Regulatory and Washington

WASHINGTON — As many as 3 million people have enrolled in private health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act. Enrollment has been up by more than one-third in recent weeks. 

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — The Food and Drug Administration will hold a public meeting of the Allergenic Products Advisory Committee on Tuesday to determine the safety and efficacy of Ragwitek, a short ragweed pollen allergen extract tablet for sublingual use, which is manufactured by Merck and indicated for immunotherapy for diagnosed ragweed pollen induced allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Legislative relief that would result in a more balanced business relationship between Ohio community pharmacists and PBMs is critical, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — McNeil Consumer Healthcare on Thursday launched an enhanced consumer education website called GetReliefResponsibly.com to promote safety in using OTC medicines to help kick a cold. 

ARLINGTON, Va.  — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation announced on Friday the recipients of the Pharmacy Student Scholarship Awards.  

The NACDS Foundation awarded $5,000 each to four pharmacy students. The recipients were chosen for their work that shares the NACDS Foundation’s commitment to benefit patients, improve outcomes and advance public health.

SAN FRANCISCO  — McKesson late Thursday afternoon announced that it has reached an agreement with Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH to acquire its entire holding of Celesio shares for 23.50 euros per share (US $32.24 per share). In a separate and subsequent agreement, McKesson also announced the acquisition of Celesio convertible bonds from Elliott. These agreements are not subject to any closing conditions and the transactions are expected to close within 10 business days. 

WASHINGTON — The United States Conference of Mayors announced winners of the 2014 Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards. The grant awards went to cities with outstanding programs that encouraged balanced diet choices and regular physical activity to maintain healthy weight.

The following cities were recognized:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assembly Member Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica, on Tuesday introduced legislation that would authorize a pharmacist to dispense the narcotic antagonist naloxone hydrochloride without a prescription in California. 

Naloxone is used to treat overdoses of narcotic medications including morphine, codeine and oxycodone and works by reversing the side effects of the narcotic, such as sedation and decreased breathing rate.