pharmacies

Lawmakers from both parties are converging on pharmacy benefit managers as a rare point of bipartisan agreement, with the middlemen drug companies facing criticism over high prescription prices. The push reflects growing frustration in Congress with the role PBMs play in drug pricing, and momentum for reforms could shape upcoming health care legislation.

The FDA has announced a new nationwide recall of a blood pressure medication. Few details beyond the announcement are available so far, including which specific drug, manufacturer, and lot numbers are affected, or the reason for the recall. Patients taking blood pressure medication are advised to watch for updates from the FDA and their pharmacies before making any changes to their treatment.

The updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine has rolled out in the United States, with people booking Moderna booster appointments at pharmacies such as Walgreens. The news comes as a COVID update reports a 13th wave underway, with outbreaks in 40 states and territories and an estimated 3.8 million new infections, prompting renewed calls to get the latest shot.

BrightSpring Health Services is outlining a growth strategy centered on expanding its specialty pharmacy business, pursuing acquisitions, and adopting artificial intelligence across its operations. The company, which provides home and community-based pharmacy and health services, is positioning these three levers as key drivers of expansion, and coverage of the plan is drawing attention from investors tracking the healthcare services and pharmacy sector.

Amazon and GoodRx are rolling out subscription services aimed at Americans who pay out of pocket for prescriptions, as more people lose or go without health insurance coverage. The move positions the two companies as discount alternatives to traditional pharmacy benefits, and analysts see it as a sign of the shifting US healthcare market.

More people are using retail health clinics, typically located inside pharmacies and big-box stores, for routine care such as minor illnesses, vaccinations and screenings. The trend reflects frustrations with long waits and costs at traditional doctors' offices, as convenience-based care becomes a mainstream option for everyday health needs.

Legal analysis is examining how the EU's pharmaceutical legislation reform package treats pharmacy compounding, and what that means for marketing authorisation holders and innovator companies. The guidance highlights how changes to the rules could affect exemptions for compounded medicines, competition from pharmacies, and how manufacturers protect their products' position in the EU market.

From 1 October, Ukrainian universities and vocational colleges will include a compulsory discipline called 'Basics of National Resistance' in their programmes, covering master's students in medicine, pharmacy and veterinary fields as well. Reports say students who refuse to take the course could face expulsion. The move is part of Ukraine's broader civil defence efforts amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Drug Topics has published a Q&A exploring why rural pharmacies place personal trust and community relationships ahead of new technology. The piece examines how independent pharmacists in remote areas rely on long-standing patient relationships rather than digital tools to serve their communities. The discussion highlights a tension in healthcare between modernization and the personal touch that defines small-town pharmacy practice.

The law firm Edelson Lechtzin LLP has announced an investigation into a data breach at Ridgeway Pharmacy, opening the door to a possible class action on behalf of affected customers. Pharmacy data breaches typically expose personal and medical information, and the firm is urging impacted individuals to come forward as it reviews potential legal claims.

Drug Topics has published a FAQ addressing how well pharmacists understand mRNA vaccine technology. The piece answers common questions about the science behind mRNA vaccines and what pharmacists should know when advising patients. It reflects continued professional interest in keeping pharmacy staff up to date on vaccine technology and public communication.