Content about Chemistry

December 6, 2012

Par distributes authorized generic of AstraZeneca hypertension drug

Par Pharmaceutical Cos. has contracted with AstraZeneca to distribute an authorized generic version of a drug used to treat high blood pressure, Par said.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Par Pharmaceutical Cos. has contracted with AstraZeneca to distribute an authorized generic version of a drug used to treat high blood pressure, Par said.

Par announced that it had entered a supply and distribution agreement through subsidiary Par Pharmaceutical to distribute an authorized generic version of Atacand HCT (i.e., candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide) tablets.

An authorized generic is a branded drug marketed under its generic name at a discounted price, usually through a third-party company.

December 5, 2012

Curel, actress Connie Britton team up to support Direct Relief International

Kao USA brand Curel skin care is partnering with the charitable organization Direct Relief International to offer relief to those who need it most in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

NEW YORK — Kao USA brand Curel skin care is partnering with the charitable organization Direct Relief International to offer relief to those who need it most in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

December 5, 2012

Ecosentials launches line of liquid vitamin flavor enhancers

Ecosentials on Monday launched Vitamin Squeeze Powder Water Enhancers, which are packaged in squeezable bottles that add vitamins and customizable flavors to water.

PHOENIX — Ecosentials on Monday launched Vitamin Squeeze™ Powder Water Enhancers, which is packaged in a squeezable bottle that provides vitamins and customizable flavors. The Vitamin Squeeze Powder Water Enhancers are available in a variety of eight flavors among three supplement products — multi-vitamin, energy and weight control.

December 5, 2012

Former Elizabeth Arden exec launches new skin care line

Vargas Cosmetics has announced the introduction of Tilth Beauty, a new skin care line created by Anthony Vargas.

NEW YORK — Vargas Cosmetics has announced the introduction of Tilth Beauty, a new skin care line created by Anthony Vargas, former VP of research and development for Elizabeth Arden.

After 25 years with Arden, Vargas started Vargas Cosmetics and launched Tilth Beauty. It debuted exclusively online in October and will be available in salons and retail outlets in 2013.

December 5, 2012

Study: Patients once considered 'aspirin resistant' may only need to switch to an uncoated aspirin

Patients once considered "aspirin resistant" may not be resistant to aspirin after all, according to a study published online by Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association. Rather, the protective coating around the aspirin to prevent stomach issues may be delaying the absorption of aspirin, leading clinicians to believe that patients are aspirin resistant.

PHILADELPHIA — Patients once considered "aspirin resistant" may not be resistant to aspirin after all, according to a study published online by Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association. Rather, the protective coating around the aspirin to prevent stomach issues may be delaying the absorption of aspirin, leading clinicians to believe that patients are aspirin resistant.

December 4, 2012

FDA accepts application for GERD drug in children

The Food and Drug Administration will review an acid-reflux drug made by Eisai for use in children, the drug maker said.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration will review an acid-reflux drug made by Eisai for use in children, the drug maker said.

Eisai said the FDA accepted its application for AcipHex delayed-release sprinkle capsules in the 5-mg and 10-mg strengths for healing of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and maintenance of healing of GERD and improvement of symptoms in children ages 1 year to 11 years.

The FDA expects to have the application reviewed by March 27, 2013. The drug is currently approved in the 20-mg strength for adolescents and adults.

November 30, 2012

FDA approves new medullary thyroid cancer drug

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug made by Exelixis for treating thyroid cancer, the agency said.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug made by Exelixis for treating thyroid cancer, the agency said.

The FDA announced the approval of Cometriq (cabozatinib) to treat medullary thyroid cancer — a cancer that develops in cells in the thyroid gland that make calcitonin, a hormone that helps maintain a healthy level of calcium in the blood — that has spread to other parts of the body. Another drug to treat medullary thyroid cancer, AstraZeneca's Caprelsa (vandetanib), was approved last year.

November 29, 2012

Banishing blemishes

Ferndale Healthcare is looking to help beauty mavens banish blemishes — and shine — with its OC8 Adult Acne Treatment Gel, which hit the market this fall. 

FERNDALE, Mich. — Ferndale Healthcare is looking to help beauty mavens banish blemishes — and shine — with its OC8 Adult Acne Treatment Gel, which hit the market this fall. 

November 29, 2012

Natural goes mainstream

While the term homeopathy may remain as foreign to the American consumer as allopathy, more and more shoppers are placing those homeopathic products in their baskets.  

While the term homeopathy may remain as foreign to the American consumer as allopathy, as a relative “class” within each of the respective categories where homeopathic remedies exist, more and more shoppers are placing those homeopathic products in their baskets.

November 29, 2012

NewsBytes — Chain Pharmacy, 12/10/12

Watson Pharmaceuticals is changing its name to Actavis following its acquisition of the Swiss drug maker, Watson said.

Watson to change brand in 2013
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals is changing its name to Actavis following its acquisition of the Swiss drug maker, Watson said. Watson, whose $5.6 billion acquisition of Actavis received approval from the Federal Trade Commission in October, said it would adopt the new name starting in 2013, with plans to start a multi-year rebranding campaign and trade under a new symbol on the New York Stock Exchange. 

November 29, 2012

Record patent expirations roil Rx market

In 2011 and 2012, the steady surge of blockbuster pharmaceuticals falling off the patent cliff became a stampede. An astonishing number of big-selling drugs that had established and sustained branded drug makers’ profits for years fell victim to the expiration of their patent lives and market exclusivity, roiling the pharmaceutical marketplace and redefining the pricing model for many of the most widely prescribed classes of medicines. 

November 28, 2012

Cough, cold and flu

The November/December 2012 Cough, Cold and Flu Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Mucinex, Vicks, Advil, Theraflu, Delsym, St. Joseph, Hyland's Similasan and Zicam products.

Click here for the complete guide.

November 28, 2012

CRN, National Osteoporosis Foundation to host webinar on calcium, vitamin D for pharmacists, clinicians

The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Wednesday announced it is partnering with the National Osteoporosis Foundation in hosting a free webinar for pharmacists and nurse practitioners around updated recommendations and research of calcium and vitamin D.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Wednesday announced it is partnering with the National Osteoporosis Foundation in hosting a free webinar for pharmacists and nurse practitioners around updated recommendations and research of calcium and vitamin D.

November 27, 2012

Ranbaxy recalls several lots of generic Lipitor

Ranbaxy Labs has recalled more than three dozen lots of its generic version of a cholesterol-lowering statin drug due to the possible presence of foreign particles, the company said.

NEW YORK — Ranbaxy Labs has recalled more than three dozen lots of its generic version of a cholesterol-lowering statin drug due to the possible presence of foreign particles, the company said.

November 27, 2012

Wockhardt receives three FDA approvals

Indian generic drug maker Wockhardt received three new drug approvals from the Food and Drug Administration, agency records show.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Indian generic drug maker Wockhardt received three new drug approvals from the Food and Drug Administration, agency records show.

November 21, 2012

Lupin launches generic fenofibrate

Lupin Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic drug for cholesterol disorders, the company said.

BALTIMORE — Lupin Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic drug for cholesterol disorders, the company said.

Lupin announced the launch of fenofibrate tablets in the 48-mg and 145-mg strengths. The drug is used to treat hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia.

The drug is a generic version of Abbott's Tricor, which had sales of $1.26 billion during the 12-month period ended in June, according to IMS Health.

November 21, 2012

New Crystal Rock Deodorant Stick for men hits market

The maker of Crystal Body Deodorant has announced the introduction of Rock Deodorant Stick with 24-hour odor-fighting power.

NEW YORK — The maker of Crystal Body Deodorant has announced the introduction of its latest addition to its portfolio of men’s natural odor-fighters — Rock Deodorant Stick.

The new stick takes the 24-hour odor-fighting power of Rock body spray into a wide, solid form for total coverage. It promises to naturally eliminate odor causing-bacteria with 100% mineral salt components without the use of aluminums, parabens and chemicals. The formula also promises to keep clothes free of stains.

November 20, 2012

Reports: Canada to allow generic OxyContin approval over provincial, tribal objections

Canadian regulators have allowed the approval process for a generic opioid painkiller to go forward despite objections from provincial and other authorities, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Canada's federal government has allowed the approval process for a generic opioid painkiller to go forward despite objections from provincial and other authorities, according to published reports.

The Associated Press reported that Canadian health minister Leona Aglukkaq turned down requests from provincial and aboriginal tribal authorities to delay approval of a generic version of Purdue Pharma's OxyContin (oxycodone). OxyContin will lose its patent protection in Canada on Sunday.

November 19, 2012

Dr. Reddy's launches PAH drug

Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched a generic drug for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, the company said.

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched a generic drug for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, the company said.

Dr. Reddy's announced the launch of sildenafil tablets in the 20 mg strength in 90-count bottles. The drug is a generic version of Pfizer's Revatio.

Revatio had sales of $338.67 million during the 12-month period ended in September, according to IMS Health.

November 16, 2012

Reckitt Benckiser vs. Bayer: Having VMS in the product portfolio good insurance for future growth

Reckitt Benckiser on Friday made an offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of VMS maker Schiff Nutrition for $42 per share in cash, or approximately $1.4 billion — a premium of 23.5% more than the $34 per share offer Bayer HealthCare announced Oct. 30.

NEW YORK — Reckitt Benckiser on Friday made an offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of VMS maker Schiff Nutrition for $42 per share in cash, or approximately $1.4 billion — a premium of 23.5% more than the $34 per share offer Bayer HealthCare announced Oct. 30.

November 14, 2012

CSPN, Dara BioSciences enter distribution contract for breast cancer drug

The Community Specialty Pharmacy Network has entered a contract with Dara BioSciences to distribute a nonsteroidal anti-estrogen product.

DREXEL HILL, Pa. — The Community Specialty Pharmacy Network has entered a contract with Dara BioSciences to distribute a nonsteroidal anti-estrogen product.

CSPN announced the agreement with Dara to distribute Soltamox (tamoxifen) solution for oral administration. The drug, a treatment for breast cancer, is for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills.

November 13, 2012

FDA approves Mylan pulmonary arterial hypertension drug

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug made by Mylan for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, the drug maker said Tuesday.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug made by Mylan for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, the drug maker said Tuesday.

Mylan announced the FDA approval of sildenafil citrate tablets in the 20-mg strength, a generic version of Pfizer's Revatio. The drug is used to treat adults with PAH to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening of the condition.

Revatio had sales of about $339 million during the 12-month period ended in September, according to IMS Health.

November 13, 2012

Study finds fourfold increase in OxyContin prescriptions dispensed near U.S.-Canada border tunnel

The launch of a tamper-resistant formulation of a popular opioid painkiller in the United States, but not in Canada, may have influenced a spike in dispensing rate of the original at pharmacies in Canadian border cities, according to a study.

NEW YORK — The launch of a tamper-resistant formulation of a popular opioid painkiller in the United States, but not in Canada, may have influenced a spike in dispensing rate of the original at pharmacies in Canadian border cities, according to a study.

November 12, 2012

FDA approves new strength of HIV drug

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new strength of a drug for HIV made by Johnson & Johnson, the drug maker said.

TITUSVILLE, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new strength of a drug for HIV made by Johnson & Johnson, the drug maker said.

J&J subsidiary Janssen Therapeutics announced the approval of an 800-mg formulation of Prezista (darunavir) as a once-daily treatment for HIV. The drug is designed to be taken with food at the same time as ritonavir and in combination with other HIV drugs.

November 12, 2012

FDA approves Watson PAH drug

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, the drug maker said Monday.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, the drug maker said Monday.

Watson said the FDA approved its sildenafil tablets in the 20 mg strength through a subsidiary. Watson said it would launch the drug "in the near future."

The drug is a generic version of Pfizer's Revatio tablets, which had sales of about $339 million during the 12-month period ended in September, according to IMS Health.