Lupin 2024

Issue 04-28-2014

Industry Outlook: Drug chains adapt to shifting Rx sector

NEW YORK — Even as U.S. health care expansion brings new opportunities for drug chains, a transformation under way in the pharmacy business is presenting new challenges. The generic drug wave and the boom in specialty drugs are reshaping the pharmaceuticals sector, industry observers say. That’s pushing chain drug retailers to rethink their traditional prescription

At NACDS, Standley aims to build on existing strengths

WASHINGTON — John Standley, chairman and chief executive officer of Rite Aid Corp., knows firsthand the significance of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores to his company and community pharmacy overall as he gets set to take the reins as NACDS chairman.  John Standley Standley, announced as the new NACDS chairman on Monday, succeeds Bob

Anderson sets pro-patient, pro-Rx agenda at NACDS

ARLINGTON, Va. — Associations stand at the nexus of business and government, a critical juncture for retail pharmacy operators at a time when the nation’s health care system is experiencing the most sweeping changes since the mid-1960s, notes Steve Anderson, president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Steve Anderson

Foulkes embraces new challenge at CVS

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — For most executives, being chosen to head one of the world’s great drug chains would constitute an end point, the culmination of a notable career in mass market retailing. For Helena Foulkes, who became president of CVS/pharmacy in January after distinguishing herself in a variety of roles during 22 years with the

Rite Aid expands capabilities with two acquisitions

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Two acquisitions have bolstered Rite Aid Corp’s integrated health care offerings. The chain this month announced the purchase of the RediClinic chain of walk-in clinics in Texas as well as the acquisition of Health Dialog Services Corp., a provider of health coaching, shared decision making and analytics. The purchase price of

Diab takes on key role at Walmart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Labeed Diab has been named senior vice president and president of health and wellness at Walmart. He succeeds John Agwunobi, who is leaving the company after holding the post for almost seven years. Diab has a strong background in operations and health care. He most recently led the Wal-mart U.S. Midwest division

Obama taps Burwell to be HHS secretary

WASHINGTON — Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the former Walmart Foundation president nominated to be the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is expected to be a new lightning rod over the Affordable Care Act. Burwell, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), was named by President Obama to succeed

Walgreens reduces stake in workplace clinic subsidiary

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has signed an agreement that gives Water Street Healthcare Partners a majority interest in Take Care Employer Solutions LLC, the Walgreens subsidiary that manages more than 360 work site health centers nationwide. Water Street, a strategic investor focused exclusively on the health care industry, has also signed an agreement to

Kinney gets new corporate name

GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. — Regional pharmacy chain Kinney Drugs is changing its corporate name. After doing business for more than 100 years as Kinney Drugs Inc., the company will now be known as KPH Healthcare ­Services Inc. Kinney noted that there have been no changes in the company’s ownership structure or in its operations. The name

Bartell appoints top merchant

SEATTLE — Brent Beebe has been appointed senior vice president of merchandising at Bartell Drugs, the oldest drug chain in th United States. He will develop and lead all aspects of merchandising and category management for the family-owned chain, as well as oversee merchandising innovation for the retailer’s 63 stores, which are located throughout King,

Retail veterans join Rite Aid management team

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. has appointed two retail veterans to its upper ranks. David Abelman was named to the newly created position of senior vice president of brand development and innovation, while Dedra Castle joined the drug chain as executive vice president and chief human resources officer. Abelman will oversee continued development

Chief marketing officer at CVS/pharmacy exits

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Rob Price has stepped down as chief marketing officer at CVS/pharmacy. Price, who joined CVS in December 2006, has been at the center of the chain’s efforts to more closely integrate the store and digital environments to create a more personalized experience for shoppers and pharmacy patients, leveraging insights from the ExtraCare

Controversy continues as ACA reaches major milestone

WASHINGTON — The enrollment of more than 7 million people in health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act has led President Barack Obama to declare the law’s rollout a success. But Republican legislators vowed to continue to seek the statute’s repeal, and even though the ACA recorded its highest public approval level yet, at

Centrum 7/6  banner