HEALTH

CHICAGO and ORLANDO, Fla. — Prescription and over-the-counter products are often the first remedy consumers turn to when seeking relief from such conditions as allergies and heartburn, according to IRI. In its latest report, "Best Practices for Rx-to-OTC Product Launches," the company offers some tactics to help drive success for companies looking to execute the category switch.

SOLNA, Sweden — Aerocrine AB, a medical products company focused on improved management and care of patients with such inflammatory airway diseases as asthma, has announced that a new randomized clinical trial shows lower incidence of asthma exacerbations and increased asthma control with Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)-guided anti-inflammatory treatment.  

The study has been published on theweb site of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.

Overall, the OTC sector in 2013 realized $40.2 billion in sales, according to data culled from OTC categories tracked by IRI. That’s up from the $38.3 billion that DSN reported last year. The 2013 sales numbers reflect a strong 2012-2013 cough-cold season and the relaunch of Tylenol, Excedrin and Motrin.

SLOUGH, England — Reckitt Benckiser announced that it would acquire global rights to personal lubricant brand K-Y from Johnson & Johnson. The transaction is expected to close mid-2014.

K-Y started as a prescription medical device in 1917 before switching to the OTC category in 1980. K-Y will join Reckitt Benckiser brand Durex in the sexual wellness category.

ISELIN, N.J. — Ansell, the makers of LifeStyles Condoms, announced the launch of Epic, a new sexual enhancement product for males.

Epic is a quick-drying topical spray that delays ejaculation by reducing the sensitivity of the penis. The spray features DermaSys technology, a patented transdermal delivery system which optimizes topical delivery through a highly effective absorption process. It also contains Lidocaine, a mild anesthetic that begins working almost immediately after application.

Two Rx-to-OTC switches in the past year may serve as a harbinger of what the Food and Drug Administration will consider “switch” worthy. They both address chronic care needs, and they both represent first of their kind medicines to the nonprescription aisle.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems on Friday unveiled its new Game Changer/Life Changer marketing campaign at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif. The campaign features women leaders who are making impacts in community health. In addition, each of the Game Changers will receive a donation to their cause through Rainbow Light's newly announced corporate social responsibility program, Circle of Care.