News Briefs

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, an early commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing meaningful innovations in immuno-dermatology, is introducing Zoryve (roflumilast) cream 0.3% for topical use for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in people aged 12 and older.

As the first and only topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, the medication clears plaques and reduces itch rapidly in all affected areas of the body, including intertriginous areas (areas of skin-to-skin contact).

“We are excited to make Zoryve, our first commercial product, available as an innovative topical therapy to individuals in the United States who are currently living with plaque psoriasis. Zoryve is the only topical treatment option to date that was specifically studied and demonstrated efficacy in treating intertriginous plaque psoriasis, as well as on all other areas of the body, including hard-to-treat areas like knees and elbows,” said Ken Lock, chief commercial officer of Arcutis. “The availability of Zoryve so quickly following approval is a reflection of the strength of Arcutis’ manufacturing and commercial operations.”

“At Arcutis, we strongly believe that meaningful innovation must extend beyond product development, and include a commitment to ensuring our products are accessible to the individuals who need them," said Frank Watanabe, president and CEO of Arcutis. "With this in mind, we are executing a responsible pricing and go-to-market strategy for Zoryve as yet another way to deliver innovative solutions for those living with plaque psoriasis.”

Zoryve is now available via Zoryve Direct pharmacies and will be available for ordering at pharmacies nationwide no later than Aug. 15.

Re+Play, the performance-based wellness and recovery line of Harrington Wellness, has formed a multi-year partnership with The National Basketball Players Association, or NBPA, and will sell its recovery-promoting products at Amazon and Walmart.

The multi-year product development plan brings products to the masses, including topicals, kinesiology tape and massage guns, among other naturally infused pain products.

“Re+Play’s partnership with the NBPA will provide consumers with a wealth of trusted, technology-driven products to help them recover like a pro,” said Al Harrington, CEO of Harrington Wellness and former NBPA member.

“As we move into the next phase of the Re+Play brand with our strategic partners at Amazon, the NBPA and Walmart, we are excited to once again reimagine how we help athletes of all levels recover from pain with CBD and other innovative technology,” he said.

The first product release from this new union is a line of recovery creams developed in partnership with Avicanna, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of plant-derived, cannabinoid-based products.

“It was important that we developed a product that was clearly evidence-based and targeted at improving muscle recovery,” said Sanford Kunkel, chief medical officer at Harrington Wellness and Re+Play. “Through our partnership with Avicanna, we were able to develop our line at its R&D headquarters in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center, JLABS, giving us a significant competitive product advantage.’’

This new Re+Play product can be purchased at replayrecovery.com and will soon be available through the Replay Recovery Store on Amazon.com and Walmart.com.

Michele Belcher, president of the National Community Pharmacists Association and owner of Grants Pass Pharmacy in Grants Pass, Ore., recently joined Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure at River Road Health Mart Pharmacy in Eugene.

Also present was Brian Marr, owner of River Road Health Mart Pharmacy; Roberto Linares, part-time pharmacist from Rice’s Pharmacy in Corvallis and full-time instructor at the College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University; and John and Ann Murray, owners of Murray Drug, which has locations in Heppner, Condon and Boardman.

The group discussed efforts to combat high prescription drug prices, protecting small business independent pharmacies and preserving access for the patients they serve.

[Read more: NCPA, 207 stakeholders support bipartisan Senate bill empowering FTC action against PBMs]

Belcher said that NCPA is grateful to policymakers for advancing policies to end retroactive clawbacks. On behalf of the organization, she thanked Wyden for his efforts to have the Federal Trade Commission conduct a study of pharmacy benefit managers.

Belcher expressed concern that PBMs will continue to ratchet down pharmacy reimbursement and urged Wyden to support the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act (S. 4293), which would give the FTC greater authority to hold PBMs accountable for unfair and deceptive practices that drive up the costs of drugs at the expense of consumers. She also recommended that Brooks-LaSure and the Biden administration extend the various flexibilities (diagnostics, treatments and vaccines, etc.) afforded to pharmacists by the COVID-19 public health emergency after it ends.

“Local pharmacies like mine and others represented at this discussion are an important part of the national healthcare infrastructure; we are a safety net to many patients,” Belcher said.

[Read more: NCPA survey: Three-quarters of community pharmacies report staff shortages]

“At the urging of NCPA and so many others, policymakers are taking steps toward fixing the broken prescription drug payment model, but there’s more to be done to foster successful pharmacies and healthier, happier patients,” she said. “We appreciate working with Sen. Wyden and administrator Brooks-LaSure on accomplishing these goals and supporting the pharmacist-provided services that have proven so essential to the health of our country.”

Luster Products has expanded its Luster's Pink product range with the launch of a Comfort Oil scalp serum.

A manufacturer of premium personal care products, Luster Products also unveiled an updated look for its classic Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion and Glosser.

The Luster’s Pink Comfort Oil scalp serum is formulated with a combination of natural oils and botanical extracts that soothes and calms dry, itchy scalps with a comforting tingle. It also delivers shine to dry, dull hair, the company said.

[Read more: Luster’s Pink replenishes moisture to tresses between washes]

“With the introduction of our Comfort Oil, we wanted to address common concerns we hear from consumers about the various scalp conditions they experience while wearing different looks; especially, protective styles such as braids, wigs or sew-in weaves, which can put extra tension on the scalp and increase the chance for build-up, dryness and irritation,” said Resa Luster-Mac, senior brand manager and third generation Luster executive at Luster Products. “Our new Comfort Oil scalp serum will help to relieve and alleviate some of these scalp challenges from the very first use.”

The Comfort Oil joins Luster’s Pink Natural Oil Blends collection, which also includes its Lush Growth Oil and Trueshine Oil Mist.

Luster’s Pink Comfort Oil is a soothing scalp serum that provides a comforting tingling sensation that calms scalp irritation and itchiness, relieves tension and lubricates dry scalp and helps to prevent flaking. It can be used daily for all hair types and styles and is safe for color-treated hair, the company noted.

[Read more: REX Awards 2022: Beauty]

The Comfort Oil is formulated with peppermint oil, lavender oil, camphor, aloe vera, clary sage oil, rosemary oil and more.

“Our Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion, affectionately called ‘Pink Lotion’ for short by our most supportive fans, and our Glosser have served multiple generations of consumers for more than 50 years,” Luster-Mac said. “This packaging update maintains classic characteristics of the original product, including their iconic formulas, while also adding subtle design elements that we hope will delight both existing and new consumers earning us a permanent spot in their beauty stash.”

Luster’s Pink Original Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion moisturizes extra dry hair and scalp. Fortified with vitamin E and provitamin B5, it nourishes, softens, smooths, boosts shine and improves the appearance of damaged hair. It eases combing, helping to minimize breakage and retain length.

[Read more: Beauty’s changing needs: Hair care brands step up to address aging hair and scalp concerns]

Luster's Pink Glosser is a frizz-fighting finishing mist that delivers pure shine and smoothness to any style. It contains a blend of natural emollients, botanical extracts and vitamin E that revitalizes dull hair, leaving it silky with no buildup. The Glosser is formulated with aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil and Vitamin E.

Luster's Pink Comfort Oil is currently available exclusively on LusterProducts.com.

Luster's Pink Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion and Glosser are available on LusterProducts.com and at Walmart, Family Dollar, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target, Sally Beauty and beauty supply stores nationwide.

LifeStyles Healthcare's Skyn brand is launching nine new personal massagers: Caress, Dual Ring, Tune, Arch, Bow, Wave, Rouse, Tremble and Charm.

"At Skyn, we believe that the journey to pleasure is endless and ever-evolving. We also believe that intimate experience is about more than just feeling good. It's about choice," said M'lou Walker, CEO of LifeStyles Healthcare. "We aim to offer our consumers as much choice as possible along their sexual journey. We see substantial opportunity to do this within the personal massage category, and we're excited to say that these nine new additions to the Skyn lineup are just the start of the expansion for us."

The lineup of new massagers includes:

• Caress: Ultra-soft tulip-shaped tip mimics the feeling of oral stimulation, enhanced by a velvety soft silicone finish. This device's 10 audibly discreet vibrating modes are designed for all sensitivities. It is made to fit in the palm of the hand with an illuminated panel for use in the dark. It's hypoallergenic, USB rechargeable and water resistant;
• Dual Ring: Ideal for an enhanced experience with a partner, this device marries a finger vibrator and stimulating ring with an ultra-soft silicone finish for heightened sensation. Featuring three vibrating modes, it is compact yet powerful, and has an illuminated control panel. It is hypoallergenic, USB rechargeable and water resistant;
• Tune: Miniature vibrating wand with a flexible head that concentrates powerful vibrations exactly where they're needed. Easy to clean with mild soap and water, this device is water resistant, and features 10 vibration patterns for maximum pleasure. Vibrations last up to 60 minutes on full charge;
• Arch: A uniquely shaped G-spot vibrator with a curved, flexible head that provides endless opportunities for sensual satisfaction. Perfect for on-the-go usage, this device slips easily in a purse or pocket for discretion. Ultra-soft silicone finish is water resistant and easy to clean;
• Bow: A curved vibrating massager featuring contoured textures. It is water resistant, with an easy-open, twist-off design for quick battery insertion. This device offers seven different vibration modes, lasting up to 50 minutes on full charge;
• Wave: Suitable for solo or partner play, this tongue-shaped flickering clitoral stimulator that fits in the palm of the hand gives intense waves of vibration. It features 10 different vibration patterns and an illuminated on/off switch for use in the dark. It is hypoallergenic, USB rechargeable and water resistant;
• Rouse: Remote-controlled with 10 different vibration modes, this massager operates as a Kegel trainer. It features an ultra-soft silicone finish, is USB rechargeable and water resistant;
• Tremble: A pocket-sized and portable massager that fits in the palm of the hand. It includes a remote control, perfect for partner play as well as 10 different vibrating modes. It is USB rechargeable and water resistant; and
• Charm: A discreet, yet powerful finger massager featuring a ribbed texture for intense stimulation. Battery-powered, vibrations last up to 50 minutes with a full battery.

Kellogg’s is introducing new Rice Krispies Shocking Orange Colored Cereal just in time for Halloween and fall-themed treats.

From jack-o-lantern sweets to candy corn treats, Halloween is one of the most popular treat-making moments each year so Snap, Crackle and Pop wanted to make it even easier for fans to scare up some spooktacular creations. That's why Rice Krispies Shocking Orange Colored Cereal is colorful and creepy right out of the box, the company said.

“We love seeing the scary-delicious treats families dream up with Kellogg's Rice Krispies Cereal for the Halloween season and beyond,” said Sadie Garcia, director of brand marketing at Kellogg. “Our new Shocking Orange cereal offers the classic flavor and crispy crunch of Kellogg's Rice Krispies Cereal, plus, the festive color of the fall. From breakfast creations to treats and tricks, we cannot wait to see what kind of creativity this product will inspire.”

Cereal lovers looking to get into the Halloween spirit can find Kellogg's Rice Krispies Shocking Orange Colored Cereal at retailers nationwide starting in August for a suggested retail price of $4.49 for a 7.50-oz. box and $5.49 for a 12-oz. box.