Content about Biology

April 1, 2013

Perrigo Co. has completed its acquisition of a Pennsylvania-based animal health company, the drug maker said.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Perrigo Co. has completed its acquisition of a Pennsylvania-based animal health company, the drug maker said Monday.

Perrigo announced that it has closed its purchase of Yardley, Pa.-based Velcera for about $160 million. The company makes OTC products for pets, specializing in products traditionally dispensed only by veterinarians. Its products include PetArmor, a flea and tick repellent that had sales of more than $100 million last year.

March 29, 2013

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on Thursday expanded its immunization offering to include travel vaccinations along with a comprehensive list of health services related to traveling abroad.

BOULDER, Colo. — Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on Thursday expanded its immunization offering to include travel vaccinations along with a comprehensive list of health services related to traveling abroad. 

Pharmaca patients can now schedule an appointment for any of the following vaccinations: hepatitis A and B, tetanus, typhoid, meningitis, Tdap, yellow fever (though not in Colorado locations), varicella and rabies. Pharmaca still offers vaccinations for flu, shingles, whooping cough and pneumonia on a walk-in basis.

March 25, 2013

The percentage of people who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and aware of it has risen slightly over the past few years, but remains low, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ATLANTA — The percentage of people who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and aware of it has risen slightly over the past few years, but remains low, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

March 25, 2013

LifeScan initiated a voluntary recall and replacement for all of its OneTouch VerioIQ blood-glucose meters in the United States, effective immediately.

MILPITAS, Calif. — LifeScan on Monday initiated a voluntary recall and replacement for all of its OneTouch VerioIQ blood-glucose meters in the United States, effective immediately.

March 25, 2013

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly are seeking regulatory approval for an experimental drug to treat Type 2 diabetes, the companies said.

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly are seeking regulatory approval for an experimental drug to treat Type 2 diabetes, the companies said Monday.

BI and Lilly announced the submission of a regulatory application to the Food and Drug Administration for empagliflozin. The drug belongs to a new drug class known as SGLT2 inhibitors, which work by removing excess glucose through the urine by blocking its reabsorption in the kidneys. The companies are testing the drug in a late-stage clinical trial for which they plan to enroll 14,500 patients.

March 25, 2013

SanMedica International introduced its SeroVital-HGH, a new oral human-growth hormone booster formulated with women in mind, at the Academy of Women's Health's Annual Congress.

WASHINGTON —  SanMedica International on Friday introduced its SeroVital-HGH, a new oral human-growth hormone booster formulated with women in mind, at the Academy of Women's Health's Annual Congress here. 

March 22, 2013

A drug made by Novo Nordisk for Type 2 diabetes produced a 6% loss of weight in a trial of the drug in obese patients, the company said.

BAGSVÆRD, Denmark — A drug made by Novo Nordisk for Type 2 diabetes produced a 6% loss of weight in a trial of the drug in obese patients, the company said.

The Danish drug maker announced results of a 56-week phase-3 trial to investigate the potential of Victoza (liraglutide) to produce and maintain weight loss in overweight and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes.

March 21, 2013

New Chapter voluntarily recalled a limited number of packages of its 90-count Probiotic Elderberry dietary supplement because it may contain an undeclared allergen - soy.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — New Chapter on Wednesday voluntarily recalled a limited number of packages of its 90-count Probiotic Elderberry dietary supplement because it may contain an undeclared allergen - soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product, the company stated.  

The one lot of affected New Chapter Probiotic Elderberry was distributed nationwide. It reached consumers through retail stores, mail order and direct delivery.

March 18, 2013

Robinson Pharma introduced its Unique IS-2 Probiotic Softgel in collaboration with B&D Nutritional Ingredients and Unique Biotech USA.

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Robinson Pharma last week introduced its Unique IS-2 Probiotic Softgel in collaboration with B&D Nutritional Ingredients and Unique Biotech USA. The new product is a shelf-stable, guaranteed-yield probiotic softgel that delivers the Unique IS-2 Bacillus coagulans strain, a trademarked bacterium which has demonstrated high resistance to extreme temperature and humidity.

March 14, 2013

Walgreens was singled out in a lawsuit earlier this week for suggesting a vitamin E supplement may help improve cardiovascular health.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Walgreens was singled out in a lawsuit earlier this week here for suggesting a vitamin E supplement may help improve cardiovascular health. 

Specifically, according to a Reuters report Monday, the complainant stated that Walgreens' Vitamin E 400 IU purported to "naturally contribute to cardiovascular health by helping to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation which may cause cellular damage." 

March 13, 2013

Pernix Therapeutics was recently honored with a "Best Product" designation by retail buyers attending ECRM's Cough/Cold, Analgesics & Allergy EPPS here for its line of Dr. Cocoa pediatric cough-cold products.

DESTIN, Fla. — Pernix Therapeutics was recently honored with a "Best Product" designation by retail buyers attending ECRM's Cough/Cold, Analgesics & Allergy EPPS here for its line of Dr. Cocoa pediatric cough-cold products. 

March 13, 2013

Hair care brand TRESemmé has expanded its portfolio with the new Platinum Strength and Keratin Smooth collections.

NEW YORK — Hair care brand TRESemmé has expanded its portfolio with the new Platinum Strength and Keratin Smooth collections.

The new TRESemmé Platinum Strength Collection is a line of hair care products developed to fortify and strengthen hair, repairing up to two years of damage in five uses, the company stated. The collection includes Platinum Strength Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner, Renewing Deep Conditioning Treatment and Strengthening Heat Protect Spray.

March 11, 2013

Legislation proposed in Texas' state legislature would expand the range of vaccines that pharmacists can administer to children.

AUSTIN, Texas — Legislation proposed in Texas' state legislature would expand the range of vaccines that pharmacists can administer to children.

March 11, 2013

Nearly 1,000 biotech drugs and vaccines for more than 100 diseases are currently under development, according to a new report.

WASHINGTON — Nearly 1,000 biotech drugs and vaccines for more than 100 diseases are currently under development, according to a new report.

March 8, 2013

Twinlab on Friday launched CleanSeries, a portfolio of sports nutrition products certified gluten free and independently certified by the NSF International product certification program to verify the products meet nutrient label claims.

NEW YORK — Twinlab on Friday launched CleanSeries, a portfolio of sports nutrition products certified gluten-free and independently certified by the NSF International product certification program to verify the products meet nutrient label claims. The company also announced that celebrity fitness guru Joel Harper has officially joined as spokesman for the company’s CleanSeries product line.

March 7, 2013

The percentage of adults in the United States who say they want to reduce or eliminate gluten from their diets reached a new high this January, according to a new study.

CHICAGO — The percentage of adults in the United States who say they want to reduce or eliminate gluten from their diets reached a new high this January, according to a new study.

The NPD Group, a market research firm, has tracked efforts by Americans to reduce gluten intake since 2009, finding that 30% of adults claimed to cut down on gluten or avoid it entirely in January.

March 7, 2013

A weight-loss competition sponsored by mass merchandise retailer Meijer and nutritional scoring company NuVal is enlisting 60,000 team members who will compete for $15,000 in prize money over three months.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A weight-loss competition sponsored by mass merchandise retailer Meijer and nutritional scoring company NuVal is enlisting 60,000 team members who will compete for $15,000 in prize money over three months.

March 5, 2013

Procter & Gamble’s Downy and ZzzQuil brands have joined forces to help consumers create an environment that is conducive for falling asleep in time for National Sleep Awareness Week March 3-10.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble’s Downy and ZzzQuil brands have joined forces to help consumers create an environment that is conducive for falling asleep in time for National Sleep Awareness Week March 3 to 10. 

According to a recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation, 1-in-4 adults report occasional sleeplessness with difficulty falling asleep at least a few times a week. 

March 5, 2013

Sam's Club will offer free allergy and health screenings at all of its stores that operate pharmacies, the club retailer said.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club will offer free allergy and health screenings at all of its stores that operate pharmacies, the club retailer said.

The screenings will take place late Saturday morning and into the afternoon, and include up to $200 worth of tests, including allergy screenings for milk, eggs, pet dander, mold, dust mites, wheat, ragweed, mountain cedar, Bermuda grass and Timothy grass, as well as tests for blood pressure, body mass index and vision.

March 4, 2013

True Drinks, a healthy beverage provider, has launched a new marketing campaign behind its Aquaball healthy kids' drinks in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" healthy food and exercise campaign to battle childhood obesity.

IRVINE, Calif. — True Drinks, Inc., a healthy beverage provider, has launched a new marketing campaign behind its healthy kids' drinks in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" healthy food and exercise campaign to battle childhood obesity.

February 26, 2013

Greenstone has launched an authorized generic version of a drug used to treat cholesterol.

PEAPACK, N.J. — Greenstone has launched an authorized generic version of a drug used to treat cholesterol.

Greenstone, the generics arm of Pfizer, announced the launch of authorized generic atorvastatin calcium tablets in the 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg strengths, in bottle sizes ranging from 90 to 1,000. The drug is a version of the parent company's cholesterol drug Lipitor.

An authorized generic is a brand marketed under its generic name at a reduced price.

February 26, 2013

A Virginia-based pharmacy school will collaborate with an alliance of more than 22,000 pharmacies around the country to find ways to promote and increase pneumococcal vaccinations among elderly and high-risk people.

LEESBURG, Va. — A Virginia-based pharmacy school will collaborate with an alliance of more than 22,000 pharmacies around the country to find ways to promote and increase pneumococcal vaccinations among elderly and high-risk people.

February 25, 2013

As many as 72% of consumers use vitamins and dietary supplements, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in late 2012. Those most likely to report supplement use include women and all consumers over the age of 55 years.

As many as 72% of consumers use vitamins and dietary supplements, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in late 2012. Those most likely to report supplement use include women and all consumers over the age of 55 years. Almost 3-in-4 women surveyed supplement their diets (74%) vs. 65% of men, and 81% of consumers over 55 years reported supplementing vs. 72% of consumers between the ages of 35 years and 54 years.

February 25, 2013

There were more sick people cruising the cold relief aisles this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu incidence peaked at 6.1% this season, making this season the most virulent since the 2007-2008 season — excepting the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, which was atypical.

There were more sick people cruising the cold relief aisles this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu incidence peaked at 6.1% this season, making this season the most virulent since the 2007-2008 season — excepting the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, which was atypical.

With that in mind, sales of cough and cold medicines — or sales of just about anything else that had something to do with the flu, from hand sanitizers to flu shots — were through the roof.

February 25, 2013

Sore throats and dry coughs are more prevalent symptoms associated with the flu. With the severe 2012-2013 flu season to date, that means a healthy amount of lozenge sales.

Sore throats and dry coughs are more prevalent symptoms associated with the flu. With the severe 2012-2013 flu season to date, that means a healthy amount of lozenge sales. One of the bigger winners across the top 10 vendors is Reckitt Benckiser, which launched Cepacol Sensations this fall. The product line contains a lower amount of numbing medication than traditional Cepacol products, yet still provides either an instantly cooling, warming or refreshing sensation. Sales of all Reckitt Benckiser lozenges totaled $10.9 million, up 67.6%.