HEALTH

EMERYVILLE, Calif. Clif Bar on Thursday announced the introduction of a revamped Clif Shot energy gel, a line of all-natural and organic energy gels with a formula that emphasizes effectiveness, taste and consistency in easy-to-use packaging.

WASHINGTON This year’s elections may prove to be a boon to the business of dietary supplements and other natural alternatives, according to John Gay, Natural Products Association executive director and CEO. “This was the most remarkable election in my 25 years in Washington,” he said, “and the effects will be felt almost immediately.”

For example, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., who must now step down as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is seen as a potential positive for the industry, Gay said.

DANBURY, Conn. The Food and Drug Administration has turned down an application for an insulin product made by Biodel, Biodel said.

The drug maker announced that it received a complete response letter from the FDA for Linjeta (human insulin [rDNA origin]) for the treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. ResVez on Tuesday announced its sponsorship of the Tasty Awards — a broadcast awards show recognizing the year's best achievements in food and fashion programs on TV, in film and online — making its WineTime bar the “official gourmet nutrition bar.”

CLEVELAND The CEO of drug maker Eli Lilly has called for a “wave of invention” to combat diabetes.

Speaking at the Cleveland Clinic Medical Innovation Summit, John Lechleiter said breakthroughs against the disease are needed as urgently today as a century ago, noting that the disease could create a “health and economic time bomb,” as 1-in-3 Americans are forecasted to have the disease by 2050.

MONTREAL A study presented last month before the European Respiratory Society Annual Congress determined that the branded probiotic ProbioKid reduced infectious events in children by 25% during the winter period, as compared with a placebo. The study was conducted during the winter of 2006-2007 and involved 135 healthy, school-aged children who had suffered from at least three episodes of ear-nose-throat, bronchopulmonary or gastric disorder during the course of the previous winter.