The Apothecary Shops - Specialty Pharmacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2010    

THE APOTHECARY SHOPS PROJECTING $1.2 MILLION IN SALES AT NEW 2000 SQUARE FOOT PHARMACY; COMPANY’S 17TH IN 7 STATES
Company Launches 7-State Initiative to Help Hepatitis B & C Patients
Stay on Their Meds.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (April 28, 2010): The Apothecary Shops, a Phoenix-based chain of independent full-service pharmacies, is projecting sales of $1.2 million for 2010 at its first pharmacy in the Midwestern states and 17th in seven states.
The 2,000 square foot pharmacy, located at 4008 Wedgeway Court in Earth City, reflects the company’s aggressive growth strategy to gain a foothold in new markets.

“As the first location in the Midwest, our geographic footprint now extends to the Mississippi River,” said Apothecary Shops President Keith Cook. “Our expansion decisions are based on intensive market research that points to regions with strong growth factors. St. Louis certainly fits those parameters.”

The Apothecary Shops, which acquired the property in March, operates a business strategy based on 10 areas of specialty. The Earth City location will focus on specialties including fertility, oncology, transplantation, pain management, HIV, compounding, women’s health and veterinary medicine.

Rebecca Hefele, R.Ph. is the managing pharmacist.
In addition to regular pharmacy services, the Earth City location also will be part of The Apothecary Shops’ seven-state program created and designed to increase treatment success for Hepatitis B and C patients.

Pharmacists will provide counseling, depression screening and injection training and maintain ongoing contact with patients and their physicians. The program is free for patients. The Apothecary Shop launched the effort last week.

Among regular services also provided at every Apothecary Shop location is 24-hour-a-day contact with a pharmacist for patient questions and concerns as well as ongoing and regular communications between the pharmacy and physicians regarding therapy adherence and tolerance for any prescribed medications.
The Apothecary Shops corporate team also includes Pharmaceutical Care Experts, Certified Menopausal Educators and Compounding Experts.

The Apothecary Shops recently purchased and renovated pharmacies in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas. In addition, the company completed construction of a 5,000 square foot clean room and opened a new 21,000 state-of-the-art mail-order fulfillment center, both in Phoenix.
           
For more information about The Apothecary Shops, visit www.theapothecaryshops.com.

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About The Apothecary Shops
The Apothecary Shops is one of the foremost chain of independent full-service pharmacies with specialties in infectious disease, veterinary medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, fertility, pain management, women’s health, transplant, compounding and sports health. A National Specialty Pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops has provided individualized care and support to patients since 1996. The clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care. The Apothecary Shops offer a nationwide specialty mail-order service to complement 17 physical practices. For more information, visit www.theapothecaryshop.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 8, 2010    

9TH ANNUAL PHOENIX WALK-A-THON WILL RAISE MONEY FOR BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCH, NOON-3 P.M., SATURDAY, FEB. 27

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 8, 2010): Students from across the Valley will walk up to five miles around the Sun Angel Stadium track on Saturday, Feb. 27 to raise money for brain tumor research during the 2010 Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research (SSBTR) Walk-A-Thon.

The metro Phoenix event, from noon to 3 p.m., is one of two walks also planned in Tucson on Feb. 20 at the University of Arizona mall.
Students, and others committed to the event, solicit sponsors for the walk or to donate either online (www.ssbtr.org) or by check.
Proceeds from the event support Barrow Neurological Institute, the National Brain Tumor Society, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and TGen. A silent auction also is planned at the event.

Founded in 2002 after three Paradise Valley school district students lost their struggle to brain tumors, SSBTR last year raised $214,443 and has donated more than $1 million to fund tumor research.

Some facts about brain tumors:
· Within the next 12 months, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor.

· Brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor cancer deaths in children through high-school age and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in young adults from 20-39.

· Because of their location at the control center for thought, emotion and physical function, brain tumors are difficult to treat.

· Currently brain tumors cannot be prevented because their causes are unknown.

Sponsors of the Walk are:
Presenting: Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and Barrow Neurological Institute

Platinum: Diamondbacks, Fast Turtle Technologies, General Mills, Phoenix Suns, Harkins Theatres, Desert Mountain Wolves, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Zeiss, Royal Caribbean, Valpak of Arizona at Phoenix, IBIS Foundation of Arizona, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Mark Erickson’s Team, ASU-USG, Kay, Rose & Partners, LLC, Lauren Kaye Family, Tim Mayhew’s Family, Fun Runners Rentals, The Rick Oehme Foundation, University Medical Center

Gold: American Express, Amster & Willis, CPA’s, The Apothecary Shops, The Branding Spot, Costa Cruises, Hirsch Family, Jaburg & Wilk Foundation, Matt Turk Foundation, Nicky Mailliard’s Loved Ones, Rudolph Family, Valley Anesthesiology Foundation

Silver: Argonaut Group, Domain Communities, GG Gems, Golden Spoon, Friends & Family of Grandma Joanie, William and Nancy Heller Family, Lauren Kaye’s NY Friend, Phoenix Children’s Center, Revolution Tea, Scottsdale Pediatric Center, SOHO Hair Studio
To register or for more information, go to www.ssbtr.org, email admin@ssbtr.org or call 1-888-SSBTRAZ (772-8729).

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About SSBTR
Founded in 2002 after three Paradise Valley school district students lost their battle with brain tumors, Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research (SSBTR) is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that raises funds to support brain tumor research through annual walk-a-thons. Since 2002, SSBTR has donated more than $1 million to Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the National Brain Tumor Society and TGen. For information, visit www.ssbtr.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 19, 2010    

THE APOTHECARY SHOPS ELEVATED TO TIER 1 SPECIALTY PROVIDER BY BAYER HEALTHCARE PHARMACEUTICALS FOR PURCHASE AND SALES OF CANCER DRUG NEXAVAR®
Pharmacists to Monitor Patient Adherence to Therapy Through Ongoing Patient Education

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 19, 2010): The Apothecary Shops has been elevated by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to a Tier 1 Specialty Provider of the cancer drug Nexavar® (sorafenib), the first oral cancer therapy that inhibits both tumor and tumor blood vessel growth among patients with advanced kidney and liver cancers.

Effective January 1, The Apothecary Shops became one of only 15 companies nationwide with a Tier 1 status through which Nexavar® is available. As a Tier 1 Specialty Provider, The Apothecary Shops also will capture ongoing data relating to patient adherence to the medication through a series of clinical measures including patient education and monitoring.

Nexavar® is now approved in more than 90 countries for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer and in more than 80 countries for liver cancer. Bayer Healthcare and Onyx Pharmaceuticals also are conducting Nexavar® clinical trials in several other cancer types including lung, breast, thyroid, ovarian and colon cancers, according to the most-recent 10K filing by Onyx with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The drug is co-marketed by Bayer and Onyx in the United States.

"Receiving Tier 1 status is an important milestone for The Apothecary Shops given both its exclusivity and its inherent responsibilities," said Keith Cook, President of The Apothecary Shops, who also has been named to the Bayer Onyx Advisory Board for specialty pharmacies. "Among the most important components of this relationship is keeping patients adherent to the medication, an element of our business that has always been at the top of our priority list. It is the reason our clinical pharmacists are available to speak with patients and their doctors 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

The Apothecary Shops operates 16 free-standing specialty pharmacies in Arizona, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Salt Lake City and Columbus, Ohio. Several of The Apothecary Shops pharmacies are accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board.

In addition, during 2009 The Apothecary Shops completed construction of a 5,000-square-foot clean room and expanded their state-of-the-art mail-order fulfillment center in Phoenix, AZ to 19,000-square-feet to meet the company's growing nationwide demand for pharmaceuticals in its 10 specialty areas, allowing The Apothecary Shops to generate sales in all 50 states within their specialty service areas.

The Apothecary Shops' pharmacists are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll free number is 877-LINKSRX (546-5779).

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About The Apothecary Shops
The Apothecary Shops is the foremost chain of independent full-service pharmacies with specialties in veterinary medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, fertility, infectious disease, pain management, women’s health, transplant, compounding and sports health. A National Specialty Pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops has provided individualized care and support to patients since 1996.  The clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care.  The Apothecary Shops offer a nationwide specialty mail-order service to complement 16 physical practices. For more information, visit www.theapothecaryshop.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2008    

THE APOTHECARY SHOPS WILL BE DISTRIBUTOR OF PHASEAL®
CLOSED-SYSTEM DRUG TRANSFER DEVICE FOR VCA HOSPITALS
Phoenix-Based Pharmacy Will Help Teach Safe-Handling Strategy in 400+ Animal Clinics

Phoenix, Ariz. -- The Apothecary Shops has signed an agreement to be the provider of PhaSeal® -- the nation’s only clinically proven closed-system drug transfer device to more than 400 VCA Animal Hospitals, the largest network of freestanding animal hospitals in the United States.

The PhaSeal® System is unique in that it prevents the release of contaminants and hazardous drug vapors and aerosols that result when mixing chemicals used for intravenous chemotherapy for animals.  Studies have shown that exposure to these agents are associated with a variety of both short-term and long-term health effects such as miscarriage, infertility, pre-term labor, birth defects, skin rashes and possibly leukemia or other cancers. The Apothecary Shops also will assist VCA in implementing its robust safe-handling strategy at all VCA facilities handling chemotherapy.

The Apothecary Shops is the foremost chain of independent full-service pharmacies with specialties in veterinary medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, fertility, infectious disease, pain management, women’s health, transplant, compounding and sports health.

VCA Animal Hospitals is a wholly owned subsidiary of VCA Antech, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Market Select: WOOF) which operates and manages more than 435 animal hospitals in 38 states.

“VCA’s proactive approach to safety will reshape how the veterinary profession looks at and handles chemotherapy drugs,” said Dr. Brett Cordes, DVM, Medical Director of Veterinary Pharmacy for The Apothecary Shops.  “With oncology becoming a larger component of the veterinary profession, it is essential that the issue of chemotherapy contamination be addressed.  As a market driver and a market leader, VCA is setting the standard.”

With more than 14 peer-reviewed, independent published studies available, the PhaSeal® System has been distinguished as ‘The Gold Standard’ in safe handling and is the only device that meets the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) definition of a closed system.  PhaSeal’s double-membrane and sealed expansion chamber ensures airtight and leakproof transfers of drugs to prevent exposure to veterinary office staff.

For information about The Apothecary Shops, visit www.theapothecaryshop.com.  For more information about VCA Antech, visit www.vcaantech.com. 

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About VCA Antech
VCA Antech (NASDAQ Global Market Select: WOOF) is the leading provider of pet health care services in the country with a nationwide clinical laboratory system and over 435 freestanding animal hospitals. VCA Antech’s excellent reputation in the pet health care industry has been established by acquiring and managing high quality veterinary practices and providing preeminent diagnostic laboratory services for animal hospitals across the country. For information, visit www.vcaantech.com.

About The Apothecary Shops
The Apothecary Shops is the foremost chain of independent full-service pharmacies with specialties in veterinary medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, fertility, infectious disease, pain management, women’s health, transplant, compounding and sports health. A National Specialty Pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops has provided individualized care and support to patients since 1996.  The clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care.  The Apothecary Shops offer a nationwide specialty mail-order service to complement 13 physical practices. For more information, visit www.theapothecaryshop.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2008    

THE APOTHECARY SHOPS WILL DONATE $8000 IN MENTAL-HEALTH, GENERAL MEDICATIONS TO HOMEBASE YOUTH SERVICES’ MEDICAL TEAM

“If We Don’t Take Care of These Issues, We’ll Never Be Able To Address the Homelessness Issue:” Dr. Randy Christensen 

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Dr. Randy Christensen sees the kids and knows their numbers:  66 percent of homeless and at-risk youth suffer from depression, 44 percent have attempted suicide and 20 percent experience hallucinations unrelated to drugs. 

“If we don’t take care of these issues, we’ll never be able to address the homelessness issue,” Dr. Christensen said.

A new relationship between HomeBase Youth Services, which rescues homeless teens from the streets, and The Apothecary Shops, a Phoenix-based national specialty pharmacy, will help Dr. Christensen and his medical team take important steps toward both.

The Apothecary Shops will donate $8,000 in medications, primarily to address mental health issues, following on-site examination, assessment and diagnosis by Dr. Christensen and Diane Roth, a nurse practitioner trained in psychiatry and employed by HomeBase at the Dustin D. Wolfswinkel Center for Youth, a day center for homeless youth.

“Homeless kids will have about double the mental health issues you’ll find in the general population,” Dr. Christensen said.  “Medications for mental health are expensive and would eat away our budget.  What The Apothecary Shops has done is a great benefit to the kids because it allows us to meet our mission of being a holistic primary care provider.  It’s fantastic.”

Dr. Christensen said the mental-health medications would be prescribed for youth examined at the Dustin Center “but who are in a stable situation by being in a group home or shelter or living at the HomeBase Transitional Living Center so we can have some help following up with them.”

Other medications needed by the youth also would be provided by The Apothecary Shops.

“What this means for the youth we serve is that those in need of medications can be treated on site because of the generous support from donors like The Apothecary Shops,” said Martha Ostrom, Interim President for HomeBase Youth Services.

Hamilton Baiden, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for The Apothecary Shops, said the decision to build a partnership with HomeBase and Dr. Christensen “was an easy decision for us to make because we know the incredible work that Dr. Christensen and HomeBase are doing in the community to help turn these kids’ lives around.”

In 2007, Dr. Christensen was named a CNN “Medical Marvel” for his work with the Crews’n Healthmobile, a mobile healthcare service for homeless teens that is operated by HomeBase in partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital.  He was named a Healthcare Hero in 2006 by The Business Journal and, this past February, received the Dr. Richard Carmona Doorway of Hope Award from HomeBase.

“When you think of the reasons that prompt a young person to live on the streets, it’s mind boggling,” Baiden said.  “As a community, we need to do what we can for them.”

The Apothecary Shops, A National Specialty Pharmacy, has pharmacies in Glendale, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tucson, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Columbus, Ohio.
           
For more information about HomeBase Youth Services, visit www.hbys.org.  For more information about The Apothecary Shops, visit www.theapothecaryshop.com.

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About HomeBase Youth Services
Did you know…there are thousands of homeless youth living each day on the streets of Arizona?
HomeBase Youth Services is an Arizona-based, non-profit organization founded in 1991 to address the growing needs of at-risk and homeless youth age 21 and younger. The programs and services we offer include Street Outreach, Mobile Medical Outreach, Employment and Life Skills Training, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Care, a Resource Center, a Transitional Living Program, and an Independent Living Program.  HomeBase Youth Services provides real-life solutions to the physical, mental and emotional abuse and neglect these youth have suffered for far too long.  For information, visit www.hbys.org.

About The Apothecary Shops
The Apothecary Shops is the foremost chain of independent full-service pharmacies with specialties in veterinary medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, fertility, infectious disease, pain management, women’s health, transplant, sports health and compounding. A National Specialty Pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops has provided individualized care and support to patients since 1996.  Our clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care.  The Apothecary Shops offer a nationwide specialty mail-order service to complement 13 physical practices. For more information, visit www.theapothecaryshop.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2007    

THE APOTHECARY SHOPS SIGNS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
WITH CARMEL PHARMA, INC. FOR VETERINARY ONCOLOGY BUSINESS

Scottsdale, AZ – The Apothecary Shops, the foremost chain of independent pharmacies, announced today they have signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Carmel Pharma, Inc., manufacturers and distributors of PhaSeal®, for their veterinary oncology business. 
The PhaSeal System is the only clinically proven closed-system drug transfer device available today.  With more than 10 peer-reviewed, independent published studies available, its unique expansion chamber and double membrane make it the only device that meets the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) definition of a closed-system.
With Oncology becoming a larger part of the veterinary profession, it is important to address the issue of chemotherapy contamination in the work place.  Mixing intravenous chemotherapy can lead to dangerous chemical exposures to veterinary office staff.  These types of exposures may increase cancer, cause fertility issues in women and affect birth-defect rates.
“We are extremely proud and excited to offer this pioneering system of safety to the veterinary oncology marketplace. The Apothecary Shops is recognized as a leader in bringing first-class medications and products to our patients and veterinarians. Experiencing cancer first hand has opened my eyes to this public health issue and the impact PhaSeal can have in the veterinary industry. This device will provide the best protection possible to our veterinary customers,” said Dr. Brett Cordes, DVM, Medical Director – Veterinary Pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops.

The System consists of an Expansion Chamber that captures dangerous aerosols and vapors eliminating exposure to airborne contaminants that often go undetected in the work environment.  Utilization of a double membrane ensures dry connections that avoid work space (i.e. countertops) contamination.  Additionally, the Needle-Safe design enables the contained retrieval of all reconstituted medication from the vial.  With the PhaSeal system, veterinary practices are protecting staff and themselves from liability associated with work place chemical exposures. 
"I am confident that this innovative partnership will be seamless and will parallel the quality of service our customers have come to expect from Carmel Pharma, said David Schneider, President of Carmel Pharma, Inc., “This joint venture is an important step to expand the awareness of safe handling across specific market segments.  It will enable us to offer the best technology and dedicated services to our veterinary customers."

The PhaSeal System is manufactured by Carmel Pharma AB in Gothenburg, Sweden and is distributed from its U.S. subsidiary, Carmel Pharma, Inc., in Columbus, OH. PhaSeal has been in use in the U.S. since 2000 and has been implemented in more than 500 cancer centers, oncology practices, specialty pharmacies in the U.S., including M.D. Anderson in Houston, TX, Texas Children’s and UCSF.

In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops has focused their practice on several specialty areas, including veterinary medicine.  Other specialties within the company include compounding, oncology, ophthalmology, fertility, infectious disease, pain management, women’s health, solid-organ transplant and sports health. The company, founded in 1996, was the first veterinary pharmacy in the nation to earn the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board’s (PCAB) Seal of Accreditation – a new system of standards created by some of the leading organizations in pharmacy. The PCAB Seal of Accreditation shows their dedication to protecting patients by practicing safe, high-quality compounding. The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all 11 Apothecary Shops are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry.

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LOCAL INDEPENDENT PHARMACY ANNOUNCES NEW STAFF MEMBER

Scottsdale, AZ – Dr. Brett Cordes, a doctor of veterinary medicine, was named Medical Director - Veterinary Pharmacy for The Apothecary Shops by the company’s owner, John D. Musil, Pharm.D., FACA.  Established in 1996, the company is the Southwest’s foremost chain of independent pharmacies.

Cordes, who attended Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, is responsible for working nationally with veterinarians to promote the company’s services as a specialty and compounding pharmacy as well as helping veterinary specialists with research projects and clinical drug studies.  Additionally, he is responsible for directing veterinary operations for all 11 pharmacies in Arizona, Nevada and Ohio.  His professional background includes more than 17 years in the veterinary industry.

In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops has focused their practice on several specialty areas, including veterinary medicine.  Other specialties within the company include ophthalmology, oncology, fertility, infectious disease, pain management and women’s health.  The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all 11 locations are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, the company is a teaching site for pharmacy students from around the United States.

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THE APOTHECARY SHOPS RELEASES NEW SKIN-CARE PRODUCT LINE
Kemistry Eye and Kemistry Night offer a new breakthrough in skin care

Scottsdale, AZ – The Apothecary Shops, the Southwest’s foremost chain of independent pharmacies, introduces Kemistry, a premium skin-care line designed to reduce the signs of aging.

Developed by compounding pharmacists at The Apothecary Shops, the Kemistry skin care and wrinkle-fighting system uses naturally based ingredients and the latest skin-care science developments to reduce signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines.  Kemistry works as an excellent moisturizer and is designed to show improvements in skin texture and appearance within 30 days. Both the Eye and Night products use no artificial colors or fragrances and are safe to use for nearly all skin types.

Kemistry Eye is designed for use in the day or nighttime to improve skin tone and firmness and smooth fine lines around the eye area. The key ingredients include an exclusive Arginine/Lysine Peptide Formulation, Vitamin C and Alpha Lipoic Acid.  It is available in a half-ounce container priced at $44.95.
Kemistry Night is recommended for nighttime use to rejuvenate facial skin, stimulate collagen and elastin, and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The key ingredients include Tripeptide-1, DMAE, Extra-Strength Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium DNA and Sodium RNA.  It is available in a one-ounce container for $47.95.  
The two products, Kemistry Eye and Kemistry Night, are now available exclusively at all 11 Apothecary Shops located throughout Arizona and Nevada as well as theapothecaryshop.com.
In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops specializes in the area of pharmacy compounding. Working with a physician and the patient, the pharmacists prepare customized medications in a special compounding laboratory, using the latest techniques and devices available. The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all 11 locations are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry.

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LOCAL, INDEPENDENT PHARMACY WINS
ARIZONA SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION AWARD

Scottsdale, AZ – The Apothecary Shops, the Southwest’s foremost chain of independent pharmacies, was recently named one of the top 50 Arizona Companies to Watch by the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA).  Additionally, the company received a Spotlight Award for outstanding achievement in Competitive Clout.

Arizona Companies to Watch is a unique program designed to shine the spotlight on a vital, but truly overlooked, driver of the state’s economy — second-stage companies. Growing second-stage enterprises generate the bulk of new, sustainable jobs and are a powerful economic force.

“As an Arizona small business owner, it is important the community understands the total impact we have on the economy.  Being recognized as one of the 50 Companies to Watch by the ASBA is a wonderful accomplishment for The Apothecary Shops.  Without the tireless and selfless efforts of our entire staff, we could never have achieved this recognition,” said Dr. John D. Musil, Pharm.D., FACA, Owner and CEO of The Apothecary Shops.

The defining characteristics of second-stage enterprises for the Arizona Companies to Watch program are: annual revenue or working capital of between $1 million and $100 million, 10 to 100 employees, and the “intent and capacity to grow.” Second-stage companies are past the start-up phase; are generally concerned with issues of growth, not survival and have not yet become large corporations. Such enterprises are important economically because they create a substantial portion of the net new jobs each year.

Beginning in late February, more than 280 companies nominated businesses for the award. Of those nominated, 173 applied. Of those companies 108 were selected by the Edward Lowe Foundation and ASBA for the next round of judging.  In early April, 12 appointed judges selected the final 50. After a brief due-diligence period, the inaugural group was named.

In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops specialize in the area of pharmacy compounding. Working with a physician and the patient, the pharmacists prepare customized medications in a special compounding laboratory, using the latest techniques and devices available. The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all 11 locations are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry.

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LOCAL PHARMACY AWARDED
STATE AIDS DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CONTRACT

Scottsdale, AZ – The Apothecary Shops, the Southwest’s foremost chain of independent pharmacies, announced today the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has awarded the company the vendor pharmacy contract for the Arizona AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).  ADAP, administered by ADHS, provides access to medications used to treat HIV and prevent the onset of related opportunistic infections to low-income individuals with HIV disease who have limited or no coverage from private insurance or Medicaid. 

“The Apothecary Shops are honored to have been chosen as the exclusive specialty provider for ADAP.  We have always had a purposeful desire to provide world-class service to our patients, and we were happy to develop a program that will provide care to the thousands of individuals affected by HIV in our community,” said Dr. John D. Musil, Pharm.D., FACA, Owner and CEO of The Apothecary Shops.

The Apothecary Shops primary responsibility will be prescription order fulfillment to clients both inside and outside of Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties.  Additionally, the pharmacy will have a compliance monitoring program in place.  Each patient will be called on a monthly basis as well as a week before their refills are due to verify there are no changes to the medications, to make sure the patient is not experiencing problems or side effects and to confirm their shipping address.  This will increase adherence to the patient’s regimens and cut down on wasted medication, with the hopes of maintaining the cost effectiveness of the program. 

“The Apothecary Shops regularly goes above and beyond in the service they provide to our clients.  As a customer of The Apothecary Shops, I know my medication refills will be ready when promised and any physician or insurance company prior authorizations are taken care of promptly,” said David Gunton, Support Services Manager, Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF).

Working with the ADAP program and the HIV community is not new to The Apothecary Shops.  The company has supported the program for several years, and since 1996 has been a provider of HIV pharmacy services.  The pharmacies are an ADAP medication pick-up location site, and a company pharmacist serves on the ADAP formulary committee.  Additionally, the company supports Body Positive and SAAF fundraisers.
The one-year contract with ADHS, renewable for four additional years, started April 1, 2006.

“The Apothecary Shops has long been committed to supporting services for People Living with HIV/AIDS beyond just dispensing of medication by supporting education and other client-centered services in the community,” said Brian Helander, RN, MHSA Executive Director, Body Positive.

In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops has focused their practice on several specialty areas, including HIV.  The pharmacists at The Apothecary Shops are trained to handle complex medical conditions such as cancer and solid organ transplants.  Some of the other specialties include ophthalmology, infertility and hormone replacement therapy.  The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all 11 locations are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry.

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THE APOTHECARY SHOPS TO OFFER CONSULTATION ON MEDICARE PART D
Consultation offered to help customers make sense of prescription drug-plan options

Scottsdale, AZ – The Apothecary Shops, the Southwest’s foremost chain of independent pharmacies, announced today that Dr. Mark Boesen is available for individualized consultations regarding the Medicare prescription drug plan starting January 1.  Dr. Boesen is the Gilbert director of pharmacy and regularly lectures to seniors about healthcare policies. 

Dr. Boesen is available to any interested patients for one-on-one counseling about the different plans available under the new Medicare Plan Part D.  Consultations also are available by phone.  Dr. Boesen will analyze each patient’s current prescription drug needs and then provide a list of the customer’s best options.  He also will answer questions patients may have regarding Medicare Part D.  The consultation costs $25.

“With 72 different Medicare plans available in the Phoenix area,” Dr. Boesen said, “it is extremely important and beneficial for seniors to find the plan best suited to their needs. Many people are asking ‘Should I sign up for a Medicare plan? If so, which one?’ A consultation with a pharmacy expert will give people the answers necessary to make a smart decision.”

Customers seeking consultation should call Dr. Boesen at The Apothecary Shop in Gilbert at (480) 633-6934 anytime during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops specialize in the area of pharmacy compounding. Working with a physician and the patient, the pharmacists prepare customized medications in a special compounding laboratory, using the latest techniques and devices available. The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all 10 locations are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry.

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THE APOTHECARY SHOPS RELEASES NEW SKIN-CARE PRODUCT LINE

Kemistry Eye and Kemistry Night offer a new breakthrough in skin careScottsdale, AZ – The Apothecary Shops, the Southwest’s foremost chain of independent pharmacies, introduces Kemistry, a premium skin-care line designed to reduce the signs of aging.

Developed by compounding pharmacists at The Apothecary Shops, the Kemistry skin care and wrinkle-fighting system uses naturally based ingredients and the latest skin-care science developments to reduce signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Kemistry works as an excellent moisturizer and is designed to show improvements in skin texture and appearance within 30 days. Both the Eye and Night products use no artificial colors or fragrances and are safe to use for nearly all skin types.

Kemistry Eye is designed for use in the day or nighttime to improve skin tone and firmness and smooth fine lines around the eye area. The key ingredients include an exclusive Arginine/Lysine Peptide Formulation, Vitamin C and Alpha Lipoic Acid. It is available in a half-ounce container priced at $44.95.

Kemistry Night is recommended for nighttime use to rejuvenate facial skin, stimulate collagen and elastin, and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The key ingredients include Tripeptide-1, DMAE, Extra-Strength Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium DNA and Sodium RNA. It is available in a one-ounce container for $47.95.

The two products, Kemistry Eye and Kemistry Night, are now available exclusively at all 10 Apothecary Shops located throughout Arizona and Nevada.

In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, The Apothecary Shops specializes in the area of pharmacy compounding. Working with a physician and the patient, the pharmacists prepare customized medications in a special compounding laboratory, using the latest techniques and devices available. The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all 10 locations are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry.

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THE APOTHECARY SHOPS OPENS FOR BUSNESS IN SUMMERLIN
Local pharmacist creates customized medications per patient and physician needs.

Las Vegas, AZ – The Apothecary Shop of Las Vegas celebrated its grand opening on October 10, 2005. The 1,500 square-foot community pharmacy, located at 10050 Banburry Cross Drive, Suite 110 in Summerlin. In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, the store specializes in pharmacy compounding, which is the method of preparing medications to meet unique physician and patient needs. The Apothecary Shops is a family of independent, community pharmacies located throughout Arizona and Nevada. The company is the Southwest’s foremost chain of independent pharmacies.

The pharmacy features a state-of-the-art compounding lab, a private consultation area and provides other special services including medication flavoring; hormone therapy for men and women; veterinary medications; dermatology formulations; anti-aging; pain management medications, contracts and counseling; and specialized fertility, oncology, infectious disease, and ophthalmology medications.

Working with the patient and practitioner, Pharmacist David ElHalta, R.Ph., pharmacy director of The Apothecary Shop, can prepare a “customized” medication in a special compounding laboratory, using the latest techniques and devices available. He then compounds the medication into a special dosage form or delivery system suited for the patient. For example, a compounding pharmacist can prepare the medication using several unique delivery systems, such as a sublingual troche or lozenge, a suppository, or a transdermal gel, cream or ointment. Or, for those patients having a difficult time swallowing a capsule, a compounding pharmacist can make a suspension (liquid) instead.

“We’re bringing a new era in pharmacy care to the community,” said ElHalta. “Patients will now be able to receive the type of personalized care they deserve. We will work closely with their physician to help them pursue more positive therapeutic outcomes.”

Often parents have a tough time getting their children to take their medicine because of the taste. A compounding pharmacist can work directly with the physician and the patient to select a flavoring agent, such as vanilla butternut or tutti frutti, that provides both an appropriate match for the medication’s properties and the patient’s taste preferences.

Compounders focus on meeting special needs. This may involve compounding an eye drop in a sterile compounding lab, an injection for impotency, preparing medications for veterinarians in a variety of dosage forms and flavors, providing natural alternatives in hormone replacement therapy, or assisting physicians in treating hospice patients. The ultimate goal in preparing any of these customized medications is to help the physician and patient achieve a more positive therapeutic outcome.

The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all 10 locations are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry. The company is a teaching site for pharmacy students from around the United States and is affiliated with the University of Arizona and Midwestern University Schools of Pharmacy in Arizona.
(Please contact the number above if you or a staff member would like to tour our compounding facility).

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LOCAL, INDEPENDENT PHARMACY ANNOUNCES NEW CONTROLLER

Scottsdale, AZ – Stephen Calcagno was named Controller for The Apothecary Shops by the company’s owner, John D. Musil, Pharm.D., FACA.  Established in 1996, the company is Arizona’s foremost chain of independent pharmacies

Calcagno is responsible for directing financial operations for all 10 pharmacies located in Arizona and Nevada.  His professional background includes more than 10 years in finance.

A six-year member of the Valley community, Calcagno has a bachelor of science in finance from Northern Illinois University and most recently served as Director of Cost Accounting for Fender Musical Instruments.

In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, the company specializes in the area of pharmacy compounding.  Working with a physician and the patient, the pharmacists prepare customized medications in a special compounding laboratory, using the latest techniques and devices available. The pharmacist then dispenses the medication in a special dosage form or delivery system suited for the patient. The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all 10 locations are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry. The company is a teaching site for pharmacy students from around the United States and is affiliated with the University of Arizona and Midwestern University Schools of Pharmacy.
(Please contact the number above if you or a staff member would like to tour our compounding facilities).

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LOCAL INDEPENDENT PHARMACY ANNOUNCES NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Scottsdale, AZ – Julie Mystrom was named Director of Marketing and Lara Rawles was named Pharmacy Sales Specialist for the Apothecary Shops – The Specialty Pharmacies, by the company’s owner, John D. Musil, Pharm.D., FACA.  Established in 1996, the company is Arizona’s foremost chain of independent pharmacies.

Mystrom is responsible for promoting the pharmacy’s brand internally and externally.  Her professional background includes more than 10 years in public relations and marketing.

A 14-year member of the Valley community, Mystrom has a bachelor of science in public relations from Northern Arizona University and most recently served as a Pharmacy Sales Specialist for the company.

Rawles is responsible for calling on all types of physicians and veterinarians to sell the company’s services as a specialty compounding pharmacy.  Her professional background includes six years in the marketing and sales industry.

Rawles holds a bachelor of science degree from Purdue University and most recently served as the director of new business development for World Marketing

In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, the company specializes in the area of pharmacy compounding.  Working with a physician and the patient, the pharmacists prepare customized medications in a special compounding laboratory, using the latest techniques and devices available. The pharmacist then dispenses the medication in a special dosage form or delivery system suited for the patient. The pharmacists and certified technical staff at all nine locations are on the cutting edge of the pharmaceutical industry. The company is a teaching site for pharmacy students from around the United States and is affiliated with the University of Arizona and Midwestern University Schools of Pharmacy.
(Please contact the number above if you or a staff member would like to tour our compounding facilities).

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