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...there are roughly 30 million Americans who suffer from a rare disease. And sadly, about 50% are children.. FDA…recently released a new resource for drug developers — a draft guidance document — designed to help them navigate the difficult and unique challenges of developing and bringing to market…drugs to treat rare diseases...document is intended to encourage drug developers to think early on in the process about all aspects of their program — and encourages careful planning which includes a foundation in strong science. Drug developers for rare diseases are often pioneers…this guidance as another important resource to help support their efforts.

Sound academic knowledge alone may not translate into a successful career in pharmacy. The choices we make and the way we approach our responsibilities are also important factors. As new graduates endeavor to find their footing in the swirling tide of the world’s uncertainties, guidance from experienced colleagues can be invaluable. What follows are some pointers learned from life.

Philosophy

• Put your commitment to public service
• Do not judge yourself by your GPA
• If your goals are worthy, the sky’s the limit

Planning

• Identify a distinct area of pharmacy
• Draw up a five-year professional life plan
• Remember that planning is crucial to future success

Practice

• Choose an employment schedule
• Clinical provider services
• Watch your spending
• Pay attention to the pharmacy practice laws of your state
• Be conversant with PHI and controlled substance regulations
• As a pharmacy manager

DEA…announces the sentencing of Edward Jack Sayegh, M.D. to four years in prison, after the…doctor pleaded guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy, fraud, and multiple drug diversion charges following a long-term investigation into his medical practice, Arizona Family Medicine… Sayegh was personally abusing narcotics, sold prescriptions to a select group of patients and billing insurances for services never rendered.

Clio Healthcare award winners for 2015 are out, AstraZeneca's "Take it From a Fish" work--got a second-place silver Clio. That campaign, which took home the grand prize at the summer Cannes Health Lion show, features two wise-cracking grocery store fish on ice talking about the importance of lowering triglycerides. "Fish" also won two bronze awards in digital and social categories.

Hospital pharmacists are aware that they have too many orders to fill on a daily basis – in addition to numerous other job functions, including working with insurers and counseling patients. And now, a new study verifies that the more orders pharmacists fill, the more likely it is for errors to occur… at a large tertiary care medical center… than 1.9 million medication orders that were handled by 50 pharmacists…92 medication error events had occurred during order verification…There was also a lower error rate seen for pharmacists who had a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, compared with those who had a Bachelor of Science degree; however, those results were not statistically significant…

FDA has approved aspirin extended-release capsules (Durlaza)for the prevention of stroke and acute cardiac events…is the first, and only 24-hour, extended-release aspirin capsule…allows prolonged absorption and sustained platelet exposure to aspirin…indicated to reduce the risk of death and myocardial infarction in patient with chronic coronary artery disease,...

Would a rate hike hurt consolidation in the biotech sector? CNBC's Meg Tirrell provides insight to whether there is reason to worry if rates go higher.

Pharmacists can adapt to the evolution of their industry by understanding treatment guidelines, learning about local physician practices, and improving patient adherence,...these actions contribute to quality healthcare...This matters to pharmacists because they’re increasingly facing pressure to join preferred networks that link them to the success or failure of health plans… Medicare Star Ratings… help…patients choose which plan to enroll in… Plans with low Star Ratings…risk losing their CMS contract...

The hard truth about pharmacists is that as a breed, we are far more efficient at managing things than we are at managing people. Most pharmacy managers are shuffled into the job without qualifications or training, and too often, without the desire to take on the role at all. So what’s a well-intentioned, poorly managed pharmacist to do?...I’ve figured out that your relationship with your manager must be bi-directional; you need to manage your manager, just as your manager manages you. Here are a few things I’ve learned about the fine art of managing up.

• Know what you need
• Make your intentions clear
• Give and take
• Get over it and move on
• Don’t act your age
• Know when to walk away

APhM is celebrated annually during October and serves to promote pharmacists as medication experts, an integral member of the health care team, and directly involved in patient care. APhM aims to educate the public, policy makers and other health care professionals about the role pharmacists play in the reduction of overall health care costs and the safe and effective management of medications. Pharmacists have a significant role in assessing patients’ medication management in patients and referring them to physicians.s a time to educate your patients, motivate your staff, and engage and inspire your community to "Know Your Pharmacists, Know Your Medicine."