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米ドラッグストア大手ウォルグリーンの３－５月期、純利益8.7％減 売上増もマージン悪化、CEO「成長継続する体制を整えている」
Walgreen Earnings Drop 8.7% as Margins Decline (WSJ.com)
Walgreen Co.'s earnings for its fiscal third quarter dropped 8.7% as falling margins offset growth in revenue and prescription sales.
The largest drugstore chain in the U.S. by revenue reported sales of nonpharmacy items only rose slightly as recession-weary consumers continued to rein in spending.
"We continue to see consumers save more, use less credit and spend closer to payday," President and Chief Executive Gregory Wasson said in a conference call Monday. "This is challenging to all retailers including us, but we are well positioned to continue to grow."
A pullback in consumer spending has exacerbated the pressure drugstore chains felt from weaker prescription-drug sales and increased competition. Promotion of discount-drug programs has led to greater use of generic drugs.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124566751732336741.html
米医療制度改革、メディケア・パートDのドーナツホール対策 医薬品業界が薬価50％を負担、オバマ大統領が「大きな進展」と歓迎
Obama Hails Pact With Drug Sector as 'Significant Breakthrough' (WSJ.com)
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama trumpeted on Monday the pharmaceutical sector's pledge to cut the cost of prescriptions under Medicare Part D as a "significant breakthrough" toward the health-care overhaul he wants to sign into law this year.
... Under the deal, which emerged over the weekend, pharmaceutical companies will pay for half of the cost of drugs for people who are in the so-called doughnut hole in the Medicare Part D prescription benefit. That's the gap in coverage under which beneficiaries have to pay for drugs between the cost of $2,700 and $6,154 per year.
It's unclear, however, how much of the expected $80 billion in savings over 10 years will go toward paying for the proposed health-care overhaul. Lawmakers in both parties have balked at the price tag, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said last week could run as high as $1.6 trillion over 10 years.
Medicare Part D: メディケア・パートD、処方箋薬専用の保険
doughnut hole: 保険適用対象外の部分、100％自己負担が求められる部分（$2,700から$6,154まで）
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124567211118336815.html
米タバコ規制法案が成立、大統領が署名 FDAの規制権限を強化、「マイルド」「ライト」表示禁止 パッケージ50％に健康被害を警告する表示義務、若者の喫煙率低下に焦点
Obama Signs Bill Widening FDA Power Over Tobacco (WSJ.com)
WASHINGTON -- Saying he can relate to people who are struggling to kick cigarettes, President Barack Obama signed into law legislation giving the Food and Drug Administration strong new powers over the way tobacco products are made and sold.
... The law will force cigarette packs to carry graphic warnings and forbid the use of terms like "mild" and "low tar" in tobacco advertisements. By July 2011, the top half of the front and rear panels of cigarette boxes will consist of warnings.
The FDA will be able to closely regulate tobacco products, with tobacco manufacturers and importers required to submit information to the government about ingredients and additives in tobacco products. By October, candy, fruit and spice flavors will be banned from cigarettes.
Other provisions are aimed at lessening the appeal of smoking to young people. Tobacco companies won't be allowed to sponsor sporting events using product brand names, and they will be prohibited from selling or giving away clothing featuring cigarette brands or logos.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124566796165436743.html
北朝鮮のミサイル・核開発、米国防次官が北京に出発 中・韓と調整へ
Pentagon Official Heads to Beijing (WSJ.com)
BEIJING -- A U.S. Defense Department official is headed to Beijing for talks amid the tensions in the region over North Korea's missile and nuclear-weapons programs.
Defense Undersecretary Michèle Flournoy will lead the U.S. delegation for the U.S.-China Defense Consultative Talks on Tuesday and Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy said, without providing information on the agenda.
Ms. Flournoy is then scheduled to travel to South Korea for talks with officials in Seoul on Friday.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124569531448438041.html
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良い一日を(o^-')b