HEALTH

DUBLIN — Actavis on Friday announced a realignment of its global strategic business structure to maximize the company's newly strengthened position as a leading specialty pharmaceutical developer, manufacturer and marketer, and to enhance Actavis' position for continued long-term growth. 

NEW YORK — Hy-Vee has teamed up with the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy and Ferris State University to offer rapid-diagnostic flu and strep tests in its pharmacies.

Hy-Vee stores in Omaha and Papillion are among 60 sites throughout three states that will have pharmacists trained to administer these tests, the results of which are available shortly after the test is given. In addition to the testing, pharmacists also will be able to fill prescriptions to treat identified illnesses, if needed, under protocol set by prescribing physicians.

BASEL, Switzerland — Novartis Consumer Health will be relaunching Theraflu for the 2014-2015 cough-cold season, Brian McNamara, Novartis division head OTC, told analysts Wednesday. 

"As you know, in the U.S. business we launched Lamisil and Triaminic and Excedrin end of 2012 and 2013. About halfway through the year, we launched Benefiber. And for next year, we expect to launch Theraflu for that cough and cold season," he said. 

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's January same-store sales increased 1.8%, beating out an analyst projection of a 0.5% increase in overall comparable-store sales. Total drug store sales for the four weeks ended Jan. 25 increased 1.5% to $1.9 billion.

January front-end same-store sales decreased 1.3%, of which 1.4% was attributable to a decrease in sales of flu-related over-the-counter products. Pharmacy same-store sales, which included an approximate 124 basis points negative impact from new generic introductions, increased 3.2%. 

DENVER — UrgentRx on Thursday began asking America where they would #WhipItOut with the launch of a provocative new campaign. The initiative is aimed at educating consumers during Heart Health Month by raising awareness around the potentially life-saving role that 325mg of aspirin plays for heart attack victims.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — A pair of Food and Drug Administration advisory committees will be meeting Feb. 10 to talk about heart risks associated with use of NSAIDs and whether or not Bayer's Aleve (naproxen) carries a lower risk profile than other NSAIDs. The FDA is also considering potentially revoking OTC status of certain nonprescription NSAIDS, according to published reports. 

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Omron Healthcare on Tuesday announced the release of its new Pain Relief Pro electroTHERAPY unit. Its versatility delivers more settings and more power for more relief with 10 power levels and eight pre-set modes.