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February 23, 2011
SleepRight adds nasal breathe aids to lineup

Splintek Health Products recently launched its SleepRight nasal breathe aide — a snore-relieving product entry into the nasal strip category that retails for a suggested price of $11.99.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Splintek Health Products recently launched its SleepRight nasal breathe aid — a snore-relieving product entry into the nasal strip category that retails for a suggested price of $11.99.

According to the company, the product reduces snoring, relieves nasal congestion and is adhesive-free and reusable. Flexible flares expand the nasal passages to significantly increase airflow, while forming to the shape of the user’s nose for a custom, comfortable fit. Each breathe aid is reusable and lasts up to 15 days.

February 23, 2011
Study: Amphetamine use could pose Parkinson's disease risk

Use of amphetamines could increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Use of amphetamines could increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study.

February 23, 2011
Study: Hemoglobin A1C may not effectively diagnose kids with diabetes

A convenient blood-glucose test commonly used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes may not be the best way to diagnose children, according to a new study.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A convenient blood-glucose test commonly used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes may not be the best way to diagnose children, according to a new study.

February 23, 2011
Vita-K Professional line now includes treatments for deep facial lines, crow's feet

Freeman Beauty's Vita-K Professional line is expanding to now include Vita-K Professional deep facial lines and Vita-K Professional crow's feet treatments.

LOS ANGELES — Freeman Beauty's Vita-K Professional line is expanding to now include Vita-K Professional deep facial lines and Vita-K Professional crow's feet treatments.

Like all products in the collection, the formulas feature the ProVita-K complex and anti-aging peptides (Matrixyl 3000) to help give skin a youthful and radiant appearance.

The ProVita-K complex combines the benefits of vitamin K and an amino acid/polypeptide complex that improves the appearance of skin tone and elasticity, according to the manufacturer.

February 23, 2011
Wegmans commits to maintaining prices amid rising food costs

Escalating food costs may have a firm grip on consumers' wallets, but one retailer is promising "to keep prices low and [its] quality and service high."

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Escalating food costs may have a firm grip on consumers' wallets, but one retailer is promising "to keep prices low and [its] quality and service high."

Wegmans this week said that it will not change the prices on 40 of the products most important to families through the end of 2011. According to the company's website, many of the items listed include store-brand products and produce. Wegmans also noted that, counting different varieties and sizes, about 200 items are covered by the company's price pledge.

February 22, 2011
Aimee Mullins tapped as latest L'Oréal Paris global ambassador

L'Oréal Paris has named Aimee Mullins, athlete, fashion model and actress, as its newest global ambassador.

PARIS — L'Oréal Paris has named Aimee Mullins, athlete, fashion model and actress, as its newest global ambassador.

She joins the L'Oréal Paris family of spokeswomen, which includes Milla Jovovich, Beyonce Knowles, Diane Keaton, Diane Kruger, Evangeline Lilly, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Andie MacDowell, Julianna Marguiles, Freida Pinto, Gwen Stefani and Kerry Washington.

February 22, 2011
BioScrip utilizes HealthyCircles platform for website

Specialty pharmacy provider BioScrip has launched a Web service designed to connect healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers in order to help patients manage their medications and improve their overall care experience.

ELMSFORD, N.Y. — Specialty pharmacy provider BioScrip has launched a Web service designed to connect healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers in order to help patients manage their medications and improve their overall care experience.

The website, myBioScrip.com, uses HealthyCircles, an online platform that enables people to use manage and share health information.

February 22, 2011
Bruce Foods CEO to serve on GMA's board

The Grocery Manufacturers Association has tapped the leader of a food manufacturer to serve on its board of directors.

NEW IBERIA, La. — The Grocery Manufacturers Association has tapped the leader of a food manufacturer to serve on its board of directors.

J.S. "Si" Brown, president and CEO of Bruce Foods, will serve on GMA's board. Brown has held led the company, which specializes in manufacturing Cajun and Tex-Mex products, since 1973.

February 22, 2011
CandyRific plans seasonal offerings for fall, winter

CandyRific is making holiday celebrations better than ever with new M&M's-branded novelty items.

NEW YORK — CandyRific is making holiday celebrations better than ever with new M&M's-branded novelty items.

This Halloween, expect to see frightfully fun M&M's products, which include a Halloween candy fan (suggested retail price of $3.99), Halloween embossed tin (SRP $1.99), Halloween sticker/stamper (SRP $2.99), Halloween screamers with sound (SRP $3.99) and a light-up Halloween candy pop fan (SRP $3.99).

This winter, Candy-Rific also will introduce M&M's Christmas-themed items, including:

  • Candy dome key chain (SRP $1.99);

February 22, 2011
CandyRific products highlighted at Dylan's Candy Bar

"The force" is with them indeed.

NEW YORK — "The force" is with them indeed.

CandyRific, known for its confection creations through various licensing deals, debuted its Star Wars-themed products at Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York during Valentine’s Day weekend. The CandyRific novelty items lineup pairs together Lucasfilm’s "Star Wars" with M&M’s characters.

As part of the celebration, such Star Wars characters as Princess Leia and Storm Troopers were on hand, along with CandyRific CEO Rob Auerbach.

February 22, 2011
EnLiven probiotic yogurt exclusively available at Walmart

A distributor of over-the-counter probiotic products has developed and launched a new yogurt line exclusively at Walmart stores.

CLEVELAND — A distributor of over-the-counter probiotic products has developed and launched a new yogurt line exclusively at Walmart stores.

Ganeden's enLiven yogurt is available in four flavors, including vanilla, blueberry, strawberry and peach, and features GanedenBC30 probiotics, the company said.

February 22, 2011
GPhA announces executive committee, board of directors

The Generic Pharmaceutical Association has elected its 2011 executive committee and board of directors, the generic drug industry trade group announced. As part of a reorganization last year, the board has been reduced to 12 members.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Generic Pharmaceutical Association has elected its 2011 executive committee and board of directors, the generic drug industry trade group announced. As part of a reorganization last year, the board has been reduced to 12 members.

The GPhA said Watson Pharmaceuticals president and CEO Paul Bisaro had been reelected as chairman for a second, one-year term. Also elected were Mylan Pharmaceuticals president Tony Mauro, as vice chairman; and Momenta Pharmaceuticals president Craig Wheeler, as secretary treasurer.

February 22, 2011
Hi-Tech Pharmacal receives market exclusivity for generic Neurontin

Generic drug maker Hi-Tech Pharmacal has received Food and Drug Administration approval for its version of a drug used to treat neurological disorders, the company said Tuesday.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Generic drug maker Hi-Tech Pharmacal has received Food and Drug Administration approval for its version of a drug used to treat neurological disorders, the company said Tuesday.

Hi-Tech announced the approval of gabapentin oral solution in the 250 mg/5 mL strength, a generic version of Pfizer’s Neurontin oral solution.

The drug is used to treat postherpetic neuralgia and epilepsy. Neurontin had sales of $15 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

February 22, 2011
Kashi expands cereal lineup with Golden Goodness

Kashi announced the latest new cereal addition to its line of all natural foods.

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Kashi announced the latest new cereal addition to its line of all natural foods.

Kashi Golden Goodness combines Kashi's seven whole grain blend and sweet corn, which are baked into flakes and clusters that are sweetened with a touch of honey and molasses.

Kashi Golden Goodness cereal now is available in grocery stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99.

February 22, 2011
Kmart emphasizes flu shots at its pharmacies

Kmart on Monday implemented a discounted offer on flu shots to those who have not yet been vaccinated.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart on Monday implemented a discounted offer on flu shots to those who have not yet been vaccinated.

Kmart said it is offering customers $15 flu shots, while supplies last, and also will offer 15,000 points (a $15 value) to members of its Shop Your Way Rewards loyalty program, when a vaccination is purchased.

The flu shots are available at more than 500 Kmart Pharmacy locations and are administered by trained practitioners.

February 22, 2011
Making it 'mio': Kraft to launch liquid water enhancers

As part of its focus to drive growth among product categories, Kraft Foods said that the company is gearing up to introduce new liquid water enhancers.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — As part of its focus to drive growth among product categories, Kraft Foods said that the company is gearing up to introduce new liquid water enhancers.

Kraft Foods North America president, Tony Vernon, said that the company's MiO liquid water enhancers mark its largest beverage brand introduction in a decade. The idea is that with a few droplets, bland water can be transformed into a zero-calorie flavored beverage.

February 22, 2011
Mars unveils 2011 holiday lineup

As the holiday season comes to a close, Mars Chocolate North America already is unveiling its winter holiday offerings for 2011.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — As the holiday season comes to a close, Mars Chocolate North America already is unveiling its winter holiday offerings for 2011.

Mars said it is expanding its M&M's and Dove brands with seasonal candies that capture the holiday spirit, including new gifting displays for retailers.

New products include such items as M&M's stocking tin ornaments, which are filled with M&M’s milk chocolate candies, and Dove silky and smooth truffles, available in milk and dark chocolate.

February 22, 2011
Medco's Q4, fiscal-year sales rise

Sales at Medco Health Solutions increased to $16.9 billion during fourth quarter 2010 and to $66 billion for the fiscal year as a whole, representing respective 11.1% and 10.3% increases over the same periods the year before, the pharmacy benefit manager said Tuesday.

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — Sales at Medco Health Solutions increased to $16.9 billion during fourth quarter 2010 and to $66 billion for the fiscal year as a whole, representing respective 11.1% and 10.3% increases over the same periods the year before, the pharmacy benefit manager said Tuesday.

Profits for the quarter were $378.5 million, a 10.8% increase over fourth quarter 2009, while profits for the year were $1.4 billion, an 11.5% increase over fiscal year 2009.

February 22, 2011
New cardiovascular risk calculator now available online

In line with American Heart Month, Boehringer Ingelheim's Micardis has introduced a cardiovascular risk-reduction calculator, designed to assess patients' cardiovascular risk.

NEW YORK — In line with American Heart Month, Boehringer Ingelheim's Micardis has introduced a cardiovascular risk-reduction calculator, designed to assess patients' cardiovascular risk.

The calculator, which can be accessed at MicardisPro.com, is an interactive, useful tool for healthcare professionals to assist patients in reaching their cardiovascular risk-reduction goal, the company said.

Micardis (telmisartan) is a drug designed to treat hypertension.

February 22, 2011
New supplement touts alcohol metabolism claim

Forgiven Bottling Group launched its hangover product Forgiven, a vitamin B1 supplement the company claims helps metabolize alcohol.

LAS VEGAS — Forgiven Bottling Group launched its hangover product Forgiven, a vitamin B1 supplement the company claims helps metabolize alcohol.

“Forgiven is the first and only alcohol burner available to the consumer seeking a healthy solution to sober quickly when the night is over,” stated Chas Aday, CEO of Forgiven Bottling Group.

One packet of Forgiven will retail for a suggested $3.99, the company reported.

February 22, 2011
Peeps unveils Easter offerings

Peeps are diving into chocolate for the Easter holiday.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Peeps are diving into chocolate for the Easter holiday.

New this Easter to the Peeps lineup are Peepsters and Peeps chocolate dipped chicks, providing Peeps fans their favorite marshmallow candies with a twist. Peepsters are bite-size, individually wrapped candies that are available in milk and dark chocolate, while Peeps chocolate dipped chicks give Peeps fans an updated taste on the classic candy by adding either a milk chocolate or dark chocolate covering at the bottom of each chick.

February 22, 2011
Perrigo files regulatory application for Taclonex generic

Generic drug maker Perrigo has filed for approval of a drug to treat psoriasis with the Food and Drug Administration.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Generic drug maker Perrigo has filed for approval of a drug to treat psoriasis with the Food and Drug Administration.

Perrigo announced Tuesday that it had filed an application with the FDA for calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate in the 0.005%/0.064% strength. The drug is a generic version of Leo Pharma’s Taclonex and is used to treat psoriasis vulgaris in adults.

February 22, 2011
Prasco agrees to distribute authorized generic of Pentasa

Prasco Labs will distribute an authorized generic version of an ulcerative colitis treatment made by Shire in the event that any other company steps forward to file an abbreviated new drug application for the drug.

CINCINNATI — Prasco Labs will distribute an authorized generic version of an ulcerative colitis treatment made by Shire in the event that any other company steps forward to file an abbreviated new drug application for the drug.

February 22, 2011
Report: Arkansas considers switching PSE to Rx only

Arkansas on Friday became the fourth state this year to entertain making the popular decongestant pseudoephedrine available only by prescription.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas on Friday became the fourth state this year to entertain making the popular decongestant pseudoephedrine available only by prescription.

February 22, 2011
Report: Dr Pepper to roll out 10-calorie drink

According to published reports, Dr Pepper is gearing up to launch a 10-calorie beverage targeted at male consumers.

PLANO, Texas — According to published reports, Dr Pepper is gearing up to launch a 10-calorie beverage targeted at male consumers.

The move by Dr Pepper for Dr Pepper Ten — a product that the company hopes will reach 25- to 34-year-old men — is similar to such competitors as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, which omitted "diet" from their respective Coke Zero and Pepsi Max products, perhaps betting that the word carries a negative connotation.