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NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson Consumer earlier this summer put the freeze on pain with the launch of its Bengay Zero Degrees line extension, an external analgesic rub that makes its home alongside the frozen peas in the freezer. According to the company, it’s the first and only topical pain reliever that can be stored in the freezer. Sales of the Bengay brand were up 6.4% to $8.9 million for the 12 weeks ended July 8 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), according to SymphonyIRI Group data.

JAMESBURG, N.J. — Design Weave USA on Wednesday introduced a patented anti-bedbug and anti-dust mite dryer sheet under the Rest Easy brand.

According to the company, the dryer sheets naturally kill and repel bedbugs and dust mites. The dryer sheets are EPA exempt, according to the company.

“The dryer sheets work in your dryer to add the protection from a micro-encapsulated process to your bedding, effective for a full week of protection,” Design Weave USA VP product development and marketing Dan Harris said.
 

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug for enlarged prostate made by generic drug maker Wockhardt, the company said.

Wockhardt, based in Mumbai, India, announced the approval of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets in the 10-mg strength, which is designed to treat enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The drug is a generic version of Sanofi's Uroxatral. Various versions of the drug have sales of about $81.5 million, according to IMS Health.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target’s in-store health clinics recently started offering consultations for eyelash lengthening and the treatment of hyperpigmentation of the skin and unwanted facial hair, according to a local news report.

PARIS — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a voice-guided injection device made by Sanofi for severe allergic reactions, the drug maker said Monday.

The French drug maker announced the approval of Auvi-Q (epinephrine), calling it the first epinephrine auto-injector with audio and visual cues that guides users through the injection process. Sanofi US licensed the North American commercialization rights to Auvi-Q from Intelliject, which has retained commercialization rights for the rest of the world.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Four-out-of-5 seasonal allergy sufferers reported their fitness regimens suffer because they exercise less or their performance isn't as strong, according to a survey released Thursday from AllergEase.

The survey also captured some of the social implications of being a seasonal allergy sufferer. Nearly 45% of people have turned down social invitations because of their seasonal allergies, the survey found, and 40% reported having had a vacation or getaway negatively affected by seasonal allergies.

NEW YORK — Bristol-Myers Squibb has bought a majority stake in drug maker Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Bristol said Wednesday.

The New York-based drug maker said that 140.5 million shares of Amylin had been put up for sale at $31 per share, and that it now owned 85.55% of the San Diego-based company. Bristol said it planned to acquire the rest of Amylin's shares Wednesday as well.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Reflecting the value of community pharmacy, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores is answering the call of public health authorities to promote vaccinations in the battle against whooping cough, also known as pertussis.

Kathleen Jaeger, NACDS’ SVP of pharmacy care and patient advocacy, is spreading the message amid a growing national outbreak of the highly-contagious respiratory disease.

PITTSBURGH — Generic drug maker Mylan has begun commercial operations in India, focusing on drugs to treat HIV and AIDS, the company said Monday.

The company is launching 18 antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS in India, which has the world's third-largest population of people with the disease, according to the National AIDS Control Organization.

AMERICAN CANYON, Calif. — Peggy Fleming, a gold-medal figure skater at the 1968 Winter Olympic Games, signed autographs for customers in the shadow of the 535-ft. “Tour of London” Procter & Gamble product display at Walmart here on Thursday. Fleming’s appearance was on behalf of P&G, a Worldwide Olympic Partner.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark’s MinuteClinic has teamed up with the American Heart Association in a nationwide effort to improve the identification, treatment and management of high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association, 1-out-of-3 American adults has high blood pressure or hypertension. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — MinuteClinic, the walk-in medical clinics inside CVS/pharmacy stores in 25 states and the District of Columbia, is gearing up for the back-to-school season by reminding parents that it is a one-stop location where students can get their required vaccinations and sports and college physicals as four states issue new immunization mandates.