Content about New Drugs & OTCs

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Drug maker Actavis is working with nonprofit pharmaceutical company Medicines360 to make low-cost intrauterine devices available to women, the two said.

LAS VEGAS — Forgiven Bottling Group earlier this month announced the launch of its alcohol metabolizer, Forgiven, formulated to help the body process alcohol more rapidly and thereby help alleviate ill-effects associated with a hangover. 

Forgiven's patented formulation includes organic acids, L-Cysteine and L-Glutamine, Rhodiola Rosea extract and vitamin B1. 

Forgiven is launching the new shot format in three flavors: grape, orange and tropical punch.

Santa Clara, Calif. — Nuvora Inc. announced today the availability of a new soft lozenge to help provide relief for those who suffer from dry mouth.

NEW YORK — The emergency contraceptive Plan B (the original two-tablet formulation) can now be sold as an OTC without any sales restrictions as the Obama administration concedes its fight to prevent nonprescription access to younger teenage girls. And soon the newer Plan B One Step (one tablet) will be available without sales restrictions as well.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Aceto Corp. will sell an authorized generic version of a drug used to treat a rare but devastating degenerative disorder.

Aceto said it would launch the authorized generic version of Covis Pharma's Rilutek (riluzole) tablets in the 50-mg strength through its Rising Pharmaceuticals subsidiary. The drug is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Sales of the drug were about $64 million in 2012, according to Aceto.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Actavis is hoping to become the first to market generic versions of a contraceptive and a sedative, the drug maker said.

SUMMIT, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Celgene Corp. for treating a type of cancer.

Celgene announced Thursday the approval of Revlimid (lenalidomide) for treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma, also known as MCL, whose disease has relapsed or progressed after two prior therapies that have included bortezomib.

PHOENIX — Nielsen on Tuesday awarded its 14 Breakthrough Innovation Winners for 2013 at the company's Consumer 360 event here. 

“What’s fascinating about this year’s Breakthrough Innovation Award winners is their diversity,” stated Rob Wengel, SVP innovation, Nielsen. ”No matter the industry or category, Breakthrough Innovation is possible where there is a vision for innovation, pervasive leadership to drive support, and alignment throughout the organization to make it happen.“

The winners are:

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — Becton, Dickinson and Co. division BD Medical has launched a new prefillable glass syringe designed for biotech drugs.

The medical supplies manufacturer announced Monday the launch of BD Neopak, which it said was designed to address industry challenges in developing, manufacturing and marketing biologics to patients, saying it would provide a higher level of quality and enhanced container and device integration. The company noted that seven of the top-10 drugs worldwide and more than half the drugs in development were biologics.

 WELLINGTON, Fla. — Embark Holdings, Inc. announced through its wholly owned subsidiary, Muscle Warfare, Inc., the launch of its elite sports nutrition brands at select GNC stores throughout the nation.

NEW YORK — South Beach Diet today unveiled new additions to its lineup of snacks and smoothies.

South Beach Diet ProteinFit Bars and a South Beach Diet Snack Bar join the snack lineup. South Beach Diet ProteinFit bars come with 16 grams of protein and are available in two flavors — Vanilla Caramel and Honey Peanut — both with a Greek yogurt coating. The new South Beach Diet Chocolate Caramel Nut Snack Bar contains six grams of protein and only 100 calories. South Beach Diet products have no artificial flavors or sweeteners; they are in stores now.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for incontinence made by Perrigo Co., the drug maker said Wednesday.

Perrigo announced the approval of trospium chloride extended-release capsules in the 60 mg strength, a once-daily treatment for overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency. The drug is a generic version of Allergan's Sanctura XR, which has annual sales of $54 million, according to Symphony Health Solutions.