Pharmacy Technology

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. A company that develops drugs for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer has created a scientific advisory board as part of its efforts to create treatments for Type 1 diabetes.

Tolerx said the four-member board would support the development of its lead drug candidate, otelixizumab, and guide future research and development in the Type 1 diabetes area.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. Amgen's SVP research and development, Joe Miletich, urged members of a Food and Drug Administration panel to establish approval standards for biosimilars that ensure patient safety and follow a science-based approach.

“Put patients first and sound policy will follow,” Miletich said. “Amgen believes biosimilars have a meaningful role to play in the healthcare system. However, dissimilar — unlike generic drugs — are not identical to the innovative biological products.” 

FORT WORTH, Texas Retail pharmacy technology provider PDX has partnered with Healthcare Data Solutions to provide users of the PDX Pharmacy System with access to a real-time prescriber verification process.

The companies said the integration of the PDX Pharmacy System and the HDS ProscriberPRO database would allow immediate verification of prescribers and associated profiles when a prescriber is added or before a prescription is filled, with access provided over a secure, Web-based service.

NEW YORK Elizabeth Arden has signed an exclusive global licensing deal with music star Taylor Swift to develop her own line of fragrance products.

The deal includes the development, marketing and distribution of fragrances and ancillary products. The first fragrance will debut in prestige retailers in North America during fall 2011. Swift will be involved in all aspects of product development, packaging and advertising.

RHINEBECK, N.Y. Topical BioMedics on Monday announced additional distribution through The Vitamin Shoppe of its Topricin line of homeopathic topical analgesics.

The Vitamin Shoppe is carrying classic Topricin in its retail stores, and is offering Topricin Foot Therapy cream to customers via its website.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS/pharmacy on Monday announced results of a survey examining various aspects of disease management and lifestyle for patients with diabetes. Of 3,242 respondents with diabetes, 32% reported they have been less vigilant about daily glucose testing due to cost, and as many as 24% of respondents said that cost has led them to be less conscientious about maintaining a proper diet.