Specialty Pharmacy

NEW YORK — In what is emerging as the latest battle over follow-on biologics, a new argument has emerged about what to call them, and supporters of biotechnology companies are the latest to take a shot.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has launched an online learning course aimed at healthcare professionals to educate them about potentially untruthful or misleading drug ads and promotional materials.

DALLAS — Walgreens is collecting donations for breast cancer treatment through a partnership with Susan G. Komen to mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place this month.

NEWARK, Calif. — Depomed has launched a new drug for breakthrough pain in cancer patients, the company said Monday.

The drug maker announced the launch of Lazanda (fentanyl) nasal spray, meant for treating adults who are taking opioid painkillers, but have become tolerant to them. The company also have launched a Signature Support Program designed to streamline patient access to the drug, including reimbursement and co-pay assistance. Other benefits of the program include prescription reminders and eligibility for one month's supply for free.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy has launched a task force to investigate pharmacological management of medical marijuana, the group said.

Currently, according to NASP, there are no national standards of practice for the management of medical marijuana, though according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, 21 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. Two of those states, Washington and Colorado, have legalized recreational use as well.

NEW YORK — Three pharmacy groups are petitioning the World Health Organization to uphold common generic names for biosimilars and their branded reference products.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new opioid painkiller made by Zogenix, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the approval of Zohydro ER (hydrocodone) extended-release capsules for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment. The agency said the drug was the first extended-release hydrocodone product not combined with another drug, such as acetaminophen, to be approved by the agency.

NEW YORK — A Food and Drug Administration expert panel has recommended approval for a drug made by Johnson & Johnson for treating hepatitis C, the company said.

J&J subsidiary Janssen Research & Development said the 19-member FDA Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval for TMC435 (simeprevir), a 150-mg drug meant for administration once per day with the generic antiviral ribavirin and a biotech drug known as an interferon, for treating genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C.