REXALL SUNDOWN FORMS OTC/PRIVATE-LABEL SALES DIVISION TO TARGET MANAGED-CARE
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
REXALL SUNDOWN FORMS OTC/PRIVATE-LABEL SALES DIVISION TO TARGET MANAGED-CARE and institutional providers such as hospitals, nursing homes and mail-order pharmacies, the company announced Nov. 11. The new Pharmaceutical and Health Services division, which is based at Rexall's headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., commenced operations Nov. 8. Although staffing is not complete, the division is eventually expected to operate with a sales force of five people. Rexall said it expects the new marketing segment to provide its subsidiary, Pennex Laboratories, with an "opportunity to expand its business, not only with over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, but with other products as prospects become available." Rexall did not rule out the possibility in the future of marketing prescription generic drugs developed and manufactured at Pennex through the new sales division. The division will be led by former board member John lsakson, who assumes the title of VP-sales and marketing/pharmaceutical and health care. Rexall Sundown VP Armend Szmulewitz will assume responsibilities for product development and administration. In accepting the new appointment, Isakson has resigned as director of Rexall. Isakson has been president of MDS Group, a marketing and consulting firm for manufacturers since October 1992. Previously, he was VP-sales for Baker Cummins Pharmaceuticals. Prior to that, Isakson was director of sales at R. P. Scherer, North America. He also served in various capacities at Wallace Labs. Szmulewitz joined Rexall Sundown in July 1987 and has been CEO of the company's Rexall division since that time. In March, he also assumed the title of VP-research and product development. The new division will be based in Boca Raton, Fla., where Rexall Sundown is relocating its headquarters on Dec. 17. The company is currently constructing its first vitamin manufacturing plant in Boca Raton. The facility is scheduled to initiate operations by April 1994. With the additions of both a pharmaceutical and a vitamin plant, Rexall is moving away from its dependence on contract manufacturers. Rexall acquired Verona, Penn.-based Pennex Labs in September ("The Tan Sheet" Aug. 16, p. 19), and is using proceeds from its June IPO to fund its manufacturing strategy ("The Tan Sheet" May 3, p. 4).
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