Pharmacy Technology

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it has revamped a number of stores in its hometown. The company reported that more than 25 Target stores in the Twin Cities metro area have been redesigned to further deliver one-stop shopping convenience for guests.

Among the changes is an increased food selection that offers 90% of the categories found in a SuperTarget. Interactive displays and wider aisles were implemented to make the shopping experience more enjoyable, Target said.

MISSION, Kan. The National Institutes of Health has retained ScriptPro as a provider of pharmacy automation systems, ScriptPro said.

The NIH, based in Bethesda, Md., will use ScriptPro’s robotic dispensing, pharmacy management and drug information systems to assist in the internal control and identification of drugs and to enhance the safety and efficiency of medication dispensing and use by patients.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. Merck is expanding its patient assistance program, the drug maker said Wednesday.

CINCINNATI A company that makes equipment for pharmacy drive-through lanes has a new energy-efficient product.

E.F. Bavis announced the launch of the Bavis Solar Captive Carrier TransTrax conveyor delivery system. The new system is a solar version of the original TransTrax, designed to replace pneumatic tube systems. According to comparative estimates, E.F. Bavis said, pneumatic tube systems annually produce nearly 3,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. Hero Nutritional Products on Tuesday announced the launch of "Clifford, The Big Red Dog" gummy vitamins for children.

WASHINGTON Newt Gingrich, former House speaker and founder of the Center for Health Transformation, unveiled a new website on Wednesday -- HealthReformReport.com -- dedicated to providing “real facts, trusted analysis” with news about how the new federal healthcare law impacts individuals, doctors, businesses, hospitals, insurers and others.

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. Kaz, the maker of Vicks, Honeywell and Braun wellness devices, recently launched a new Facebook fan page named Cold and Flu Central, created to help inform families about some of the best defenses against colds and the flu.

The page includes doctor-approved tips, third-party expert advice and links, product giveaways, drug store availability information, discussions and polls.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. Sanofi-Aventis has tapped actors Paul and Mira Sorvino to launch an awareness program aimed to help people living with diabetes and those who support them.

The "Diabetes Co-Stars" program provides family and friends of diabetics with advice on lifestyle choices, healthy cooking, promoting physical activity and treatment options including insulin, Sanofi-Aventis said. DiabetesCoStars.com provides links to the Sanofi-Aventis diabetes social media pages, including Facebook and Twitter.