HEALTH

@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }SILVER SPRING, Md. — As a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee convenes to decide whether or not to approve a new drug for treating obesity, two nonprofit groups centered on the epidemic said more means of addressing it are needed.

Supplier News — Fera Pharmaceuticals has recently launched two new topical ointments. The New York-based company has developed Ilotycin (erythromycin) and Garamycin (gentamicin) ophthalmic ointments, both for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eye. “Our goal is simple: to keep more quality healthcare choices alive for the people who need them,” company co-founder Frank DellaFera said.


ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Independent and chain pharmacy groups are making a new push to stake a firm claim to the new healthcare system emerging with the health-reform law enacted earlier this year.

Weighing in on a major aspect of the new law, the independent pharmacy lobby is urging federal health officials to untangle government red tape that could prevent pharmacies from fully participating in newly created health-provider organizations.


BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart clearly is not unique in the fact that some of its stores offer access to an in-store health clinic, but what is unique is that several years ago, the retail giant decided to scrap its retail clinic model of partnering with a handful of independent operators in favor of a more regionalized, healthcare system-driven model.


NEW YORK — The power of a professionally driven social networking and information platform is now within reach of pharmacists and pharmacy students. And students are taking a lead role in its development and growth.


The new network is called Pharmacist Society. It was conceived and developed as a Web-based networking, information and practice tool by pharmacist Ted Search, president of Skipta — a provider of networking technology for health professionals — and by pharmacy students and educators.


MINNETONKA, Minn. — Could the economy and the bare-knuckles competition that now defines pharmacy retailing lower the price bar even further for widely used generic drugs? It’s already happening.


Drug Store News recently sat down with Scott Verner, president of Nipro Diagnostics, to discuss some of the synergies created by the acquisition of Home Diagnostics by Japan’s Nipro in March. 


Drug Store News: How is the new company better positioned in the U.S. market? What are the synergies?


EDISON, N.J. — DSE Healthcare Solutions on Sunday evening announced the launch of Safari Towels, a new product extending from its Anti Monkey Butt Powder brand, to its Facebook fan base of almost 39,000.

“Our new Safari Towels ... so hot off the presses they aren't even in stores yet!” the Anti Monkey Butt Powder status read. “Make a cool gift ... from cyclists to soldiers, [they're] great to have on hand for a ‘shower on the go.’ See them in our online store.”