PHARMACY

A multilayered approach to pharmacy portal security
LexisNexis Risk Solutions’ Rene Lopez discusses how pharmacies can stay ahead of those looking to steal pharmacy portal data.
McKesson completes acquisition of Medical Specialties Distributors
McKesson announced on Friday that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Medical Specialties Distributors, a distributor of infusion and medical-surgical supplies as well as biomedical services to alternate site and home health providers.

Upsher-Smith inks ophthalmic, otic generics deal

The Maple Grove, Minn.-based company’s collaboration will see Upsher-Smith marketing and distributing products whose combined annual sales total more than $1.6 billion annually, according to IQVIA data for the 12 months ended March 2018.
FDA launches innovation challenge to spur development of medical devices

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration launched on Wednesday an innovation challenge to spur the development of medical devices as part of its ongoing commitment to address the epidemic of opioid misuse and abuse.
FDA approves Amneal’s generic Cytoxan

The drug had an approximate market size of $332 million in generic sales for the 12 months ended April 2018.
OPA, Neighbourhood Pharmacies rethink pharmacy with new strategy

The Ontario Pharmacists Association and the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) have unveiled a four-point strategy to improve healthcare in Ontario by enabling pharmacists to practice to their fullest extent.
Publix names new pharmacy VP

Dain Rusk, most recently group vice president of pharmacy for Albertsons, will join the Lakeland, Fla.-based retailer, effective June 1, as vice president of pharmacy.
Collins, Gonzales introduce drug cost transparency bill

The Phair Pricing Act of 2018 looks to make more transparent the prices that pharmacy benefit managers and prescription drug plan sponsors negotiate with pharmacies.
FDA approves new PKU treatment Palynziq

Palynziq is indicated for patients with PKU who have uncontrolled blood phenylalanine concentrations on their current treatment.
NACDS-backed drug disposal bill passes Senate committee

The Access to Increased Drug Disposal Act, which is backed by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, was introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Ia., and co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Ia., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.