Content about New Jersey

WAYNE, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new oral contraceptive developed by Bayer.

Safyral is a combination of Yasmin, also developed by Bayer, with 451 mcg levomefolate calcium, which is a B vitamin known as a folate. It is the second oral contraceptive from Bayer that features folate.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Americans won’t take off work for something as innocuous as a cold, a new survey released Wednesday found, a fact that underscores the need for ready access to over-the-counter cough-cold medicines and better hand-washing/sanitizing practices in the workplace.

The survey, sponsored by Cadbury Adams’ Halls cough drop brand, found that 44% of Americans would consider going to work with a fever, and 32% said they would show up to work no matter how sick they get this season.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday announced that Alex Gorsky, currently worldwide chairman of medical devices and diagnostics, and Sheri McCoy, currently worldwide chairman of pharmaceuticals, have been appointed vice chairmen of the executive committee, joining William Weldon, J&J chairman and CEO, in an expanded Office of the Chairman.

Both appointments are effective Jan. 3.

MONTVALE, N.J. — Bankrupt grocer A&P has announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved the $800 million debtor-in-possession financing provided by JPMorgan Chase. Of the total DIP facility, a $350 million term loan immediately has been made available.

As previously reported, A&P filed for bankruptcy on Sunday and will keep its 395 stores open and operational during the proceedings.

In addition, the court granted A&P's motion to approve its request for "first day orders," including:

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted a regulatory approval application for a pain drug made by Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Pacira said Tuesday.

The drug maker submitted its application for the long-acting painkiller Exparel (bupivacaine) in September.

The drug is a topical medication for managing pain following surgery. The FDA expects to finish reviewing the application in July 2011.

AVENEL, N.J. — Mizco recently inked a licensing agreement with Marc Ecko Enterprises, bringing the first-ever line of Ecko-inspired electronic accessory and mobile technology products to design-conscious technology enthusiasts.

The Ecko line of Mizco products includes headphones; iPhone, iPad and MP3 cases; and camera accessories that are available for a suggested retail price ranging from $19.99 to $99.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson made its courtship with Dutch biotech company Crucell official by acquiring all of the company for $2.3 billion, the two companies said Wednesday.

In a deal that won the full support of Crucell’s management, J&J will pay $32.74 per share for the remainder of Crucell that it doesn’t already own; J&J indirectly controls around 18% of Crucell’s stock through a Dutch affiliate, while Delta Lloyd Asset Management, Robeco and the Van Herk Group control around 15.5%, according to published reports.

MADISON, N.J. — Pfizer Consumer Healthcare on Tuesday launched a new consumer promotion campaign featuring television actress Angie Harmon in support of its Children’s Advil brand.


DUBLIN, Ohio — Say goodbye to Kinray, the service-obsessed regional drug wholesaler. But say hello to a more muscular and diversified Cardinal Health.


The wholesale and health services giant announced Nov. 18 it will buy Kinray for $1.3 billion. The buyout, set for completion in early 2011, will be a boon to Cardinal, boosting its customer base to more than 7,000 independent drug stores, extending its reach in the Northeast and adding scale versus its wholesale rivals, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen.


Looking to bolster sales and better serve its customers, Walmart has stepped up its engagement with suppliers to review its assortment and bring in more new and innovative products — and the beauty department is no exception.


EDISON, N.J. — DSE Healthcare Solutions on Sunday evening announced the launch of Safari Towels, a new product extending from its Anti Monkey Butt Powder brand, to its Facebook fan base of almost 39,000.

“Our new Safari Towels ... so hot off the presses they aren't even in stores yet!” the Anti Monkey Butt Powder status read. “Make a cool gift ... from cyclists to soldiers, [they're] great to have on hand for a ‘shower on the go.’ See them in our online store.”

MADISON, N.J. — Pfizer Consumer Healthcare on Thursday introduced a new contest from the makers of Centrum multivitamins at LoveFeelingHealthy.com. Participants there can nominate women who manage to stay energized this holiday season with a smile on their face.

Nominators can share how the special woman in their lives manages to be the ultimate host, party charmer, gift giver, cookie baker, etc. Participants are asked to submit 300 words that explain how that woman does it all.