New Products

BEVERLY, Mass. — Cellceutix on Wednesday reported that the Food and Drug Administration granted a section 505(b) designation for its Prurisol treatment for psoriasis, which would allow the company to forgo early-stage trials and advance Prurisol into latter-stage clinical trials.

LOS ANGELES — Saban Brands has announced the return of the Popples franchise.

The company said it will reintroduce the brand — which was popular in the 1980s — with the introduction of such merchandise as accessories, plush toys and more by fall 2013. By spring 2014, Saban Brands plans to introduce new Popples characters and expand merchandise to include publishing, stationery, party goods, crafting and more.

BOSTON — Merck on Wednesday released new data from two pivotal Phase III efficacy trials for suvorexant, the investigational medicine Merck is developing for the treatment of insomnia.

Merck expects to file a new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration in 2012. If approved, suvorexant would be the first medicine approved in a new class of medicines, called orexin receptor antagonists, for use in patients with difficulty falling or staying asleep. Merck anticipates that suvorexant will be evaluated by the Controlled Substance Staff of the FDA.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Heineken USA has launched a Mexican dark beer across seven markets in California and Texas.

Indio, which has been brewed and sold in Mexico since 1893, is a 12-oz. bottled dark beer that is known for its malt character and light caramel aroma, the company said. The beer now can be found in 6- and 12-packs at stores across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. — A cookie brand founded by the Prince of Wales is coming to the United States.

Duchy Originals from Waitrose cookies — from the brand founded by HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales — initially will be available through WalkersUS.com and at retail. The lineup includes original oaten biscuits, Highland all butter shortbread, stem ginger all butter shortbread and lemon all butter shortbread. The line traditionally is baked by Walkers Shortbread in the Scottish Highlands.

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Nuk has expanded its portfolio to include two new products.

NEW YORK — The joint venture between Procter & Gamble's Duracell brand and Powermat Technologies is bringing its Duracell Powermat products to major retail outlets in the New York market, along with select online retailers and DuracellPowermat.com.

SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass. — Yankee Candle is embracing the fall season by rolling out new scented candles.

For its Pure Radiance line — which features a sleek, modern design and a custom soy wax blend — Yankee Candle has introduced apple chai and pumpkin scents. The collection is available in three sizes and carries a suggested retail price range from $10.99 to $27.99.