Newsbriefs

N.Y. pharmacy files suit against BD

Drug Mart, Tallman, N.Y., has filed a suit against Becton, Dickinson (BD), accusing the firm of "anti-competitive and illegal" behavior. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Newark, N.J., claims that the Franklin Lakes, N.J.-based medical equipment supplier used its position as a dominant player in the hypodermic needle market to stifle competition and push up prices. The suit alleges that BD's strategy included requiring hospitals to purchase most of their hypodermic products from the company or face increased prices. The suit seeks class status to represent other pharmacies in a similar situation. BD would not comment on the suit.

JCAHO eyeing mandatory flu shot for hospital staff

How good is your VTE care?

To ensure that hospitals provide good care for venous thromboembolism (VTE), JCAHO has come out with 19 potential performance measures for this condition. The measures range from VTE prophylaxis received within 24 hours of patient admission to anticoagulation overlap of parenteral and warfarin therapy for VTE patients. JCAHO is asking for comment on these performance measures. To view them, go to http://www.jcaho.org/pms/core+measures/pdf119.pdf.

FDA considers restoring MS agent

Should Tysabri (natalizumab, Biogen Idec and Elan Corp.) be brought back to the market to treat multiple sclerosis? The biologic was suspended from sale last year after a few patients developed a rare brain disorder and one patient died. Now the FDA will meet on March 7 to discuss whether to bring it back with restrictions.