HEALTH

ATLANTA — For the week ended Feb. 2, influenza activity remained elevated in the United States but decreased in most areas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday. According to CDC's activity level map, it appears most incidence is concentrated across the central United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. 

MONMOUTH BEACH, N.J. — A new switch paradigm could open the door to $35.7 billion in OTC opportunity, according to a new report recently released by Francesco International. 

PHILADELPHIA — While much of the attention to diabetes has focused on the dramatic rise of Type 2 diabetes among adults and children alike, a new study by a researcher in Philadelphia has found a spike in Type 1 diabetes among children as well.

A new report by Francesco International identified $35.7 billion worth of potential Rx-to-OTC switches in a wide range of indications, from hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder to high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction, and the Food and Drug Administration has been looking at ways technology and pharmacists could be employed to ensure that patients taking drugs new to the consumer health space take them appropriately

ATLANTA - Smoking among adults with mental illnesses is 70% higher than among those without them, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ROSWELL, Ga. — Kimberly-Clark on Friday announced its continued increase in production of face masks and other personal protective equipment products in response to increased customer demand from acute care facilities across the country.

PITTSBURGH — GlaxoSmithKline has promoted Pam Prisk to director of corporate development for GSK Consumer Healthcare North America, effective immediately.  

SILVER SPRING, Md. - The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic diabetes drug made by Macleods Pharma, according to agency records.

The FDA approved Macleods' pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets in the 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg strengths.

The drug is a generic version of Takeda's Actos, branded and generic versions of which had sales of about $2.7 billion during the 12-month period that ended in August 2012, according to IMS Health.