HEALTH

NEW YORK — The Center for Reproductive Rights on Wednesday asked a federal court to reopen its 2005 lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration for imposing age restrictions on emergency contraceptive drugs. Presently, emergency contraceptives, like Plan B One Step, are available behind a pharmacy counter for women 17 years and older but require a prescription for women under the age of 17 years.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy announced on Wednesday the launch of Project Health (Proyecto Salud in Spanish), a wellness program delivering more than $21 million worth of free health screenings to multicultural communities.

NEW YORK — While the financial burden that families face due to prescription drugs has declined, costs nevertheless remain a challenge for many of them, according to a new study by nonprofit research organization Rand Corp.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott has introduced a new BPA-free baby bottle, which includes several innovative features that are designed to improve the bottle-feeding experience.

The Similac SimplySmart bottle is designed for easy reading, cleaning and filling and includes the following features: an EasyMix mixing device designed to reduce bubbles and clumps; a Similac On-The-Go powder cap that can enough formula for an 8-oz. bottle; an Intellivent venting system to minimize a baby's air intake; a SmartClose that prevents leaks and a naturally shaped nipple.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A new at-home test that analyzes a male's sperm count has entered the market.

NEW YORK — Two members of Congress are looking for co-sponsors for a bill that would strengthen the medication therapy management benefit in the Medicare prescription drug program.

Last year, Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ala.; and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., introduced H.R. 891, the Medication Therapy Management Benefits Act, which would allow elderly people with at least one chronic condition access to Medicare Part D coverage for MTM. Currently, only those with multiple conditions are eligible.

NOVI, Mich. — The Chain Drug Marketing Association last month recognized several members at the association's 86th Annual Trade Expo in Kissimmee, Fla.

CDMA awarded Powhatan Pharmacy Member of the Year; Today’s Optical was awarded Associate Member of the Year; Guardian Drug Company was named Store Brand Supplier of the Year; and Rochester Drug Company was named Store Brand Member of the Year.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — New product sales and the acquisition of Paddock Labs prompted second-quarter net sales to jump 17% to $838 million for Perrigo for fiscal year 2012, the drug maker said.

For the company's consumer healthcare products segment, net sales rose 10% to $471 million, compared with the year-ago period, thanks to new product sales of $26 million and the diabetes care category, along with an increase in sales of existing products of $20 million.