HEALTH

MUNDELEIN, Ill. — Following last week's news that the influenza season has gotten off to an early start, Medline issued a release recommending the company's BioMask facemask as adequate protection against contracting the flu.

SOLNA, Sweden — Meda announced Friday that it has signed an agreement to acquire MidNite, an OTC sleep-aid product. MidNite is well established in the U.S. and holds a market leading position within a growing category. Transaction terms were not disclosed.

“This acquisition enhances our presence in the U.S. ahead of other future OTC launches," stated Anders Lönner, CEO of Meda. 

Annualized revenues for MidNite are approximately $15 million, the company reported. 

BOSTON — Being mildly vitamin B-12 deficient could be an indication that some older adults are at a greater risk for accelerated cognitive decline, according to an observational study from researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University released Wednesday.

SALT LAKE CITY — Play Beverages on Friday announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah has ruled in its favor and vacated its bankruptcy, freeing it to take legal actions to protect the product license granted for its Playboy Energy Drink.

The judge’s ruling takes Play Beverages out of an involuntary bankruptcy, enabling it to continue its action in state courts against Playboy Enterprises and others to protect its license to produce and sell Playboy Energy Drink.

ARLINGTON, Va. — More than half (55%) of U.S. online consumers used a fitness technology in the past year, and more than one-third (37%) anticipate purchasing fitness technology in the next 12 months, according to new research by the Consumer Electronics Association. "Getting Connected with Emerging Fitness Technologies" shows the number of consumers who used a fitness technology in the past year increased 8% from 2010. Results from the study were released Wednesday at the mHealth Summit.

VALENCIA, Calif. — Trigg Laboratories on Thursday announced they will help Sonny and Sharie Knight, owners of the Hillbilly Hot Dogs restaurant in West Virginia, celebrate 13 years of wedlock on Dec. 12. 

Featuring their brand Wet Personal Lubricants, Trigg Laboratories competed with many other candidates to host the 30th vow renewal for the couple. "Trigg Laboratories is so excited to host Sonny and Sharie as they renew their vow to love each other," stated Jennifer Martsolf, VP marketing at Trigg Laboratories. 

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The consumer health division of GlaxoSmithKline has enlisted an Olympic gold medalist to educate the public about cold sores and promote its OTC cold sore treatment.

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Humidity may be the common denominator to help explain why flu viruses are most prevalent during the winter months in temperate climates like the United States, and most prevalent during the rainy season in many tropical regions close to the equator, according to a study released Tuesday by Virginia Tech researchers.