HEALTH

Upper respiratory, cold, allergy and sinus category sees ‘impressive’ growth
The upper respiratory, cold-allergy-sinus liquids and tablets segments combined saw a 4% growth in sales across multi-outlets for the last 12 months compared with the previous year, with growth in drug and food channels for both UR segments. Impressive growth of 7% from cold-allergy-sinus liquids in the drug channel was driven by manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser with 16% growth year over year (Figure 1).
Lewis hones broad product strategy
How does Lewis Drug thrive in a crowded and super-competitive marketplace? The company’s success formula is no big secret, said Bob Meyer, SVP of merchandise and marketing, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to replicate. “[We try] to find niches in the marketplace where we feel we can do better than our competition,” Meyer explained.

More consumers choosing smartwatch over activity trackers, NPD Group says

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. – With the introduction of new devices, new features and updates to hardware and operating systems alike, 2017 has brought a number of changes to the smartwatch market.

As of June 2017, nearly 9% of U.S. consumers aged 18 and over owned a smartwatch, up almost 1.5 percentage points from the six months prior.
Click-and-collect emerges as high-growth op for non-food, GMDC says

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Click-and-collect is emerging as a high-growth channel opportuntiy for non-food manufacturers, Global Market Development Center noted in its latest next practice report "Connecting with Click-and-Collect: Strategic Upside for Non-Categories."
Entia Biosciences launches supplement supporting kidney health

PORTLAND, Ore. — Entia Biosciences on Monday announced the launch of Ergo4Health/Kidney, a new nutritional supplement intended for individuals who are concerned about kidney health. The product comes in easy-to-swallow 500 mg capsules.
Amazon reduces delivery to two minutes through Instant Pickup

SEATTLE — Amazon has finally reduced the last mile equation to a matter of minutes with its Instant Pickup, a free service offering Prime and Prime Student members a curated selection of daily essentials available for pickup in two minutes or less at five of Amazon’s fully staffed pickup locations in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Berkeley, Calif., Columbus, Ohio and College Park, Md.
Acura completes Nexafed transition to MainPointe with new formulation on horizon

PALATINE, Ill. — Acura Pharmaceuticals on Monday reported the completed transition of Nexafed and Nexafed Sinus to MainPointe Pharmaceuticals as that company commences selling activities with a new formulation coming to market soon.
Kline: Rx-to-OTC switch becoming more selective

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Companies are being more selective in the Rx-to-OTC switches they pursue, Kline & Company reported in its latest research, the 13th study in its syndicated series, "Rx-to-OTC Switch Forecasts USA: Next Frontier."
CRN's Steve Mister welcomes new members
CVS Health, Cigna unveil Cigna Health Works collaboration

BLOOMFIELD, Conn. and WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health and Cigna on Thursday announced a new collaboration aimed at revamping the experience of patients on Cigna employer-sponsored health plans. Cigna Health Works will align Cigna-administered health benefits with CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic services to create a personalized health-and-wellness program for Cigna-covered patients in select markets, the companies said.