Pharmaceutical Commerce - May/June 2013

CommonWell Health Alliance, led by McKesson and Cerner, wants to create a private-industry-focused, neutral forum for resolving technical issues

Track-and-trace, serialized-product pilot demonstrates supply chain interoperability

Avive package changes pharmacy-dispensing practices; MWV also places with second runner-up

More compounding pharmacy recalls worsen the situation; FDA looks for new legislation

Academic study finds evidence of an early warning system in anonymized Web searches

Broader quality management and more documentation of pharma logistics are the takeaways

More emphasis on digital technologies and overall cost reduction are on the wish list

Loss of sales exclusivity to big-box stores and online pet pharmacies add to veterinarians' business woes

Continuing problems with compounding pharmacies muddle biopharma’s future direction

Recent regulatory actions and court cases highlight the importance of due diligence in reporting the value of service fees when federal reimbursements are concerned. The financial consequences can be substantial

As improved medication adherence gains more focus in healthcare, the advantages of compliance packaging are becoming clearer

Health systems and community oncologists are fighting over a preferred position as care providers, while payers tighten purse strings

Manufacturers are committing capital dollars to packaging-line enhancements; but will the rest of the supply chain be ready by 2015?