New Products

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs made by GlaxoSmithKline for use together in patients with advanced melanoma that can't be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the new approval for Mekinist (trametinib) and Tafinlar (dabrafenib). The agency originally approved the two drugs for use as single agents for the same indication in May 2013.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administraiton has approved a liquid formulation of an HIV drug made by Merck, the company said.

Merck announced the approval of Isentress (raltegravir) for oral suspension, aimed at small children with HIV. The drug may be used by patients as young as four weeks, and the full line of formulations of Isentress now includes the orlal suspension, as well as chewable tablets and film--coated tablets. The company plans to launch the oral suspension in the third quarter of this year.

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. — International Vapor Group has launched a new, refillable electronic cigarette system under its flagship South Beach Smoke brand. IVG designed its new AIR personal vaporizer using a new tank system concept so the product fits in the palm of the user’s hand.

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. — Cascadian Farm will welcome a line of bars made with organic pea protein — a protein source derived entirely from plants — to its robust line of products.

The bars are available nationwide in two flavors, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Honey Roasted Nut, and offer a chewy texture that packs 9 g of protein in each serving.

FORT WORTH, Texas — The clinical development director of Rx.com Pharmacy Benefit Coalition is among the first few dozen pharmacists to receive a specialty pharmacy certification, the company said.

DENVER — Anyone following the Kardashians would know what’s old is new again. Star Kim Kardashian credits her recent 50-lb. post-baby weight loss to the Atkins diet. Consumers have been picking back up on the low-carb craze for a while now. Sales of Atkins Advantage bars are up 23.3% to $122.1 million, and Atkins Advantage shakes are up 19.7% to $97.4 million for the 52 weeks ended Nov. 3, 2013, according to IRI across total U.S. multi-outlets.

NEW YORK — Nivea Kiss of Care & Color combines trusted Nivea moisture benefits with sheer color to deliver beautifully smooth lips. Exclusive Nivea Moisture Core Technology is wrapped in a shell of color to make chapped lips and flaky lip color a thing of the past.   

Available in five different shades, it is formulated with shea butter and pro-vitamin B-5-fortified.

Nivea Kiss of Care & Color will be available for $4.99 nationwide and at select online retailers in January.

LAKE FOREST, Calif. — Bio-Oil, which hails from South Africa, has become a cult skin care product, thanks in large part to one special ingredient — PurCellin oil. The breakthrough ingredient changes the formulation’s overall consistency, making it light and non-greasy. And, with a combination of plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base, Bio-Oil helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone.