New Products

PRINCETON, N.J. — Ranbaxy Labs has launched an authorized generic version of a diabetes drug made by Takeda Pharmaceutical, Ranbaxy said Friday.

Ranbaxy announced the launch, through subsidiary Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals and under an agreement with Takeda, of pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets, an authorized generic version of Takeda's Actos. An authorized generic is a branded drug marketed at a reduced price under its generic name, typically by a third-party company operating under contract with the original branded drug's manufacturer.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Just in time for back to school, It’s Academic has introduced RE:writes dry erase notes — thin, flexible notes that can be applied to nearly any surface and used again and again. Unlike traditional adhesive notes, RE:writes’ patent-pending plastic core doesn’t lose its grip, even when its surface becomes coated with dirt or dust.


RE:writes can be cut to fit any surface. The product is available in a variety of color and size combinations with a suggested retail price of $5.99.

Sport and energy drinks are the hot spots of the beverage category. The sport segment, powered by such low-calorie products as PepsiCo’s Gatorade G2 and Coca-Cola’s Powerade Zero, has continued to register double-digit sales increases.


Energy drinks also continue to deliver double-digit sales jumps fueled by consumers eternally in search of a jump-start. Category leader Red Bull is closely followed by Monster Energy, which is pumping innovative new products into the category.


While SoloHealth is placing advanced healthcare technology in stores, Ford Motor Co. recently announced that it is introducing healthcare technology into cars with IMS Health’s Allergy Alert app, now compatible with Ford SYNC AppLink. The in-dash access to the Allergy Alert app gives drivers a safe way to check the potential for scratchy eyes, sore throats and runny noses while on the go.


PASADENA, Calif. — Playmaker Nutrition recently announced its planned foray into retail outlets in September with a line of supplement products targeting teens and tweens. In addition to launching the line of supplements, Playmaker Nutrition plans to use its Web presence as a springboard to fitness and nutrition tips to help improve athletic performance, adopt a healthier lifestyle and maintain optimum wellness.

Drug Store News recently sat down with Tom Hadfield, CEO of AeroDesigns, to discuss the company’s new delivery system for energy — the AeroShot Energy— and the brand’s inherent point of differentiation.


Drug Store News: What is AeroShot?


The pet category remains strong. The American Pet Products Association expected that consumers will spend $52.87 billion on their pets this year. About $12.56 billion of that will be spent on supplies and over-the-counter products.


Bob Vetere, president of the organization, said the category’s next big area will be health-related products, treats and foods. “We are keeping our pets longer and are looking to keep them healthier right from the beginning,” he said.

With summer officially under way, it comes as little surprise that sales of sun care products rose during the most recent 12 weeks available from SymphonyIRI Group. Product innovation and greater consumer education on how to protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays also helped fuel growth.


According to SymphonyIRI Group, sales of suntan lotions and oils rose more than 2% to $388.67 million during the 12 weeks ended July 8 at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).