New Products

NEW YORK — Danish pharmaceutical group Alk Abello, in association with Merck, expects to start selling its new dust mite allergy tablet in the United States in 2017, according to a Reuters report published Thursday. 

House dust mite-allergy is associated with allergic asthma and affects more than 30 million Americans.

MUMBAI and BALTIMORE — Pharma Major Lupin announced that Lupin Pharmaceuticals, its U.S. subsidiary, has launched niacin extended-release tablets USP in 500-mg, 750-mg and 1,000-mg strengths.

The drug is the generic version of AbbVie’s Niaspan tablets. It's used to reduce elevated TC, LDL-C, Apo B and TG levels, and to increase HDL-C in patients with primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia, the company said.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble on Thursday announced that its brand Febreze has partnered with the Weather Channel’s newest anchor Sam Champion, host of “America’s Morning Headquarters with Sam Champion,” to educate consumers on the connection between the outdoor pollen count and allergens found in the home.

ST. LOUIS — Johnny Appleseed, a new brand from Anheuser-Busch, announced that its Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider will debut on store shelves beginning April 7. More than 750 consumers from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom help to co-design the brand — from taste profile to packaging, the company said.

WILMINGTON, Del. — AstraZeneca on Wednesday launched Nexium Direct, a program that provides eligible patients the option of having brand-name Nexium delivered directly to their home. Nexium Direct is part of AstraZeneca Direct, a web-based offering that delivers select brand name prescription medications from AstraZeneca. The medications are dispensed by a team of registered pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians available through a collaboration with Eagle Pharmacy.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of Impavido (miltefosine) to treat a tropical disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania, a parasite transmitted to humans through sand fly bites. It's the first FDA-approved drug to treat cutaneous or mucosal leishmaniasis.

STAMFORD, Conn. — Purdue Pharma recently announced that a Phase 3 study of an investigational extended‐release formulation of hydrocodone bitartrate met its primary efficacy endpoint by showing that patients with chronic low back pain treated with the once‐daily analgesic agent experienced statistically significant reduction in pain compared with placebo. 

ATLANTA — Sprite, a beverage from Coca-Cola Co., has created a new flavor with the help of NBA star LeBron James. The limited-edition Sprite 6 Mix combines the traditional taste of Sprite with a splash of cherry and orange flavor. The beverage, as well as the packaging graphics and product name, were co-developed to reflect James' style and taste preferences.