HEALTH

JERUSALEM — A drug under development by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries appears safe and effective in treating allergies, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial released Monday.

Teva said a 529-patient phase-3 trial of Qnasl (beclomethasone dipropionate) nasal aerosol showed the drug produced a "significant" improvement in patients with seasonal and perennial allergies. Patients received either 320 mcg of Qnasl or a placebo.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare North America on Monday launched Tums Freshers, a new tablet-size version of Tums that is 40% smaller than regular Tums and includes a cooling flavor for breath freshening.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Hisamitsu America on Monday launched three new topical analgesic solutions, the company stated.

LAS VEGAS — Walgreens last week outlined how the company's research has demonstrated the ability of face-to-face pharmacy and Take Care Clinic programs to drive better health outcomes at the IMS Managed Markets Services/Data Niche Conference held here.

Some of the savings advantages inherent in the offerings provided by Walgreens include:

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association has renewed two of its pharmacy niche programs.

SAN FRANCISCO — Thomas Blischok on Friday joined the global management consulting firm Booz & Co.

"Thom Blischok is a recognized expert in the grocery, drug, convenience store and mass retailing space, and we couldn't be more pleased to have him on our team," stated Les Moeller, senior partner at Booz & Co. "His experience in designing, developing and implementing organizational, operational, and technology strategies and capabilities for global retailers complement and expand our strong offerings in these markets."

TORONTO — Patients in Canada increasingly are tapping into the healthcare knowledge, expertise and services available at their local pharmacy, with many of them talking to their pharmacist about one or more healthcare issues other than filling a prescription, according to the findings of a new Nielsen survey commissioned by the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores.

STAMFORD, Conn. — Purdue Products on Monday kicked off the Colace Comfort Sweepstakes, a three-month national sweepstakes promotion in which anyone ages 18 years or older can enter to win an array of "comforting" prizes, such as Tempur-Pedic mattresses, Apple iPads, Kindle Fires and Keurig coffee makers.