Shout-out to Nikki

GPhA Region 3 President Nikki Bryant was featured in Mercer University’s “Mercer News” for her work in Webster County. Check out the video, “How one Mercer Pharmacist is improving health care in rural Georgia.” Way to go Nikki — we’re blessed and proud to have members like you!

Speaking of videos…

Jennifer Shannon of Lily’s Pharmacy in Johns Creek got a pat on the virtual back from NCPA, which featured her parody video showcasing the absurdity of DIR fees. (And our hats off to husband Mike, pictured below, who — rumor has it — is on the short list for an Oscar nod.)

ICYMI

Johnson and Johnson lost the opioid court case in Oklahoma* and was ordered to pay $572 million for its role in the crisis. “Lost” is a bit of a misnomer, as the state had asked for $17 billion (and, of course, the company will appeal).

“That’s interesting,” you say. “Where can I get more details about this potentially groundbreaking case?” Glad you asked; the Guardian has you covered.

* Where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain

Speaking of opioids…

While the U.S. is slogging its way out of the epidemic and rethinking how (and how much) to use opioid painkillers, there’s a whole new market ripe for the picking: India.

Into the country flow fentanyl patches from Johnson & Johnson, buprenorphine from the Sackler family (owners of Purdue Pharma), tramadol shots from Abbott Laboratories, and more.

Speaking of Purdue Pharma…

The once-secret testimony of the company’s former president is about to be made public — part of 17 million pages of documents that a judge ordered released after ruling in favor of health news site STAT (owned by the Boston Globe), which sued to open those records.

Vaccination images updated

The American Academy of Pediatrics, working with Self magazine, has made available a host of new, updated stock photos to illustrate vaccinations.

What’s new? Well, the people are more diversified, for one. The syringes in the new pictures are the kind that are actually used. And this time the people getting shots aren’t looking scared.

The AAP is making the new images available free to anyone looking to illustrate a print, broadcast, or online publication.

Speaking of vaccinations…

Today’s long read: “The Message of Measles.”

As public-health officials confront the largest outbreak in the U.S. in decades, they’ve been fighting as much against dangerous ideas as they have against the disease.

Australian purple snail mucus*

Australian researchers have found that the white rock sea snail produces a purple compound to protect its eggs — a compound that appears to protect against bowel and colon cancers. They’re looking for pharma-company investment to follow up.

* A headline we guarantee you have never seen before, nor will again