HEALTH

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare strongly supported efforts to inform smokers of the impact tobacco use has on the body, as well as effective ways to quit, during a congressional briefing Friday that was sponsored by Reps. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., and Tim Murphy, R-Pa.

The briefing, entitled "Understanding Smoking Addiction and How to Accelerate Quitting," addressed how to improve the nation's policies and programs to help smokers become tobacco free.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Daiichi Sankyo and NGM Biopharmaceuticals said they signed a research and licensing agreement to develop treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The drugs would work by reviving beta cells, the decline of which contributes to the disease.

DERRY, N.H. — MegaFood announced its launch of a collection of certified vegan dietary supplements that's designed to address the unique nutritional needs of someone following a plant-based diet.

The line, which includes Vegan Daily, Vegan-Ease, Vegan B12 and Vegan Protect, was certified as animal-free by The Vegan Society and also was recognized at Natural Products Expo West as one of this year's best new lines of dietary supplements.

NEW YORK — A commonly prescribed diabetes drug also may have the capability of protecting the heart, according to a Swedish study.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The U.S. over-the-counter drug market saw strong growth in 2011, thanks to switches of prescription drugs to OTC, gains in the allergy relief products category and holistic marketing, according to a new report from Kline.

According to the international consulting and research firm's Nonprescription Drugs USA 2011 report, at the manufacturers' level, the U.S. OTC drug market posted a gain of 2.4%, reaching $21.4 billion in 2011.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — In line with the 24th annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association debuted its new and improved diabetes risk test.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant-Carlisle will work with the Drug Enforcement Administration to sponsor several medication take-back events next month, the company said.

The chain, owned by Netherlands-based Royal Ahold and officially known as Giant Food Stores, will work with the DEA and local law enforcement agencies as part of the national drug take-back initiative on April 28, collecting unwanted medications at several of its stores.

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Nordic Naturals on Wednesday launched Nordic GLA, a vegetarian borage oil made exclusively from non-GMO cold-pressed borage seed grown in New Zealand. Gamma linolenic acid is a beneficial omega-6 fatty acid that occurs naturally in plants.

The product, available in 4 fl. oz., provides 480 mg of GLA per serving and supports radiant skin, hormonal balance, joint function and optimal body fat metabolism. In addition to being 100% vegetarian, Nordic GLA contains no gluten, milk derivatives or artificial colors and is flavor free.