INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Independent pharmacy’s toughest champion will soon be unlacing his gloves. Bruce Roberts, who has led the National Community Pharmacists Association with boundless energy and passion for nearly nine years, will step aside June 25. His exit will mark the closing of a remarkable chapter in the inspiring, hard-fought saga of independent drug store retailing.

(THE NEWS: Head of NCPA to step down. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT A bill that would prohibit federal PBM contracts with companies that operate both a PBM and retail pharmacies not only has sparked debate but, if passed, could be a blow to the vertically integrated pharmacy-PBM model.

(THE NEWS: Bill would prohibit federal PBM contracts with companies operating PBMs, retail pharmacies. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT After more than a year that spawned bitter debate, a tea party, a growing divide in Congress and a never-ending clash of ideas, charges, countercharges and soul-searching about the role of government and deficit spending, healthcare reform is law.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The “hedgehog” has evolved. It’s now more like a lion on the prowl.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens to acquire pharmacy business, other assets from Memphis USA Drug stores. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Offering free metformin to diabetes patients in the deep South is a lot like setting up shop in the middle of Phoenix and announcing that free water is available to any dehydrated customers. That’s because when you place a map of Publix’s locations on top of a map showing where in the country diabetes is most prevalent, you’ll see that Publix is located in the U.S. diabetes hot spot. So why do it?

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Drug companies had better take a close look at their portfolios and make sure they aren’t marketing unapproved drugs. Any excuses they might have for making prescription drugs without regulatory approval will go unheeded by Food and Drug Administration officials.

(THE NEWS: FDA shuts down unapproved Glenmark, Konec drugs. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT With health reform standing at a crossroad, the pharmacy industry no doubt is keeping full-court press on lawmakers during this crucial time as clearly evidenced by the second annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill held on March 11.

(THE NEWS: Pharmacy leaders flock to Capitol for second NACDS RxIMPACT Day. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT There’s more than one way to help employers desperate to cut their health plan costs.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens pursuing Rx contract with Delta Air Lines, report says. For the full story, click here)