Branded

OAKLAND, Calif. — Diabetic users of an online patient portfolio for medication refills improved their adherence to cholesterol-lowering medications and improved their cholesterol levels, according to a new study.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — VoicePort on Monday announced that they have launched their Medication Synchronization Program, SynchroScript, along with two of their other adherence services with Tops Friendly Markets Pharmacy, of Williamsville, N.Y. 

RALEIGH, N.C. — Salix Pharmaceuticals has completed its $2.6 billion acquisition of Santarus, Salix said.

The drug maker announced that it had completed the $32-per-share acquisition of Santarus, which the companies announced in November. The combination of the companies' product portfolios includes 22 marketed products, such as Xifaxan, Glumetza, Zegerid, Relistor and others.

DANBURY, Conn. — IMS Health is looking to go public, the healthcare industry research and analytics company said.

IMS, based in Danbury, Conn., said it had filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of its common stock, adding that it had not yet determined the number of shares to be offered or the price range of the offering.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is providing prescriptions at no upfront cost to customers who have enrolled in the health insurance marketplaces, but have not received an ID number, the retail pharmacy chain said.

The company said that during the month of January, it would dispense a 15- to 30-day supply of many medications to customers who bring in confirmation of their enrollment until their prescription coverage details are available. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, took full effect Wednesday.

NEW YORK — Regional chain Kinney Drugs is the latest to offer prescriptions at no upfront cost to some customers who have enrolled in Obamacare, according to published reports.

The Syracuse, N.Y., Post-Standard reported Friday that the Gouverneur, N.Y.-based chain would offer 30-day prescriptions to customers who have enrolled, but have not received an identification number. The offer is good through the month of January. Kinney operates 99 stores in central and northern New York and adjacent areas of Vermont.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is offering prescriptions at no upfront cost to patients who enroll in the public health insurance marketplace, the mass-merchandise retailer said.

CINCINNATI — The Kroger Co. has joined the list of retailers offering supplies of prescription drugs at no upfront cost to customers who have enrolled in the health insurance marketplaces, but have yet to receive an identification number.

The company announced Thursday that it would offer up to a 30-day supply of certain prescription drugs to customers who provide confirmation of their enrollment at one of the retailer's pharmacies.