New Products

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Par Pharmaceutical Cos. has started shipping two formulations of a generic drug for treating migraines, the company said.

Par announced the shipment of rizatriptan benzoate tablets and rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets in the 5-mg and 10-mg strengths. The drug is used to treat acute migraine with or without aura in patients ages 6 years and older.

The drug has sales of about $653 million per year, according to IMS Health.

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched a generic drug for treating baldness, the Indian drug maker said.

Dr. Reddy's announced the launch of finasteride tablets in the 1-mg strength, a generic version of Merck's Propecia. As the first company to successfully file for approval of a generic version of the drug, Dr. Reddy's is entitled to 180 days of market exclusivity in which to compete directly with the branded version.

Propecia had sales of about $136 million during the 12-month period that ended in October 2012, according to IMS Health.

ST. LOUIS — German beer brand, Beck's, part of Anheuser-Busch InBev, is adding a new "gem" to its product line: Beck's Sapphire.

Brewed from German saphir hops, the beverage is a pilsner with 6% alcohol by volume and will be marketed to a high-end demographic, including bars, clubs and restaurants. The beer will also be sold in grocery and liquor stores nationwide available in six- and 12-packs with a sleek, 12-ounce black glass bottle. A-B InBev debuted the beer on New Year's Eve.

NORTH WALES, Pa. — An inhaler for patients with bronchospasm that includes a dose counter has become available from Teva Respiratory, the company said Thursday.

The company, which is the branded respiratory division of Israeli drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, announced the available of ProAir HFA (i.e., albuterol sulfate), for patients aged 4 and older to prevent and treat bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. The inhaler received Food and Drug Administration approval in March 2012.

PEAPACK, N.J. — Pfizer's generics division has launched an authorized generic drug for treating epilepsy.

Greenstone announced the introduction of phenytoin tablets in the 50-mg strength, an authorized generic version of Pfizer's Dilantin Infatabs.

Authorized generics are generic drugs marketed under their generic names at a reduced price, often through third-party companies under contract with the original drug's manufacturer.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for heavy menstrual bleeding made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, the drug maker said Thursday.

Watson announced the approval of tranexamic acid tablets through a subsidiary and plans to ship it immediately. The drug is a generic version of Ferring Pharmaceuticals' Lysteda.

Ferring has filed suit against Watson, alleging that the generic drug infringes two of its patents. Lysteda had sales of about $25 million during the 12-month period that ended in November, according to IMS Health.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Murad has announced the launch of Rapid Collagen Infusion, a multi-tasking formula that is designed to fight wrinkles and loss of resilience by promoting collagen and elastin production while maintaining healthy hydration levels in the skin.

Rapid Collagen Infusion, which is part of the company’s Age Reform line, is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in two hours, according to the company.

AUSTIN, Texas — To meet growing consumer demand for healthier choices, Whole Foods Market is introducing Engine 2 Plant-Strong products, a new line of plant-based, minimally processed snacks, breakfast items and pantry staples. Developed in collaboration with Rip Esselstyn, author and founder of The Engine 2 Diet, the products will be available exclusively at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide beginning January 2013.