HEALTH

Troy Healthcare inks Stopain sponsorship deal with AFL's Philadelphia Soul
HAZELTON, Pa. — Troy Healthcare on Wednesday signed a sponsorship agreement with the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul for the 2013 season.
ThinkThin introduces new Crunch packaging along with new flavor extension
LOS ANGELES — ThinkThin on Tuesday announced its Crunch bars are getting a makeover with a new design and the addition of a coconut chocolate dipped mixed nuts flavor.

“What sets the thinkThin brand apart from competitors is our ingredients,” stated Lizanne Falsetto, CEO ThinkThin. “The new … bar delivers on our promise of providing nourishing, nutritious, great tasting food and our new Crunch packaging is a natural progression of showcasing our brand message in a clear, visually appealing way.”

Max-Wellness plans senior-facility stores

NEW YORK — Max-Wellness will open a prototype, small-format store at an assisted-living facility this spring, CEO Michael Feuer told Drug Store News.

Feuer could not disclose the facility's location, but said it would be "economically high-end." The store will be 500 square feet and located in the lobby, similar to the health and wellness chain's hospital stores, but slightly smaller and more open. A larger rollout of the so-called "satellite stores" is planned for later on.
The Martha Graham Dance Company joins GNC on specialty retailer's 'Respect Yourself' media campaign

NEW YORK — The Martha Graham Dance Company on Tuesday announced that two of its veteran principal dancers, Tadej Brdnik and Katherine Crockett, will be featured on billboards as part of GNC's new brand campaign, "Respect Yourself." Conceived and photographed by Peter Arnell for GNC, the "Respect Yourself" campaign celebrates individuals who live well by leading healthy lifestyles.
Cirrus Healthcare Products launches new line of licensed AquaEars

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. — Cirrus Healthcare Products will celebrate two decades of company success in 2013 with the launch of a new line of AquaEars, the company announced Wednesday. The soft silicone AquaEars ear plugs will now be available in a variety of licensed characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Disney and Hello Kitty.
Carma Laboratories introduces new packaging across entire Carmex line

MILWAUKEE — Carma Laboratories on Tuesday announced fresh packaging across its Carmex lip balm line designed to attract attention with a vibrant yellow and red label.

“Extensive research went into this new look," stated Paul Woelbing, Carma Labs president. "With the expansion of our product line over the years, the new packaging helps customers easily identify our products and the specific skin care solution that they are seeking."
GNC marks mass retail for nationwide distribution of its 'Marked' portfolio

PITTSBURGH — GNC is ramping up its reach beyond its 6,100 retail outlets, Joe Fortunato, the company's chairman, president and CEO, told analysts last week. The company's relationship with Sam's Club, which incorporated a branded shelf in July, is expanding; new products are being introduced to PetSmart, suggesting potential growth in pet supplements; and GNC's Marked line, co-developed with action movie star Mark Wahlberg, has been launched through Rite Aid and Walgreens.
Study finds dramatic improvement in blood-sugar control among diabetes patients

NEW YORK — Control of A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol among patients with diabetes has improved markedly, but more room for improvement remains, according to a new study.
CDC: Flu activity drops to 3.2%, still above national baseline of 2.2%

ATLANTA — For the week ended Feb. 9, influenza activity decreased to 3.2% — still above the baseline of 2.2%, but an indicator this year's flu season is on its way out.

Eleven states and New York City were still experiencing high influenza-like illness activity, while 10 states reported moderate activity.
Sergeant's launches generic version of Frontline spray

OMAHA, Neb. — Sergeant's Pet Care Products has launched a generic version of a commonly used spray for killing fleas and ticks in dogs and cats, the company said Tuesday.

Sergeant's announced the launch of Pronyl, a version of Sanofi's Frontline. Pronyl uses the same active ingredient, Fipronil, but also uses what the company calls Bag-on-Valve technology that allows a continuous and quiet spray from any angle.