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The FDA recently approved bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) for use in combination with intravenous 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of metastatic CRC. Bevacizumab is the first angiogenesis inhibitor to be approved for use in the U.S. Genentech began to ship bevacizumab to wholesalers within 3 days of its approval.

The Council on Credentialing in Pharmacy has recommended more discussion about the possible development of national standards and an acccreditation process for technician training and education.

The North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld the state pharmacy board's power to discipline pharmacists and pharmacies when an error is made after the R.Ph. has filled more than 150 scripts on one shift.

The FDA recently approved cetuximab (Erbitux, ImClone Systems) for use in combination with irinotecan (Camptosar, Pfizer) for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-1 (EGFR-1)-expressing, metastatic CRC in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. Cetuximab was also approved for use as monotherapy for the treatment of EGFR-1-expressing, metastatic CRC in those who are intolerant of irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

The National Community Pharmacists Association is seeking government approval to issue a Medicare-endorsed Rx discount card that offers access to local pharmacists with no mail order pharmacy component.