HEALTH

SILVER SPRINGS, Md. – Federal regulators are lifting some restrictions on a diabetes drug that were placed two years ago after studies linked the drug to increased cardiovascular risk.

MADISON, N.J. — Pfizer on Monday launched Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough + Congestion DM, a new liquid-filled capsule that helps control cough on-the-go. "This formulation not only harnesses the power of Maximum Strength Robitussin cough liquid, but is a convenient option for those hitting the road or boarding a plane this holiday season," the company stated.

The company noted that whether traveling cross country or staying close to home, families can track when cough activity spikes in their local area via the Robitussin COUGHCAST tool. 

MEAD, Wash. — Movit Energy Gummies recently launched its signature product targeting active sports enthusiasts with an energy product in gummy format. 

Movit comes in a snack-size packet typically containing 11 gummies, which altogether contain 60 calories, in one of two flavors — citrus or berry. The proprietary formula includes such ingredients as Brazilian guarana, co-enzyme Q10, D-ribose, vitamin C, taurine, protein and a full complement of B vitamins.

The energy formula meets high school and NCAA guidelines, the company stated.

The November/December 2013 Cough, Cold and Flu Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Robitussin Maximum Strength, NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu, Theraflu Warming Caplets, Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu, Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe, Hyland's Defend Severe Cold & Flu, Similasan Mucus Relief and Splintek Night Guard.

CHICAGO — Across five different product or service attributes analyzed (i.e., price, service agreement, selection, feature or quality) in a Nielsen Global Survey of Loyalty Sentiment, "offering the best price" held the most persuasive power to motivate consumers to swap devotion to a brand, service provider or retailer, Nielsen reported on Monday. 

MELBOURNE, Australia — PGT Healthcare, the international joint venture between Procter & Gamble and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, earlier this week announced a collaboration with Swisse Wellness, a leading wellness brand in Australia, to begin expanding Swisse Wellness' range of more than 100 vitamins, minerals and supplements globally over the next few years.

Swisse Wellness products are currently available in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The collaboration with PGT Healthcare encompasses all new markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

MADISON, Tenn. — Vireo Systems on Thursday launched CanineActiv, a pain reliever for dogs that will serve as an alternative to NSAIDs. "We have had outstanding success with NSAID alternatives for people, and we knew that many of our discoveries and innovations could be extended to dogs," Mark Faulkner, Vireo Systems president said. "With CanineActiv, consumers can expect the same level of safe and effective pain relief for their dogs as they've come to expect for themselves from AminoActiv."

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Global Market Development Center and The National Grocers Association on Thursday announced the GMDC Showcase at the 2014 NGA Show, to be held February 9-12, 2014 at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. For the first time, GMDC in partnership with their supplier and wholesale members will bring a 3,000 square foot pavilion of general merchandise, health, wellness, and beauty care products, merchandising concepts and promotions to the 2014 NGA Show.