HEALTH

OAKLAND, Calif. Metabolic screenings may be beneficial to women prior to conceiving a child, as cardiometabolic risk factors that predict gestational diabetes are present before pregnancy, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study.

The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggested that metabolic screenings could help identify those more likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus, which typically occurs in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. A report by the New England Healthcare Institute that addressed the role of care teams in improving medication adherence among patients has received support from the charitable arm of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

PLEASANTON, Calif. Grocer Safeway has unveiled its new natural personal care line called In-Kind.

The In-Kind line is comprised of lotions, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, facial products and hand soaps. The formulas are free of parabens, sulfates and pesticides, according to the company. Furthermore, the products are made with more than  90% natural ingredients.

BALTIMORE, Md. Lupin Pharmaceuticals received regulatory approval last week for its generic antihypertensive agents, the drug maker said.

Lupin was granted final approval for hydrochlorothiazide-losartan potassium and losartan potassium, the generic versions of Merck's Hyzaar and Cozaar.

Hyzaar and Cozaar had combined annual sales of approximately $1.6 billion in the United States, based on IMS sales data for the 12 months ended in June.

NEW YORK A weight management services provider and a drug maker are teaming up to fight obesity.

NEW YORK Little Busy Bodies has brought to the market Achooz, a saline nose wipe aimed at adults, following its success with its for-kids version Boogie Wipes.

The saline solution is ideal for dissolving dried mucus, the company noted. Pictured here on a clip-strip, Little Busy Bodies’ pathway to success may mirror that of Airborne, as the line of kids and adult nasal wipes was developed by two moms.