Content about New Jersey

March 29, 2011
Sequel Naturals 'optimizes' retail distribution of products

Vitamin Shoppe on Monday announced that Sequel Naturals’ Vega Whole Food Health Optimizer and the Sport Performance Optimizer products now are available at all retail locations and at VitaminShoppe.com.

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — Vitamin Shoppe on Monday announced that Sequel Naturals’ Vega Whole Food Health Optimizer and Sport Performance Optimizer products now are available at all retail locations and at VitaminShoppe.com.

March 29, 2011
Watson confirms generic OxyContin patent challenge

Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals is hoping to become the first to market a version of a popular opioid painkiller.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals is hoping to become the first to market a version of a popular opioid painkiller.

Watson said it had filed applications with the Food and Drug Administration seeking approval for a generic version of Purdue Pharma’s OxyContin (oxycodone) extended-release tablets in the 10-, 15-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 60- and 80-mg strengths.

March 28, 2011
Pfizer recalls two drugs

The generics division of drug maker Pfizer is recalling supplies of two drugs due to possible mislabeling.

PEAPACK, N.J. — The generics division of drug maker Pfizer is recalling supplies of two drugs due to possible mislabeling.

Greenstone announced Saturday that it would voluntarily recall 100-count bottles of citalopram 10-mg tablets and 90-count bottles of finasteride 5-mg tablets with the lot number FI0510058-A on the label. The company said a third-party manufacturer may have placed incorrect labels on the bottles. No other lots are affected.

Citalopram is used to treat depression, while finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.

March 25, 2011
Court: Watson's generic Fentora infringes on branded counterpart

A generic painkiller made by Watson Pharmaceuticals infringes a patent covering the branded version, a U.S. District Court ruled.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — A generic painkiller made by Watson Pharmaceuticals infringes a patent covering the branded version, a U.S. District Court ruled.

Watson said Friday that the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware decided that Watson’s generic version of Cephalon’s Fentora (fentanyl) buccal tablets infringes U.S. Patent No. 6,264,981, though the Food and Drug Administration had approved Watson’s version of the drug.

March 24, 2011
Actavis' generic Valtrex OKed by FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic treatment for shingles and genital herpes made by Actavis, the drug maker said Wednesday.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic treatment for shingles and genital herpes made by Actavis, the drug maker said Wednesday.

The FDA approved Actavis’ valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets in the 500-mg and 1-g strengths.

The drug is a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline’s Valtrex. Branded and generic forms of the drug had sales of about $1.5 billion in 2010, according to IMS Health.

March 24, 2011
Arm & Hammer celebrates Power Gel's first birthday with online contest

Arm & Hammer's gel laundry detergent is celebrating its first birthday and has invited parents to share messy first birthday moments for a chance to win a dream birthday party for their child.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Arm & Hammer's gel laundry detergent is celebrating its first birthday and has invited parents to share messy first birthday moments for a chance to win a dream birthday party for their child.

Arm & Hammer Power Gel is sponsoring a contest where through June 15, parents can upload an unforgettable, messy moment from their child’s first birthday, along with a caption, to PowerGelParty.com.

March 24, 2011
Bristol: Ipilimumab boosts survival rates among patients in phase-3 trial

Bristol-Myers Squibb said its late-stage clinical trial for a cancer treatment, which currently is under review by the Food and Drug Administration, achieved its primary endpoint.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Bristol-Myers Squibb said its late-stage clinical trial for a cancer treatment, which currently is under review by the Food and Drug Administration, achieved its primary endpoint.

The company said its phase-3 trial for investigational compound ipilimumab, designed for previously untreated patients that were diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, improved overall survival. The study compared the combination of ipilimumab 10 mg/kg and chemotherapy (dacarbazine) with chemotherapy alone.

March 24, 2011
Camber appoints new president

The U.S. subsidiary of India-based generic drug maker Hetero Drugs has appointed Konstantin Ostaficiuk as its president, Camber said.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — The U.S. subsidiary of India-based generic drug maker Hetero Drugs has appointed Konstantin Ostaficiuk as its president, Camber said.

Ostaficiuk, who often goes by the nickname of Kon, succeeds Briggs Arrington, who has gone on to work for Hetero’s senior management team to find new opportunities for the company’s U.S. manufacturing operations. Ostaficiuk has worked in the generic drug industry for 25 years, having joined Camber in 2009 as VP sales and marketing.

March 24, 2011
Give me cigarettes or give me health: 82% of menthol smokers would quit if FDA banned menthol cigarettes, GSK survey finds

Four-in-5 menthol smokers would quit if the Food and Drug Administration banned mentholated cigarettes, according to a survey conducted this month with sponsorship from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Four-in-5 menthol smokers would quit if the Food and Drug Administration banned mentholated cigarettes, according to a survey conducted this month with sponsorship from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.

The survey found that smokers of menthol cigarettes — who are disproportionately African-American — feel “twice-addicted” to the menthol and the tobacco, while 74% of them said the menthol made inhalation easier, and 40% said menthol flavoring was the only reason they smoked.

March 22, 2011
Watson introduces generic Famvir

A subsidiary of Watson Pharmaceuticals has launched a treatment for herpes infections, the company said Monday.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — A subsidiary of Watson Pharmaceuticals has launched a treatment for herpes infections, the company said Monday.

Watson Labs launched famciclovir tablets in the 125-mg, 250-mg and 500-mg strengths. The drug is a generic version of Novartis’ Famvir and is used to treat cold sores and genital herpes in patients with and without HIV.

Famvir and generic versions had sales of about $197 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

March 18, 2011
Magnum is star of original film series

An ice cream brand making its U.S. debut is at the forefront of a three-part film series starring Rachel Bilson.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — An ice cream brand making its U.S. debut is at the forefront of a three-part film series starring actress Rachel Bilson.

Magnum, a 20-year-old Unilever brand, said the films were directed by fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld and are a platform to introduce the premium ice cream products to U.S. consumers. The films, which will debut at the Tribeca Flm Festival, also can be viewed on the brand's Facebook page next month.

March 15, 2011
Court rules in favor of Watson in generic Fentora patent suit

A generic painkiller made by Watson Pharmaceuticals does not infringe on the patent covering the branded version, a U.S. District Court has ruled.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — A generic painkiller made by Watson Pharmaceuticals does not infringe on the patent covering the branded version, a U.S. District Court has ruled.

Watson said the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware ruled that Watson’s generic version of Cephalon’s Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablets) does not infringe on two patents that were set to expire in March 2019, according to Food and Drug Administration records.

March 15, 2011
Dove celebrates manhood during NCAA tourney

Unilever, the maker of Dove Men+Care, is celebrating the launch of its new Dove Men+Care antiperspirants/deodorants and Sensitive Clean personal wash by inking a corporate partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Unilever, the maker of Dove Men+Care, is celebrating the launch of its new Dove Men+Care antiperspirants/deodorants and Sensitive Clean personal wash by inking a corporate partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

March 10, 2011
Stride taps Shaun White as spokesman

The ridiculously long-lasting gum has tapped a snowboarding and skateboarding champion to serve as the brand's spokesman.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — The ridiculously long-lasting gum has tapped a snowboarding and skateboarding champion to serve as the brand's spokesman.

Shaun White, an Olympic gold medalist, inked a two-year deal with Stride to be the gum's official brand spokesman and will be featured in a variety of promotional activities. Stride said it is planning giveaways, digital and social media campaigns, and public relations efforts throughout the coming months.

March 9, 2011
Merck seeks FDA approval for Saflutan

The Food and Drug Administration has accepted an approval application from Merck for a drug to treat eye diseases, Merck said Wednesday.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted an approval application from Merck for a drug to treat eye diseases, Merck said Wednesday.

Merck is seeking approval for Saflutan (tafluprost) ophthalmic solution, an investigational drug for relieving eye pressure in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

March 9, 2011
Tris seeks FDA OK for allergy treatment for kids

The Food and Drug Administration has accepted a regulatory approval application from Tris Pharma for a drug to treat allergies in children ages 2 years and older, Tris said Wednesday.

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted a regulatory approval application from Tris Pharma for a drug to treat allergies in children ages 2 years and older, Tris said Wednesday.

Tris said that if approved, its carbinoxamine extended-release oral suspension would provide an alternative to currently available immediate-release formulations.

March 9, 2011
Watson promotes two SVPs

Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals has promoted two executives to EVP, the company said Wednesday.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals has promoted two executives to EVP, the company said Wednesday.

The company gave the promotions to SVP, general counsel and secretary David Buchen and SVP and CFO R. Todd Joyce. Both will continue to report to CEO Paul Bisaro.

March 8, 2011
New diabetes drug accepted for review by FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has accepted a regulatory approval application for a Type 2 diabetes drug from Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca, the two drug makers said Tuesday.

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted a regulatory approval application for a Type 2 diabetes drug from Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca, the two drug makers said Tuesday.

The FDA accepted the application for dapagliflozin, an investigational drug for adults with the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 1-in-11 U.S. adults has diabetes, with 90% to 95% of them having Type 2 diabetes.

The agency expects to take action on the application in late October.

March 7, 2011
Actavis names OTC director

Actavis last week named Lisa Buono to lead its over-the-counter drug division as part of the company’s strategic expansion of the division.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Actavis last week named Lisa Buono to lead its over-the-counter drug division as part of the company’s strategic expansion of the division.

As director of OTC, Buono will oversee the division’s day-to-day operations and will focus on identifying and capitalizing on new product opportunities. Actavis manufactures and distributes numerous nonprescription liquids, creams and ointments sold under the Actavis label and its customers’ own brands, as well as FeverAll brand acetaminophen suppositories.

March 7, 2011
Frank's RedHot spices up offerings with heat-and-serve line

Frank's RedHot is cooking up something spicy in the frozen food aisle.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Frank's RedHot is cooking up something spicy in the frozen food aisle.

Through a collaboration with Completely Fresh Foods, the hot sauce brand announced it was introducing fully cooked chicken wings, shrimp and appetizers that will be sold in grocery, mass and club stores nationwide. Frank's RedHot heat-and-serve offerings will include buffalo wings, buffalo shrimp, chicken fries and chicken poppers.

March 4, 2011
Eisai's Banzel OKed as epilepsy treatment

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Eisai to treat a rare form of epilepsy, the drug maker said Friday.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Eisai to treat a rare form of epilepsy, the drug maker said Friday.

The FDA approved Banzel (rufinamide) oral suspension for the treatment of seizures in children and adults with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The condition, also called LGS, affects 1% to 4% of children with epilepsy.

“This new formulation provides an option for patients who may prefer a liquid or find it difficult to take the medication in tablet form,” Eisai president and CEO Lonnel Coats said.

March 3, 2011
Amneal receives FDA approval for generic Indocin

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for pain and inflammatory diseases made by Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Amneal said Thursday.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for pain and inflammatory diseases made by Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Amneal said Thursday.

The FDA approved indomethacin extended-release capsules in the 75-mg strength. The drug is used to treat pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis and tendonitis.

March 1, 2011
Puristics Totally Ageless line arriving at select Walgreens

Consumer products company Scerene Healthcare is bringing its Puristics Totally Ageless skin care line to Walgreens on a regional basis in April.

PEAPACK, N.J. — Consumer products company Scerene Healthcare is bringing its Puristics Totally Ageless skin care line to Walgreens on a regional basis in April.

The collection is available in select markets at select retail locations, including Rite Aid, King Soopers and Harris Teeter. Beginning in April, the line also will be available in Walgreens in the Milwaukee, Madison, Wis., and Denver regions.

March 1, 2011
Report: RAD’s loss-prevention specialists work with authorities to catch fencer

A New Jersey merchant was arrested on charges related to selling goods stolen from a local Rite Aid store, particularly cigarettes, according to published reports.

TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey merchant was arrested on charges related to selling goods stolen from a local Rite Aid store, particularly cigarettes, according to published reports.

The Trenton, N.J., Trentonian reported Tuesday that police arrested Ladislao Martinez and charged him with fencing stolen goods, organized retail theft and receiving stolen property, seizing cigarettes, paperwork and cash from his store, the MR Supermarket.

February 25, 2011
PCMA applauds Cuomo's Medicaid proposal

In his 2011-2012 budget, New York governor Andrew Cuomo included a proposal to update New York’s Medicaid program. The announcement comes at the heels of New Jersey governor Chris Christie's motion to modernize the state's Medicaid plan.

WASHINGTON — In his 2011-2012 budget, New York governor Andrew Cuomo included a proposal to update New York’s Medicaid program. The announcement comes at the heels of New Jersey governor Chris Christie's motion to modernize the state's Medicaid plan.

Similarly to New Jersey's plan, Cuomo said New York's “Proposal to Redesign Medicaid” could save state taxpayers $350 million though 2015 by managing prescription drug benefits similarly to those in Medicare and private-sector programs.