Retail Clinics

HYDERABAD, India — Indian generic drug maker Dr. Reddy’s Labs has launched a generic treatment for seasonal allergies, the company said Tuesday.

Dr. Reddy’s announced the launch of levocetirizine tablets in the 5-mg strength. The drug is a generic version of UCB’s and Sanofi-Aventis’ Xyzal.

Levocetirizine had sales of about $238 million during the 12-month period ended in September 2010, according to IMS Health.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes, who is widely regarded as one of the most visionary marketers in modern drug store retailing, to the newly created position of EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer.

In the new role, Foulkes will bring together the company's capabilities in enterprise branding, communications, community relations, charitable giving, healthcare-reform strategy, government relations and marketing into one integrated organization in an effort to deliver even better business results and stronger partnerships.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — A decision by the Food and Drug Administration to lower the age at which patients can receive a vaccine for shingles opens the door for pharmacists to administer it to more patients.

Rite Aid said Tuesday that pharmacists at more than 2,100 of its stores now could vaccinate patients ages 50 years and older with Merck’s Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) thanks to the FDA’s approval of the vaccination for patients in that age group. Previously, it was only approved for patients ages 60 years and older.

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J. — Tris Pharma on Tuesday announced its relaunch of the MyKidz Iron product line, which includes two supplement products and one prescription-only product.

MyKidz Iron was launched in 2007 by NextWave Pharmaceuticals. In August 2010, NextWave partnered with Tris on developing medicines focused on the central nervous system. As part of that partnership, all non-CNS over-the-counter products were acquired by Tris.

MENLO PARK, Calif. — Raising Medicare’s eligibility age from 65 to 67 years in 2014 would generate an estimated $7.6 billion in net savings to the federal government, but also would result in an estimated net increase of $5.6 billion in out-of-pocket costs for 65- and 66-year-olds, as well as $4.5 billion in employer retiree healthcare costs, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation projection of the potential change suggested by several deficit-reduction plans.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — The Little Clinic has opened a new location inside Kroger's new Marketplace store in Shelbyville, Tenn., according to a local news report.

The opening marks the 11th clinic in the area.

"Being part of a brand-new Kroger Marketplace allows us to increase accessibility of our services for those who will enjoy the many offerings at this store," Tim Pruitt, divisional VP of The Little Clinic, was quoted as saying.

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Shortly after announcing the launch of its weight-loss system for men, Sensa is introducing a fruity lineup of energy-enhanced vitamin drinks.

Sensa Quench, available in orange crush, pink grapefruit and berry splash flavors, is a sugar-free drink mix that when added to 12 oz. of water includes a powerful blend of natural ingredients to energize, help increase the metabolism and hydrate, according to the company.

The Sensa Quench weight-loss system is available in a 30-pack for $39.95.

WASHINGTON — Menthol-flavored cigarettes are the latest target for tobacco opponents, according to published reports.

Reuters reported Friday that a committee of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration said in a report that banning mentholated cigarettes would benefit public health. Under legislation adopted in 2009, most flavored cigarettes already are banned.