Pharmacy Technology

IRVINE, Calif. Allergan's optimized reformulation of Lumigan has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration, the drug maker said Wednesday.

Lumigan 0.01% (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is a first-line therapy indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, Allergan said. Lumigan 0.01% will be available in fourth quarter 2010 as the newest addition to Allergan’s comprehensive glaucoma portfolio.

SILVER SPRING, Md. The Food and Drug Administration last week issued an information packet in preparation for a Sept. 14 advisory committee meeting that will address the potential abuse of dextromethorphan products and whether restrictions should be placed on the sale of those over-the-counter cough medicines.

Members of both the FDA Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee and the FDA Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee will be in attendance at the public meeting.

MINNEAPOLIS Target is looking to open eight new Target Clinic locations in Chicago and Palm Beach, Fla., in September.

Target currently has 28 clinics in Minnesota and Maryland, according to the website. The healthcare services in Minnesota and Maryland are provided by Target Clinic Medical Associates, an unaffiliated corporation not owned or operated by Target Corp. Fees for most services range from $59 to $69.

CINCINNATI Procter & Gamble's Head & Shoulders hair care brand is taking out a $1 million insurance policy on Pittsburgh Steelers safety and brand spokesman Troy Polamalu's trademark hair.

Together with insurance agency Watkins Syndicate at Lloyd's of London, the brand has created the first-ever insurance policy to protect Polamalu's full and thick Samoan locks for the entire NFL season.

SAN DIEGO The U.S. drug market will present opportunities as well as uncertainties over the next decade, according to remarks made by IMS Health VP industry relations Doug Long at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ 2010 Pharmacy and Technology Conference held here on Monday.