PHARMACY

Virginia health officials expand collaboration with Walgreens
The Virginia Department of Health has expanded its collaboration with Walgreens to provide no-cost, rapid Hepatitis C Virus testing by Walgreens pharmacists in 10 pharmacy locations, the Virginia Department of Health announced on Thursday.
Rite Aid's EnvisionRx takes steps to minimize opioid addiction risk
In response to the nation’s opioid epidemic, Rite Aid’s pharmacy benefit manager, EnvisionRx, has enhanced its opioid and pain management program to make prescription fill limits and monitoring part of the program.

AmerisourceBergen’s Lash Group unveils AI-fueled benefit verification

The SmartPoint-powered technology is an artificial intelligence-powered system that the company said would reduce time-to-therapy and improve care delivery.
FDA approves Novartis’ preventive migraine drug Aimovig

Aimovig, a once-monthly self-injected drug, works by blocking the activity of a molecule involved in migraines called calcitonin gene-related peptide, the FDA said.
Amneal launches generic Welchol

The drug had a U.S. market size of roughly $526 million for the 12 months ended February 2018.
Advocacy in action: Pharmacists, trade groups focus on policy

Pharmacy advocates and organizations are pushing for legislation that focuses on enabling pharmacies to deliver improved patient health, with two areas of the business coming to the fore — ensuring transparent reimbursements and fighting the opioid crisis.
Blink Health names Express Scripts vet chief strategy officer

Susan Lang, a former senior vice president and chief supply chain officer at Express Scripts, has been named Blink Health’s chief strategy officer, tasked with overseeing its strategic development and supply chain efforts, which include its pharmacy network.
Grocery operators’ pharmacy foothold poised to expand

Grocers continue to be a big player in pharmacy — and though the Albertsons-Rite Aid merger is looking to cement that, pharmacy at grocery faces unique challenges.
FDA approves first non-opioid treatment for opioid withdrawal

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Lucemyra (lofexidine hydrochloride), the first non-opioid treatment for management of opioid withdrawal symptoms in adults.
FDA approves generic Methergine tablets

The approval is Granules’ first, and the company said it also would be the first generic for the product, marketed by Lupin, on the market.