HEALTH

Ascensia fosters product innovation through new Ascensia Diabetes Challenge
LISBON, Portugal — Ascensia Diabetes Care on Wednesday announced the launch of the Ascensia Diabetes Challenge, a global innovation competition that is seeking innovative digital solutions to support diabetes management and improve the lives of those living with type 2 diabetes.
HRG relocates nausea & motion sickness to digestive set for better traction
WAUKESHA, Wis.— Hamacher Resource Group on Tuesday announced the completion of its semiannual update to its taxonomy system for health, beauty and wellness, home health care and general merchandise products with notable adjustments to reflect industry changes.

The September 2017 Fine Lines updates include the move of motion sickness and vertigo products from Pain Relief to a new subcategory “nausea and motion sickness” in Digestive Health.

Halen Brands debuts OWYN line of plant-based protein products

NEW YORK — Debuting at Expo East 2017, Halen Brands launches its OWYN (Only What You Need) plant-based protein platform, meeting the needs of the approximately 15 million Americans who live with food allergies. Created for people seeking ultra-clean products, OWYN launched a line of RTD shakes wellness poweders.

Developed by former professional athletes, Jeff Mroz and Kathryn Moos, OWYN's products contain 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving,, sourced from pea, pumpkin and flax.
Even with cooler nights ahead, sleep aids are still a hot category

NEW YORK — The dog days of summer are behind us, which means cooler nights, better sleeping conditions and a dip in the sale of sleeping aids. Right?

Wrong.

“[Sleep] is going to continue to be a growth business, with two drivers,” said Jim Creagan, president of Randob Labs. “One is the older population. As people age, they have more difficulty sleeping. [And] then you have the proliferation of the smartphone. … People are turning to sleep remedies because they have trouble falling asleep.”
Reliefband gains distribution through ABC, Good Neighbor Pharmacy

HORSHAM, Pa. — Reliefband, a wearable, drug-free solution for nausea, on Tuesday announced a distribution partnership with AmerisourceBergen.

“Today’s healthcare environment necessitates a partner that has the size, reach and scale to deliver a product to patients at the right time,” stated Nick Spring, CEO of Reliefband Technologies. “This new relationship will significantly strengthen and grow our business, increasing our ability to provide innovative solutions to our customers.”
NuGo Nutrition launches line of protein cookies

OAKMONT, Pa. — NuGo Nutrition is expanding its line of products by launching NuGo Protein Cookies, a gluten-free, vegan pea protein cookie.

"We're proud to have made a deliciously baked cookie satisfying the consumer demand for plant-based protein products that cater to many lifestyles," stated David Levine, NuGo CEO. "Consumers who eat gluten-free and vegan can now enjoy the classic cookie flavors they crave, while getting the protein and fiber they need."
Nature's Answer launches #Road2WellnessTour in support of American Cancer Society

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. — Nature's Answer on Tuesday formed the Nature's Answer Foundation, and in partnership with the American Cancer Society, will launch its first annual #Road2WellnessTour.
Retail options already available following signing of OTC hearing aid legislation

NEW YORK — It’s done. A hearing aid category specific to the over-the-counter arena was signed into law in August; all that remains to be created is the regulatory framework. Even though that may take time, there are two reasons to be optimistic that a hearing aid category will be in pharmacies sooner than later.
Report: Amazon expansion into Rx will drive incremental growth across OTC
'Sportification' of non-athletes behind recent protein trend, SPINS says

CHICAGO — More Americans are contributing to the protein trend, according to a recent SPINSights report on protein, with as many as 66% of Americans looking to consume "as much protein as possible" in 2016. That has helped feed growth across several protein segments, including liquid protein and meal replacements, which are up 6.1% to $2.5 billion for the 52 weeks ended July 16, SPINS noted. Sales of powder proteins across conventional multi-outlets were up 2.8% to $851.9 million and perofrmance bar sales were up 2.7% to $311.6 million.