Specialty Pharmacy

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama issued an executive order Monday to address the growing problem of drug shortages.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals and a partnering company are barred from launching a generic version of a blood-thinning drug under a federal court decision issued Friday.

COVINGTON, Ky. — The VP distribution operations for Omnicare's RxCrossroads business has stepped into a new role, Omnicare announced Tuesday.

Dan Thomas was appointed to the role of SVP and general manager for RxCrossroads, an Omnicare division that provides specialized solutions specifically tailored to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Thomas, who has worked in the unit for 27 years, will have full operational responsibility in his new role and report to Nitin Sahney, EVP and president of Omnicare’s Specialty Care Group.

MELVILLE, N.Y. — In line with its new position as a stand-alone corporation, the former U.S. subsidiary of a Swiss drug maker has appointed a new leader.

Nycomed US announced that Brian Markison, former chairman and CEO of King Pharmaceuticals, will lead the company as president, CEO and a member of the board. The company also appointed Jeff Bailey as COO and John Golubieski as CFO. Both Bailey and Golubieski also held executive roles at King.

WASHINGTON — The ink has barely dried on the acquisition agreement between pharmacy benefit management giants Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions, but several groups already are seeing smudges — most recently, a trade organization representing independent specialty pharmacy providers.

WESTON, Mass. — Biogen Idec has expanded its online resource for patients living with multiple sclerosis to include new resources and support programs.

MS ActiveSource features have expanded to include additional information and support on a range of issues, including financial assistance and nursing services. Additionally, the website also features a new online patient-to-patient community called ActiveVoices.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Hepatitis Education Awareness and Liver Support of the South is advocating for awareness about hepatitis and the importance of Medicare Part D as part of World Hepatitis Day, the organization said Thursday.

FRISCO, Texas — Assured Pharmacy has signed a lease for its fifth pharmacy, which will be located in Kansas City.

Subject to regulatory approval, the Kansas City pharmacy is anticipated to open during fourth quarter 2011, the specialty pharmacy group said.