HEALTH

CHICAGO — IRI on Tuesday announced that it has formed a business agreement with Intage, a marketing research company in Japan.

Under this agreement, IRI clients gain access to Japanese retail point-of-sale data via the IRI Global Executive Market Reviews service. In turn, Intage is able to provide CPG and retail information and insights to their clients from all markets IRI serves worldwide.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued a safety communication on HeartStart automated external defibrillators from Philips Healthcare, noting that certain HeartStart AED devices may be unable to deliver needed defibrillator shock in a cardiac emergency situation.

The safety communication includes recommendations to better inspect and monitor the readiness of these devices, as well as steps to follow if someone must use a recalled device in an emergency situation.

NEW YORK — Crossix Solutions on Tuesday introduced its latest analytics innovation, Crossix POC Impact, which enables marketers to go beyond prescriber data and capture patient impact for a true representation of campaign effectiveness for the point-of-care marketing channel.

WASHINGTON — Elderly and disabled people nationwide have saved almost $9 billion on prescription drugs thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to a new study by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

LONDON — Infirst Healthcare earlier this month secured the rights to market Dr. Cocoa, an award-winning cocoa-flavored pediatric cough remedy.

“Many cough treatments have deficiencies in their efficacy, safety and compliance profiles and Infirst Healthcare is committed to finding solutions that address these issues," Manfred Scheske, Infirst CEO said. "Introducing compliance optimized pediatric products that taste better to children is a step in this direction. We are excited about the start of our U.S. operations in the pediatric OTC market.

NEWARK, N.J. — Inergetics and the Podiatree Co. on Tuesday launched Intrinsix, a podiatry-exclusive nerve health support supplement enriched with calcium and vitamin D.

Developed alongside pharmacist, Robert Graci, Inergetics has created a unique formula to support healthy nerve function and specifically help diabetic patients who experience nerve-related symptoms in their extremities, which include tingling, pain, burning and loss of sensation, the company stated. 

LAKE FOREST, Calif. — Innovative BioDefense, manufacturer of the Zylast line of broad-spectrum, persistent antimicrobial products, on Tuesday announced an exclusive relationship with Australian-based Picketts Health to provide a modification of their proprietary lotion and antiseptic sanitizer for use in Picketts Health’s patented Orbel hand sanitizer applicator.  

I can hardly believe that I will once again have the distinct honor of facilitating a discussion with an impressive panel of industry leaders from both the retail and supplier side in this, my tenth appearance as moderator of Drug Store News’ Annual Diabetes Forum.