Responding to rising drug prices and persistent shortages, a dozen large hospital systems have joined Civica Rx, a fledgling not-for-profit generic manufacturer that was created last year by seven other big hospital groups with $100 million in backing from philanthropic organizations. All totaled, about 750 U.S. hospitals have joined the effort. The move is the latest sign of growing frustration among hospitals over pricing practices and quality-control issues that have hampered budgets and patient care. (Ed Silverman, STAT)