Retail Clinics

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration expects to approve an increasing number of drugs, according to published reports.

Reuters quoted FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research director Janet Woodcock as saying the number of drugs approved gradually could increase, already having reached a “nadir.” The report noted that 12 drugs had won approval this year so far, and Woodcock speculated that the agency would approve more than the 21 it approved last year.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition earlier this week announced the launch of a microsite as part of its joint education campaign with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Foundation.

The new microsite, which will be available via the CRN website, is a hub for resources and information about nurse practitioners in general, as well as their attitudes about and usage of dietary supplements, the association stated.

ATLANTA — The number of people diagnosed with asthma in the United States grew by 4.3 million between 2001 and 2009, according to a new Vital Signs report released earlier this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2009, nearly 1-in-12 Americans were diagnosed with asthma. In addition to increased diagnoses, asthma costs grew from about $53 billion in 2002 to about $56 billion in 2007, representing a 6% increase. The explanation for the growth in asthma rates is unknown.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The blood test recommended for detecting Type 2 diabetes in overweight children may not be enough, and they may need two different tests to diagnose the disease, according to research conducted at Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo.

The researchers found that the hemoglobin A1C test missed more than two-thirds of diabetes cases in children at high risk for the condition, but they found that performing that test along with the oral glucose tolerance test dramatically could lower the risk of delayed diagnosis in overweight children.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday released the Dosage Delivery Devices for Orally Ingested OTC Liquid Drug Products guidance, which outlines how easy-to-use dosage delivery devices and devices that minimize the risk of unintentional overdose can be provided for such over-the-counter medicines as liquid pain relievers, cold medicine, cough syrups and digestion aids.

KENNEBUNK, Maine — Tom's of Maine, a maker of natural personal care products, has announced the launch of its new natural whitening toothpaste Simply White, and a partnership with Sheryl Crow's "100 Miles From Memphis" concert that kicks off on May 7.

The project involves greening the concert tour, beautification events in key markets, a live chat with Crow on May 19 and an exclusive free song download via the Tom's of Maine Facebook page, while supplies last.

WASHINGTON — A major depressive disorder treatment made by Pfizer significantly reduced the number and severity of moderate-to-severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women, compared with placebo, according to a new study.

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association on Wednesday announced plans to convert liquid pediatric acetaminophen products to just one concentration.

This voluntary change means the current children’s strength of liquid acetaminophen (160 mg/5 mL) will become the only liquid concentration available for all children younger than 12 years, and the current concentrated infant drops no longer will be sold.