effort to promote the value of community pharmacy to seniors and the millions of caregivers who care for them, Drug Store News is hosting its 2nd Annual Caregiver Expo this fall. The event will be held on Sept. 30 at the...

FDA officials past and present testify on Plan B delay.(Food and Drug Administration)
June 26, 2006... There really is no shaking out the politics from the science when it comes to the debate on whether the emergency contraceptive Plan B ought to be sold over-the-counter or not. Liberal activists at one end of the argument accuse the Bush...

Medicine Shoppe, Mindgent add retail clinics.(News)
June 26, 2006... It's not enough to simply operate a pharmacy these days; more retailers are opening in-store clinics, and those that don't are likely to get left behind as their customers look for stores that do. Indeed, the beat goes on as the burgeoning...

A&P expands online shopping.(SUPERMARKET AISLE)(Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company Inc.)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... MONTVALE, N.J. -- A&P is expanding its online shopping service. Following the success of its Internet shopping program for Food Emporium customers in Manhattan, it has begun working directly with doctors' offices on Long Island and law firms in...

Ahold's bets value repositioning private label will grow comps.(SUPERMARKET AISLE)(Koninklijke Ahold N.V.)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... AMSTERDAM -- Anders Moberg, president and chief executive officer of Ahold, has announced strategies for the company to grow same-store sales. These include value repositioning, the launch of private label products, the introduction of a new...

Test finger-scan payment system in four Pathmark stores.(SUPERMARKET AISLE)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... CARTERET, N.J. -- Pathmark is introducing the Pay By Touch payment service in four supermarkets. The four will operate as a test and, if it's successful, the service will roll out to other stores. Pay By Touch allows shoppers to pay for...

Tops revives free ride program.(SUPERMARKET AISLE)(Tops Markets L.L.C)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. -- Top, s Markets has revived its 'Free Ride Home program for shoppers in northeast Ohio. The retailer is offering free rides on public transport to shoppers at Tops Markets in Greater Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. The...

ECRM, Ahold partner on supplier diversity fair.(News)(Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing, Ahold USA Inc.)
June 26, 2006... FORT LAUDERDALE -- Ahold USA and Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing teamed up earlier this month to hold the first Ahold Supplier Diversity Trade Fair, a venue where women- and minority-owned businesses and Ahold buyers could come...

NACDS rebuilds Foundation around community Rx.(National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation)
June 26, 2006... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- In an effort to strengthen its support of community pharmacy, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation, which is the education, research and charitable arm of NACDS, is increasing its focus on activities that...

Surviving hurricanes no breeze for retailers.(News)
June 26, 2006... NEW YORK -- Hurricanes used to be an inconvenient annual occurrence, but two years ago they started being more than that. From a pure business standpoint it can be good news for retailers, particularly, drugstore retailers, but they must...

New product watch: innovation index.(evaluation of the new products launched in the drug stores)(Chart)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... New product watch: Innovation index Each month, through an exclusive partnership with Hamacher Resource Group, Drug Store News presents an evaluation of top new product launches, based on an evaluation of key criteria (see below). ...

Students in Free Enterprise awards national winners.(Making the Scene)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Students in Free Enterprise, a non-profit organization supported by such top vendors and retailers as Wal-Mart, RadioShack, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid, crowned-its U.S. champions last month. In the national competition...

NCPA Legislative Conference.(Making the Scene)
June 26, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: (Above) Taking a break at the National Community Pharmacists Association's Annual Legislative and Government Affairs Conference last month are Brice Bovenizer of AmerisourceBergen, Dean Sikes of USA...

Better knowledge of these shoppers is power.(Opinion)
June 26, 2006... The blurring of retail channels, the consolidation among suppliers and retailers, and the globalization of the supply chain have all challenged the best executives beyond the expectations of what might have been forecast in the previous decade....

Fight over mandatory mail is folk tale of ages.(public opinion of drugstores)
June 26, 2006... "This train don't carry no con men, this train; This train don't carry no con men, this train; This train don't carry no con men, No wheeler dealers, here and gone men; This train don't carry no con men, this train." --Woodrow Wilson...

Diabetes dialogue: John Simmons, Becton Dickenson.(Q&A)(Interview)
June 26, 2006... Because of the many health-related needs of the diabetes patient, perhaps no other disease state so neatly ties together pharmacy with the rest of the store. According to John Simmons, vice president of global blood glucose monitoring at Becton...

CMS scraps AWP pricing shift plan, marking huge victory for pharmacy.(Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services )
June 26, 2006... WASHINGTON -- In a major victory for pharmacy, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has postponed a sweeping and potentially devastating change in the way Medicaid pays pharmacies for prescriptions. CMS administrator Mark...

McClellan kills Medicare card co-branding.(regulations)
June 26, 2006... WASHINGTON -- Independent and small-chain pharmacy operators won a small but crucial victory last month when the Bush Administration agreed to close a Medicare reform loophole that smaller drug retailers claimed put them at a competitive...

CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals.(REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... The Food and Drug Administration has approved Oracea from CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals to treat rosacea. It is a version of doxycycline that has been modified to deliver the anti-inflammatory effects of the drug without any of the antibiotic...

Fougera.(REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... The FDA has approved generic metronidazole topical gel USP 0.75% from Fougera, a division of Altana. This is a first-to-market generic, approved in time for the recent expiration on Galderm's branded MetroGel, which generates approximately $75...

Reliant Pharmaceuticals.(REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK)
June 26, 2006... The first FDA-approved Rx omega-3 product is now available from Reliant Pharmaceuticals. Omacor (omega-3 acid ethyl esters) has been proven, along with diet, to reduce very high triglycerides dramatically in adults. Triglycerides are fats that...

Duramed Pharmaceuticals.(REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK)
June 26, 2006... The FDA has approved birth control pill Seasonique from Duramed Pharmaceuticals, a division of Barr Pharmaceuticals. Seasonique (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol tablets 0.15 mg/0.03 mg and ethinyl estradiol tablets 0.01 rag) is an...

Aurobindo Pharma's.(REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK)
June 26, 2006... Aurobindo Pharma's generic abacavir sulfate tablets have received tentative approval from the FDA. These are the first generic version of Ziagent Tablets, an anti-HIV medication from GlaxoSmithKline. The new generic will now be available for...

Teva Pharmaceutical.(REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK)
June 26, 2006... Azilect (rasagiline) from Teva Pharmaceutical has received approval from the FDA to treat Parkinson's disease. The monoamine oxidase type-B (MAO-B) inhibitor blocks the breakdown of dopamine, a chemical that sends information to the parts of...

Pharmacists, law makers rally for quick adoption of FAST bill.(survey of Pharmacy)
June 26, 2006... WASHINGTON -- In a well-planned case of good timing, independent pharmacists already in the nation's capitol for an annual legislative powwow and lobbying effort joined with lawmakers to stage a high-profile outdoor event aimed at overhauling...

Suit spells trouble for statins, but Pfizer vows tough defense.(Chain Pharmacy)
June 26, 2006... NEW YORK -- Pfizer moved quickly to quash what it said were unwarranted concerns about its blockbuster flagship drug, Lipitor, after two individuals filed suit against the pharmaceutical giant early this month. The personal injury...

Supreme Court rejects challenge to Maine law regulating PBMs.(PHARMACY WATCH)(pharmacy benefit management)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court has refused a request by the pharmacy benefit management industry to review an appeals court decision that upheld a Maine law regulating the business practices of PBMs. Pharmacy groups are hailing the...

Medco snags Del. Rx contract.(PHARMACY WATCH)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. -- Delaware's Employee Benefits Committee has awarded a two-year contract to Medco Health Solutions to provide pharmacy benefits to more than 106,000 state employees, retirees and their dependents. The contract is...

New drug pedigree solution debuts.(PHARMACY WATCH)
June 26, 2006... WOBURN, Mass. -- With a July 1 deadline looming for pharmacies to comply with Florida's drug pedigree law, technology vendor SupplyScape Corp. has unveiled a new electronic pedigree solution the company says will help organizations...

Docs often prescribe off-label, study finds.(Chain Pharmacy)
June 26, 2006... STANFORD, Calif. -- Doctors often prescribe medicines for patients without conclusive evidence of those drugs' effectiveness and safety, according to a new study by a Stanford University School of Medicine researcher. The study analyzed a...

NACDS brings back Pharmacy Affairs division.(Chain Pharmacy)
June 26, 2006... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Continuing to make his mark as interim chief of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Bob Hannan announced June 1 that NACDS has reinstated its Pharmacy Affairs department. The shift signals a growing determination...

Kerr tops 20-store mark with new Health Care Center concept.(Chain Pharmacy)
June 26, 2006... DURHAM, N.C. -- The drug store industry's leading patient-care practitioner is extending its campaign to bring a higher level of clinical pharmacy to its customers in the Carolinas. Kerr Drug opened two new stores last month near its...

Federal court protects mortar and pestle behind compound ruling.(rules for drugstores)
June 26, 2006... MIDLAND, Texas -- The mortar and pestle--the very symbol of community, pharmacy as the tool of compounding-can remain a tool for pharmacy practice, a Texas judge has ruled. In a landmark victory for pharmacy, U.S. District Judge Robert...

Windy City pharmacists gird ranks of steel workers union.(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... GARY, Ind. -- Extending a partnership that led to the negotiation of a new, 38-month contract with Wallgreen Co. in March, members of the National Pharmacists Association have voted overwhelmingly to join the United Steelworkers, the nation's...

Retirement, part-time allure spell rising pharmacist shortages.(work load of parmacicts)
June 26, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The chronic shortage of pharmacists, which appeared to have abated with the rise in pharmacy schools and graduating practitioners, may return to again plague chain pharmacy in coming years, a new study predicts. The National...

Wellbutrin gets FDA clearance for seasonal depression treatment.(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug for seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin XL (bupropion HCl extended release tablets) from GlaxoSmithKline is intended to treat the approximate 6...

Health care acquisition adds billing solutions to McKesson menu.(acquisition of McKesson Corp and HealthCom Partners)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- McKesson Corp. has acquired HealthCom Partners, a leading provider of patient billing solutions, designed to simplify and enhance health care provider financial interactions with patients. HealthCom applications create a...

Kmart partners with ADA to raise diabetes awareness.(American Diabetes Association)(partnership between Kmart and American Diabetes Association)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Kmart is partnering with the American Diabetes Association to raise money for the association and to educate Americans about the severity of this disease. Kmart will begin its in-store fundraising program Sept. 3,...

Inhaled insulin drug shows promise.(product development of Exubera)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... NEW YORK -- Two ongoing studies of Exubera (insulin human [rDNA origin]) Inhalation Powder from Pfizer have showed that adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes who used this drug experienced sustained blood sugar control over a two-year period and...

New metabolic focus could alter diabetes treatment.(product introduction of Novartis)
June 26, 2006... WASHINGTON -- A new diabetes therapy was unveiled this month at the 66th annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association that some believe could change the way diabetes is treated by focusing on pancreatic function. DPP-4 inhibitors...

Taking a breath: Bill Fogarty, Adams Respiratory.(Interview)
June 26, 2006... With its acquisition of Delsym cough syrups from UCB last month, Adams Respiratory Therapeutics now fields three of the top 10 leading niche brands by sales volume, which also includes Mucinex and Mucinex DM. By itself, Delsym contributed $7.5...

Market sorts out the pretenders from contenders for Pfizer Consumer.(contracts and acquisitions)
June 26, 2006... Earlier this month, Pfizer began entertaining bids for the purchase of its consumer health care division as the pharmaceutical giant considers selling the unit for more than $14 billion and using the cash to fund acquisitions in the...

Introducing the OTCeutical.(Alan James Group introduces CardioEA)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... The Alan James Group is pioneering what it is calling an entirely new OTC category with the launch of CardioEA, a product that combines a series of heart-healthy supplements including garlic extract, 1-argenine and essential B vitamins with...

Novartis Consumer.(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... Novartis Consumer's new Gas-X Thin Strips are individually wrapped and melt on the tongue for fast, on-the-go relief from pressure and bloating caused by gas. The thin strips contain simethicone, an anti-gas medication that helps gas...

Adams Respiratory Therapeutics.(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... Adams Respiratory Therapeutics plans to enter the pediatric segment this year with a line of four guaifenesin-based products under the Mucinex brand, including two liquid forms and two that feature a new immediate-release proprietary dosage...

LifeScan.(new blood glucose meter )(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... LifeScan earlier this year introduced its latest blood glucose meter, the OneTouch Ultra2, which gives people with diabetes, the ability to flag results as either "before meal" or "after meal," as well as to tag specific results with preset...

Schering-Plough.(new warts remover )(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... Schering-Plough's new Dr. Scholl's Dual Action Freeze Away combines cryotherapy with the more traditional OTC method for removing warts, salicylic acid. "Our clinical testing has found that the combination of two therapies is twice as effective...

Orlistat set to be next big OTC switch, but list of future candidates is light.(drug approval)
June 26, 2006... GlaxoSmithKline's Alli (orlistat) looks to be the next big drug to switch from prescriptiononly status to over-the-counter. The Food and Drug Administration issued an approvable letter to GSK in April, suggesting there are relatively minor...

3M puts emphasis on convenience in bandage packaging.(packaging of 3M Co. 3M Healthcare)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... 3M Consumer Healthcare has placed a premium on convenience for its customers, introducing a "Home'n Go Pack" packaging concept that organizes each of its bandage offerings into a separate plastic pouch within the bandage box. The pouch is...

Del Pharmaceuticals.(new Orajel Kids Sore Throat strips )(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... Del Pharmaceuticals' new Scooby Doo-licensed Orajel Kids Sore Throat strips begin shipping in July, with a suggested retail price of $7.99. The strips contain both pectin and menthol. Del also has introduced Orajel Protective Mouth Sore Discs,...

Durex.(new Pleasuremax condoms)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... Durex' new Pleasuremax condoms, designed to to enhance pleasure for both partners, began shipping in the United States this month. The condom maker is also planning to introduce Durex Play Sensations Thins--thin condoms are a fast-growing...

Similasan.(new eye remedy and eye drops )(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... Having expanded its eye care offerings to include a pink eye remedy and eye drops for cataract care in the past two years, Similasan has added an OTC stye remedy for symptomatic relief associated with stye infections. A stye occurs when...

Blaine Pharmaceuticals.(Blaine Pharmaceuticals' new family of nutritional supplements )(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... Blaine Pharmaceuticals' new DiaSense family of nutritional supplements are specifically formulated for people with diabetes. The line includes three SKUs--DiaSense Magnesium, DiaSense Chromium and DiaSense Multivitamin. "With 1.5 million...

Trimspa.(Trimspa's new weight loss supplement)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... Trimspa last month introduced Metabospa, a new non-Hoodia based weight loss supplement, exclusively on its Web site through June 15. "Time and again studies have shown that American adults are among the most overweight in the world," noted Alex...

Pharmavite.(new medicine for heart health)(Brief article)
June 26, 2006... Positive study findings and growing consumer interest in heart health protection have accelerated coenzyme Q-10 segment sales nearly 25 percent in the past year. With that in mind, Pharmavite is launching new CoQ10 SKUs that feature smaller...

Avian flu approaches U.S. shores, but study shows weak preparedness.
June 26, 2006... There are two events associated with the avian flu--the first imminent, it seems, and the second catastrophic--that may impact sales at pharmacy. Later this summer the migratory pattern of wild birds dictates that the H5N1 virus will...

Nothing fishy about benefits of supplement.(study of fish oil)
June 26, 2006... News of the benefits of fish oils has been jumping of late, giving consumers plenty of reasons to take the bait and begin supplementing with the essential fatty acids. And it seems they are buying their fish oils aplenty, as sales for the...

Hurricane season puts wind in sales of OTC remedy sales.
June 26, 2006... Earlier this month the 2006 hurricane season was officially kicked off as the first named storm--Tropical Storm Alberto--made landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida and continued up the East Coast, through Georgia and headed for the...

PSE regulations could continue to weaken cough/cold sales.(media campaign)
June 26, 2006... The migration of cough and cold products containing pseudoephedrine behind the pharmacy counter was one reason behind the category s slight decline this past cough and cold season, as national retailers relocated PSE products in response to a...

AstraZeneca, P&G won't stomach private label Prilosec OTC.(contracts)
June 26, 2006... ALLEGAN, Mich. -- The battle is on for a storebrand version of Prilosec OTC, as Dexcel Pharma Technologies filed for a new drug application to market omeprazole over-the-counter and was sued immediately by AstraZeneca for patent infringement....

Sleep segment could awaken OTC pain relief from cox-2 nap.
June 26, 2006... The withdrawal of two cox-2 inhibitors for arthritis pain is still having a dampening effect on the sales of analgesics, according to composite data. Sales of all analgesics, including both nonprescription and prescription, dropped by 5.2...

Aging baby boomers spark rebirth for durable medical equipment in drug.
June 26, 2006... Hassles with adjudicating insurance claims and competition from home health care centers, not to mention the significant retail space requirements, has long made durable medical equipment a category more pharmacy retailers are likely to service...