New Products

CHICAGO — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new pocket-sized packet option for a testosterone-replacement therapy made by AbbVie, the drug maker said Friday.

AbbVie announced the approval of the new version of AndroGel (testosterone) 1.62%, available in a packet containing 40.5 mg of testosterone in 2.5 g of gel and a packet with 20.25 mg of testosterone in 1.25 g of gel. The drug is used to raise testosterone levels in men with low or no testosterone, known as hypogonadism, estimated to affect nearly 14 million men in the United States.

SAN FRANCISCO — A new technology will allow standard point-of-sale laser scanners to scan coupons, loyalty cards and gift cards on the Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone without any changes to existing technology.

NEW YORK — Pharmaceutical vending machine maker Medbox has bought a 50% stake in a Michigan-based company that has developed an automated medicine dispensing machine, Medbox said Friday.

The $5.15 million deal with MedVend includes a $300,000 capital infusion and additional loans if needed for operating expenses into a jointly controlled new corporation that will also be called MedVend.

MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills' Green Giant brand is bringing two new product offerings to store shelves, the company announced.

New Green Giant Veggie snack chips will be available in two flavors: Roasted Veggie Tortilla Chips Zesty Cheddar and Multigrain Sweet Potato Chips Sea Salt. The Zesty Cheddar tortilla chips contain 17g of whole grains and the Sweet Potato Chips have 40% less fat than regular potato chips.

SAN DIEGO — Cardium Therapeutics earlier this week announced its To Go Brands operating unit has expanded its VitaRocks kids' vitamins product line and that retail distribution has been expanded into select Target stores.

The VitaRocks products are inspired by a popping pellet candy that is popular with kids and represents a next-generation, easy-use delivery platform for multivitamins and nutrients, dietary supplements, and potentially over-the-counter medicines for children as well as adults, Cardium Therapeutics suggested. 

GREENWICH, Conn. — B’iota Botanicals, a European brand in herbal hair and skin care solutions, is now available in the United States.

The core products for the U.S. launch are B’iota shampoos and [leave-in] serum, which have been clinically tested and shown to reduce hair fallout and thinning by promoting stronger, thicker, fuller hair, the company stated. The products are targeted to women and men who have weak, damaged and thinning hair.

ATLANTA — SoloHealth on Thursday announced it has been selected as one of the Technology Association of Georgia’s Top 10 Innovative Technology Companies. SoloHealth was recognized for its FDA-approved health and wellness kiosk, the SoloHealth Station.

"The Top 10 awards are given to an elite group of companies whose products and solutions are not only changing their respective industries, they also are putting Georgia on the map as a state where technology innovation can thrive," stated Tino Mantella, president & CEO of TAG. 

GLENDALE, Calif. — Just in time for Easter celebrations, Nestlé USA Confections and Snacks has unveiled a handful of new offerings available in retail stores nationwide.

The collection's highlights for spring include: