Health System

The Midwest wholesaler McQueary Brothers has agreed to be acquired by McKesson Corp.for $190 million.

Novartis is set to pay as much as $39 biliion to buy a controlling stake in Alcon, a Houston company that dominates the eye care market.

Bristol-Myers Squibb granted approval for arthritis biologic Orencia.

Comprehensive Pharmacy Services to buy McKesson Medication Management.

WellPoint Next Rx pilots OTC generic program with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to help offset out-of-pocket costs for members.

Eisai has produced a report on how seniors feel about their pharmacy, drug plan, and related subjects.

A Drug Topics survey finds that most think FDA could use more funding to redress its deficiencies.

GlaxoSmithKline's vaccine, Rotarix, receives approval for use in children.

Several more chains launch $4 generics, including Ralphs and Fred Meyer.

Shire launches initiative for chronic kidney disease patients.

A listing by the New York Times shows that CVS' CEO made more than $17 million and Walgreens' CEO made more than $5 million last year.

Miami Medicare billing service owner sentenced to 10 years in prison for Medicare fraud.

Disruptions in switching low-income Medicare Part D patients from one drug plan to another will be reduced as a result of a new rule issued by CMS.

Final rule establishes standards for: formulary and benefits, medication history, fill status notification, and provider identifier

Rite Aid pharmacists offer Allergy Guide to help patients get through allergy season.

GlaxoSmithKline updates Warnings and Precautions sections of zanamivir prescribing information

Graymark Healthcare announces the purchase of two independent pharmacies, upping its store count to 14.

Alegent Health is partnering with eq-Life and Fairview Pharmacy Services to grow its retail pharmacies.

NCPA, FBI LEEDA, Purdue Pharma L.P. program will promote improving pharmacy safety and security.

Health Mart launches mobile wellness tour to provide free health screenings in Midwest markets.

A new Rx card will enable needy patients in New Jersey to get discounts of up to 50% off their prescription drugs.

Duane Reade names John Lederer as Chairman of the Board/CEO

The owners of two Miami-based healthcare corporations were sentenced to 63 and 56 months in prison for their roles in separate Medicare fraud schemes

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has released new guidelines to encourage the safe use of automated dispensing cabinets.

A pharmacist and nurse have created a Web site, Medicaresaver.com, to help seniors find a cost-effective Medicare Part D plan