In this Issue

Legislative progress: Q&A with NACDS’s Steve Anderson
Drug Store News caught up with NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson for a recap of 2016 and a look ahead at what to expect from a Trump administration.

DSN: What is the RxImpact scorecard for 2016? How did the industry do on the key pharmacy and patient access issues?
PerceptiMed’s ScripClip looks to reduce will-call errors, improve efficiency
When PerceptiMed was launched in 2011, its founder, neurosurgeon Dr. Alan Jacobs, set out to ensure that adverse medical events resulting from a patient receiving the wrong medication or wrong dose could be avoided. To do so, the Silicon Valley-based company worked to develop its proprietary VeriFill technology, which powers its IdentRx medication verification device and can read manufacturer imprints on the sides of every pill as a medication is dispensed.

Improving adherence: Q&A with Synergy Medical's Mark Rinker

For almost 10 years, Synergy Medical has been providing proven and reliable technology for blister card automation, which now is used daily for 145,000 lives. Since the first installation in January 2008, there have been hundreds of SynMed installations in retail drug stores, long-term care institutions and in pharmacy chains that have centralized their blister card production service (central fill operations). SynMed clients are found throughout Canada, the United States and in Europe.
Coming soon: Aurobindo Pharma USA introduces new label design

According to QuintilesIMS National Prescription Audit data from August, Aurobindo Pharma USA continues to eclipse market growth predictions, most recently moving into the Top 6 among all generic companies in prescriptions dispensed.

(To view the full Category Review, click here.)
Free screenings help break barriers to care

With the advent of complimentary health screenings available through a growing number of retail health fairs — such as CVS Health, Walmart and Sam’s Club and ShopRite, to name a few — more and more consumers are learning for the first time that they may be diabetic or prediabetic from their neighborhood pharmacist as opposed to their primary care doctors.

(To view the full Diabetes Report, click here.)
Smart container shakes up its functionality

PITTSBURGH — SmartShake started in 2009 as a solution for gym users and bodybuilders, offering them a leak-proof, nontoxic way to carry and prepare protein powders and shakes. Today, as well as a shaker cup, SmartShake is used as a lunch box, water bottle, snack box, coffee cup, etc. SmartShake is available in a range of sizes, models and colors. The shaker cups feature compartments that store powder, pills, snacks or other items. The patented Snap-On strainer will mix powdered drinks, sauces and dressings.
Apps, tech differentiate new meters

More and more, meter manufacturers today are differentiating their offerings not by the traditional micrometers of blood necessary for a viable glucose reading or the value inherent in the cost of test strips, but in the accompanying adherence app or other technologies that will help diabetes patients better navigate their disease states.

(To view the full Diabetes Report, click here.)
Mobile app helps patients, cos. increase adherence

Diabetics are most adherent around meal times, especially during breakfast and toward the beginning of the week, according to a review of Medisafe’s more than 160,000 diabetes patients who utilize its adherence tool in an effort to better manage the condition.

(To view the full Diabetes Report, click here.)
Sundial campaign introduces new ‘Normal’ in hair care

Shea Moisture is unleashing the second phase of its call-to-action program, #BreakTheWalls.

This time, the Sundial Brands-owned skin and hair line is challenging the concept of a one-size-fits all representation of beauty.
Catering to women’s health needs

Sam’s Club last month hosted a health screening day specifically catering to the health needs of the women shopping the store with a “Support Her Health” screening offering. “Women often prioritize their families’ needs and work responsibilities over their own health and wellness, but it’s important to ensure regular health checkups don’t fall off the to-do list,” said Tara Raddohl, senior director of corporate communications at Sam’s Club.