HEALTH

DSN taps global markets expert as contributor
Drug Store News is pleased to announce that Ed Rowland, founder and principal of Rowland Global, has been named a contributing editor focusing on global trends and issues and their impact on the U.S. OTC business. Rowland provided DSN a successful series of blogs in 2016 discussing the “Rules of the Road” for U.S. brand owners contemplating entry into some of the most important global markets.
NPA hosts 20th Annual Natural Products Day to promote VMS industry to Congress
WASHINGTON — The Natural Products Association last week hosted its members from across the nation for its 20th Annual Natural Products Day in the nation's capital. NPD attendees, which included retailers, suppliers, distributors and other industry consultant members, met with more than 100 members of Congress and staff to educate them on the industry’s issues and natural products’ roles in preventive health care and overall wellness.

Mylan closes deal on Cold-Eeze acquisition

PITTSBURGH — Mylan on Wednesday announced the successful acquisition of the global rights to the Cold-Eeze brand cold remedy line from ProPhase Labs.

"The completion of this transaction is an important step as we continue to expand our consumer healthcare offerings," stated Heather Bresch, CEO Mylan. "Cold-Eeze is now Mylan's largest U.S. consumer healthcare brand and is part of a growing portfolio of over-the-counter products in the U.S."
Alliance of PL manufacturers and retail partners establish VMS production standards

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Global Retailer and Manufacturer Alliance, an organization of private label manufacturers and retailers, on Wednesday announced it will be publishing the first ANSI-approved standards for the production of dietary supplements this spring, with additional standards for beauty products, OTC medicines and medical devices to come this fall.

“We’ve had tremendous participation from store brand retailers, manufacturers, trade associations and certification bodies,” said Casey Coy, interim manager of the GRMA.
Odor-Eaters sniffs out brand awareness in New York with stinky sneaker contest

NEW YORK — This year seven participants from across the country worked hard to stink up their shoes for a chance to win the national title at the Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest held at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Times Square. The regional winners admitted to wearing no socks, stepping in slop of all sources and even claimed it was just their “sweet girly essence,” but only one pair of sneakers out-stunk them all and they belonged to 12-year old, Connor, from Eagle River, Alaska.
J&J QuickFire Challenge fosters innovation to improve use of medications
Blue Shield investment accelerates higi strategy

CHICAGO — Higi on Wednesday announced an investment from BlueCross BlueShield Venture Partners and the acquisition of EveryMove, a cloud-based engagement application. The new investment and acquisition accelerates higi's strategy to create expand its reach in managing consumer health through the collection and workflow integration of ambient health and lifestyle data.
Qualitas Health introduces H-E-B exclusive omega-3 supplement line

HOUSTON — Qualitas Health on Tuesday launched its alGeepa omega-3 supplement line exclusively at H-E-B.
It's all in how you ask; a little 'nudge' increases flu shots by 37%

PHILADELPHIA — A study released Monday suggests that a simple behavioral economics technique known as "active choice" may be able to improve flu vaccination rates. In the study, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania programmed electronic health records to alert care providers when a patient was eligible, and prompt them to choose to "accept" or "decline" a flu vaccination order.
Quantum Health debuts package design refresh

EUGENE, Ore. — Quantum Health recently unveiled a refreshed look for its line of natural products, which range from lozenges to supplements. In redesigning its packaging, the company looked to its consumers for their opinion, settling on a look that consumers say is more natural and better display the products’ quality.