New Products

While the term homeopathy may remain as foreign to the American consumer as allopathy, as a relative “class” within each of the respective categories where homeopathic remedies exist, more and more shoppers are placing those homeopathic products in their baskets.

MINNEAPOLIS — Novelty gift company 30 Watt introduced its latest prank gift for the outlet-challenged. Billed as a “solution” for hard-to-reach electrical devices, Connect-A-Cord is actually 50 1-ft. sections of extension cord.


The gag gift’s packaging boasts that it “comes with an optional contractor case for tangle-free storage,” but when the recipient opens up the Prank Pack, they will discover the bright yellow flaps inside reading “Prank You!” 


NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite’s recent launch of its Voots Veggie-Fruit Tarts may once and for all put to rest the dinner-table drama of enticing a young child to “eat their veggies.” Voots is a chewable supplement packed with a blend of 11 real fruits and vegetables. What’s more, Mom can pack that veggie-punch into her child’s lunchbox with the Voots single-serve packets. It’s a differentiated product launch in a still-growing category. Sales of vitamins are up 8.3%, to $9.1 billion, for the 52 weeks ended Sept. 29, according 
to Nielsen.

FERNDALE, Mich. — Ferndale Healthcare is looking to help beauty mavens banish blemishes — and shine — with its OC8 Adult Acne Treatment Gel, which hit the market this fall.


Handheld frozen foods have grown quickly in the last two years, and Mintel expects growth to continue. U.S. retail sales are expected to top $3.8 billion 
by 2016.


LANCASTER, S.C. — Nutramax Laboratories on Wednesday announced the nationwide launch of Cosequin for Dogs into Walmart stores. Cosequin is formulated to support, nourish and maintain the health of canine joints and cartilage. Included in the product launch is Dermaquin Plus, an omega-3 fish oil supplement for dogs supporting skin and coat health plus overall wellness.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug from Perrigo and Cobrek Pharmaceuticals for treating scalp conditions.

Perrigo said that Cobrek, with which it is partnering, had received approval for betamethasone validate foam in the 0.12% strength. The drug is a generic version of Luxiq foam, made by GlaxoSmithKline subsidiary Stiefel Labs, and is used to treat corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions of the scalp, also known as scalp psoriasis.

The branded version of the drug has annual sales of about $40 million, according to Perrigo.

SAN DIEGO — Regional life sciences association Biocom has introduced a new eco-friendly alternative to sanitary napkins and tampons. Enter FemmyCycle, a product from member FemCap.

The FemmyCycle was granted clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Nov. 16. FemmyCycle creator Alfred Shihata is familiar with developing feminine products. His FDA-approved FemCap is one of the few hormone-free, woman-controlled contraceptive methods available.