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ATLANTA — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's FluView report released Friday, flu activity remains high overall, but is declining in parts of the country while increasing in other parts of the country. Most notably the Southeast, which began experiencing high levels of flu activity at the end of November, is now showing declines in activity. 

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — The Food and Drug Administration will hold a public meeting of the Allergenic Products Advisory Committee on Tuesday to determine the safety and efficacy of Ragwitek, a short ragweed pollen allergen extract tablet for sublingual use, which is manufactured by Merck and indicated for immunotherapy for diagnosed ragweed pollen induced allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — McNeil Consumer Healthcare on Thursday launched an enhanced consumer education website called GetReliefResponsibly.com to promote safety in using OTC medicines to help kick a cold. 

WALTHAM, Mass. — Alere on Thursday announced the availability in Europe of the Alere i Influenza A & B test, a molecular test that detects and differentiates influenza A and B virus in less than 15 minutes. The test is now commercially available in Austria, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and the U.K. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Legislative relief that would result in a more balanced business relationship between Ohio community pharmacists and PBMs is critical, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assembly Member Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica, on Tuesday introduced legislation that would authorize a pharmacist to dispense the narcotic antagonist naloxone hydrochloride without a prescription in California. 

Naloxone is used to treat overdoses of narcotic medications including morphine, codeine and oxycodone and works by reversing the side effects of the narcotic, such as sedation and decreased breathing rate.

NEW YORK — Match.com and Pfizer on Wednesday announced results from a recent survey showing that single smokers may want to consider breaking up with their cigarettes as they look for that special someone this year. Nearly 9-in-10 (89%) respondents said they prefer not to date someone who smokes, and when asked which actions were unacceptable on a first date, more said taking a smoke break (51%) than checking one’s phone (45%) or being late (40%).

LAVAL, Quebec — Valeant Pharmaceuticals International on Thursday announced the expiration of the tender offer by a subsidiary of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Solta Medical for $2.92 per share in cash, without interest (less any applicable withholding taxes). 

The offer expired at midnight on Jan. 23, 2014.