Randi Hernandez, Associate Editor/Online

Access to food and shelter, rather than viral load count, is a better predictor of overall health among homeless HIV-infected men, according to a recent study.

The FDA approved Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa), the first drug ever produced in a genetically engineered plant cell.

The specialty drug trend is projected to rise 17.1% in 2012, 19% in 2013, and 22% in 2014.

New combination pills set to hit the market are expected to be more expensive than prior treatments.

The FTC's approval of the highly publicized merger may depend on the divestiture of some of Medco's assets.

A new letter goes out to the FTC requesting that their Express Scripts-Medco review include a careful assessment of specialty pharmacy and exclusive distribution contracts.

AmerisourceBergen acquires World Courier Group, Inc, and expands its international market reach for specialty medications.

69% of the employer groups studied in this report want more education on specialty pharmacy services.

Prime Therapeutics and EMD Serono entered into an agreement where patient adherence and health outcomes data determine whether or not rebates are given for a drug.

Two companies focused on delivering preventative care to individuals looking to fight chronic disease with nutrition, fitness, and bioidentical hormone therapy-Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy and Ageology-announced that they have formed a strategic alliance.

A strategy in the development of an HIV vaccine relies on a mathematical technique historically used to predict changes in the stock market.

New research suggests that using a nanorobot may be a promising method to deliver drugs directly to their targets.

AIDS Action Committee adds onsite specialty HIV MOMS Pharmacy to their new drop-in center.

The switch from ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes to ICD-10 codes is postponed for certain health care entities to an undetermined date.

A new plan to eliminate waste, promote adherence, and coordinate coverage of expensive specialty medications is announced by Medco.

Organs and tissue donated by a Kentucky man infected with the hepatitis C virus causes disease transmission to multiple organ recipients.

AstraZeneca recently announced its first direct-to-patient program offering patients with prescriptions for Arimidex (anastrozole) the opportunity to receive their medication for $40 a month through Express Scripts, a specialty pharmacy provider.

The FDA released a statement on February 14, 2012, warning pharmacies, medical practices, and patients that a counterfeit version of the drug Avastin-an injectable drug used to treat cancer of the colon, lung, kidney, and brain-has been purchased and used by some medical practices in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently added to their list of HIV resources in the Electronic HIV/AIDS Prevention (e-Hap) portion of their website, a section which is produced with content from CDC's Division of HIV/AIDS prevention (DHAP).

The FDA sent out a "Drug Safety Communication" from their Division of Drug Information on February 9, 2012, listing the important new drug interactions between Victrelis (boceprevir) and ritonavir-boosted HIV protease inhibitor drugs.

Show your support for World Cancer Day on February 4, 2012, by pledging to make healthier choices through the use of social media applications dedicated to the cause.

A new survey determines that pharmacy students benefit most from MTM training early in their curricula.

The FDA points out the risk factors associated with using unapproved cancer injectables and issues new warnings to health care providers.

New rules will require physicians to report their financial transactions with drug companies through a public database.

Need everyday essentials in a hurry-24 hours a day and 7 days a week? Kroger's new robotic c-stores can satisfy these needs.

Florida's new pain management law sparks a discussion about restricting access to controlled substances.

A new model of practice with pharmacists as medication therapy management experts is on the horizon.