Author: Peter

U.S. regulators are considering the reintroduction of bovine heparin.. Today, all heparin products… are derived from pigs… Seventy-five percent of the crude porcine heparin…comes from outside of the U.S., with a majority of that percentage originating from China… reintroduction of bovine heparin into the U.S. market would expand sources…

CVS has 7,800 retail stores…also maintains 1,500 walk-in Minute Clinics nationwide, providing access to healthcare for 60 percent of the country's population… becoming known for its interest in improving population health across the country. Last year it became the first major pharmacy chain to stop selling tobacco products,…

More pet parents than ever are claiming their animals as members of the family, which may represent an opportunity for retail pharmacy as those consumers begin looking for pet pharmaceuticals from the same trusted professional who supplies medicines for the rest of the family - the neighborhood pharmacist…"This [trend] is going to create a disruption in the industry,"

Food and Drug Administration…held a public meeting on the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act…"PDUFA VI can play a critical role in continuing to advance an effective, science-based U.S. regulatory review program that helps ensure that biopharmaceutical companies can continue to bring innovative medicines to patients,"..

In a bid to push back against payers, Gilead Sciences is limiting enrollment to its patient assistance program for hepatitis C drugs,.. The drug maker is taking this step after finding that some payers, despite receiving discounts in recent months, have continued to restrict patient access.. Gilead appears to be counting on patients to complain to payers about a lack of access..

Healthcare stocks are having a big year, with July’s King v. Burwell ruling putting them over the top…"There’s renewed confidence that a majority of patients who come in for care will have health insurance, lessening the burden of uncompensated care,"....

Reps. Rosa DeLauro...Jan Schakowsky..spoke out against the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is being negotiated later this month, because of its propensity to restrict access to generic medicines…"That's less competition for big pharma, increased cost for Medicare and Medicaid, higher prices for families who are buying medicines and health insurance,"

Mental health advocates worry psychiatric patients will be sent to jail instead of receiving care and treatment...new law making it a felony to commit acts of violence in North Carolina hospitals...legislation is intended as a bulwark against attacks on hospital workers, which make up 75 percent of workplace violence cases and are currently on the rise,...

Pharma ad spending soared to $4.5 billion in 2014, backing branded drugs in levels not seen since the recession, with particular emphasis on blockbusters--and wannabes. Drugmakers poured $3.4 billion into advertising spending on the top 10 drugs, which accounted for 75% of the  spent on all advertising of pharmaceuticals,.

1. Cialis : $249 million
2. Lyrica : $229 million
3. Eliquis : $219 million
4. Viagra : $211 million
5. Humira : $203 million
6. Latuda : $179 million
7. Xeljanz : $161 million
8. Celebrex : $119 million
9. Abilify : $108 million
10. Chantix : $103 million

Rite Aid Health Alliance are 36% more adherent to their medications; they've lost an average of 7.7 pounds; they have a 39% reduction in blood pressure; and they've lowered their blood sugar by 36%..."The key to this program is that the pharmacist and the care coach work together with [their] patient to achieve the goals and ultimately to improve outcomes,"