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PRINCETON, N.J. — Novo Nordisk is seeking approval for two new insulin products, the company said Thursday.

Novo Nordisk announced that it had filed with the Food and Drug Administration for approval of insulin degludec and a co-formulation of insulin degludec and insulin aspart. The products are insulin analogs developed for the treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

OSAKA, Japan — Drug maker Takeda has completed its acquisition of another drug maker.

Takeda said that the deal, valued at $13 billion, is in line with the company's 2011-2013 mid-range plan, and that Nycomed's significant business infrastructure in Europe and high-growth emerging markets will enhance Takeda's regulatory development expertise and commercialization capability.

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday launched a new effort to address childhood obesity using successful elements of both primary care and public health. As much as $25 million in funding made available through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will support a four-year Childhood Obesity Demonstration Project. The project will build on existing community efforts and will work to identify effective healthcare and community strategies to support children’s healthy eating and active living, and help combat childhood obesity.

NEW YORK — Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized $5.6 million worth of illegal pharmaceutical products, a 170% increase over 2005. Meanwhile, global sales of counterfeit medicines were estimated to be more than $75 billion last year, 90% more than in 2005.

In response, Pfizer and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy announced Thursday the launch of an effort to educate patients on how to safely buy medicines online and about the risks of counterfeit drugs.

BASEL, Switzerland — Roche has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its new generation of blood-glucose test strips.

Roche said that its Accu-Chek Aviva Plus test strips are maltose-independent test strips that are designed to prevent the interference of maltose on blood-sugar readings, which can occur in rare cases when drugs containing or metabolizing to maltose are parenterally administered.

The Accu-Chek Aviva Plus test strip is cleared for patient self-monitoring of blood glucose and can be used with the Accu-Chek Aviva system.

WESTON, Mass. — Biogen Idec has appointed Tony Kingsley as its new EVP global commercial operations.

Kingsley, who will transition to his new role Nov. 7, will oversee development and execution of Biogen Idec's global commercial business strategies. In his current role as SVP U.S. commercial operations, a capacity he has served in since January 2010, he is responsible for all U.S. commercial functions, including marketing, sales, market access, patient services, training and sales operations.

Kingsley will report to Biogen Idec CEO George Scangos.

WASHINGTON — The American Pharmacists Association is marking Pain Awareness Month by encouraging patients to talk with their pharmacists about pain and pain medications they're taking.

According to a recent report by the Institute of Medicine, more than 116 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which costs the country up to $635 billion per year.

PHILADELPHIA — The Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve a vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline, the drug maker said.