NEW PRODUCT NEWSWIRE

Rx

NEW DRUGS

A new option for patients with Type 2 diabetes is now available. GlaxoSmithKline, Philadelphia, (888) 825-5249, has combined rosiglitazone with metformin HCl in a new oral diabetes therapy, Avandamet. Rosiglitazone is an agent that directly targets insulin resistance, while metformin helps reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

Odyssey Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, N.J., (877) 427-9068, is introducing VoSpire ER (albuterol sulfate) 4-mg and 8-mg extended-release tablets. VoSpire ER is indicated for the relief of bronchospasm in adults and in children six years of age and older. It offers a therapeutic equivalent to Volmax, a product of Muro Pharmaceutical.

DRUG REINTRODUCTION

Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill., (800) 255-5162, is re-introducing Abbokinase (urokinase). The FDA recently approved the company's supplemental New Drug Application to reintroduce the drug for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. The biologic product, a thrombolytic therapy used to dissolve blood clots, was voluntarily withdrawn in 1999 over the issue of compliance with the FDA's current good manufacturing practice requirements.

NEW INDICATIONS

Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, N.J., (609) 252-4000, has approval from the FDA for a new indication for Glucovance (glyburide and metformin hydrochloride tablets). The oral antidiabetic agent, when used in combination with thiazolidinediones, is now indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise when glycemic control is not achieved with Glucovance and diet and exercise alone. The approval provides this additional therapy option when diabetes patients require further blood sugar control.

NEW DIAGNOSTICS

Now available from Repligen Corp., Waltham, Mass., (877) 737-5443, is a diagnostic tool, SecreFlo (secretin for injection). This synthetic version of the hormone secretin was approved earlier by the FDA for stimulation of pancreatic secretions to aid in the diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine dysfunction (chronic pancreatitis) and stimulation of gastrin secretion to assist in the diagnosis of gastrinoma (gastrointestinal tumor). SecreFlo was previously granted orphan drug status.

NEW GENERICS

American Pharmaceutical Partners, Los Angeles, (800) 551-7176, has received approval from the FDA for the marketing and selling of amiodarone hydrochloride injection in 150-mg strength. A generic alternative to Wyeth's Cordarone, the drug is indicated for the initiation of treatment and prophylaxis of frequently recurring ventricular fibrillation and hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia in patients refractory to other therapy.

OTC

New mint-flavored painkilling tablets now melt in the mouth for those on the run or away from home. Excedrin QuickTabs, with 500 mg acetaminophen and 65 mg caffeine, need no water to begin attacking headache pain. From Bristol-Myers Squibb, the tablets are available in spearmint or peppermint flavor in a 16- or 32-count box.

A new, once-daily oral therapy for brittle nails is available from Merz Pharmaceuticals, Greensboro, N.C., (336) 544-2412. Appearex is an easy-to-swallow tablet containing 2.5 mg of biotin, a member of the B-complex family of vitamins that help stimulate nail keratinization.

Standardized extracts of ginseng and orange have been blended into a proprietary herbal supplement that is said to combat the effects of alcohol consumption. When it is taken at the recommended dosage of one to two tablets before or after drinking any alcoholic beverage, notox is said to restore the body's internal balance and vitality and relieve stress and fatigue. The product is from A. D. Pharma, Satellite Beach, Fla., (866) 668-6948.

Novitra is a new homeopathic product that can shorten the duration of a cold sore by half, according to the manufacturer, Boericke & Tafel, Santa Rosa, Calif., (800) 876-9505. For use by adults and by children age two and older, the zinc formulation works to inhibit HSV-1 (the cold sore virus) and provide symptomatic relief as it promotes the healing process.

Home Health Care

United Pacific, Columbia, S.C., (803) 735-0034, has launched a new line of Thermoskin Elastic supports for the relief of pain from tendinitis, soft tissue injury, arthritis, and overuse. The four-way stretch and seamless design help to minimize bunching or slipping. The supports closely fit the body to provide even compression. Eight products comprise the line, including wraps and shaped body pieces for knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist.

Maddak Inc., Pequannock, N.J., (973) 628-7600, has available nylon Star Glide Walker Slides, with diameters of 1 in. and 1.5 in., for use with wheeled walkers. The rubber tips from the walker legs are removed and replaced with the walker glides, which will self-align with the floor to provide easier movement with reduced friction.

Pheromone Sciences Corp., Toronto, (800) 937-3095, has FDA approval to begin marketing its PSC Fertility Monitor throughout the United States under the indicated use of fertility and ovulation prediction. This is a watch-like monitoring device that can provide a reliable and predictive approach to natu-ral cycle-based family planning by measuring perspiration ion changes on the surface of the skin. These changes are a predictor of ovulation up to four days prior to the day of ovulation.

Innotech USA has received clearance from the FDA permitting the company to market its FriendlyLight LightLance Laser Skin-Perforator for use by persons with diabetes. The medical laser technology will—without use of a needle—allow patients to obtain and monitor capillary blood samples with greater control and significantly less discomfort, resulting in improved compliance with their diabetes therapy. The rechargeable device fits conveniently into a purse or a pocket.

Health & Beauty Care

Palmer's Skin Success, from E. T. Browne Drug Co., Englewood Cliffs, N.J., (201) 894-9020, is specially formulated to fade skin discolorations naturally. Eventone Daily Skin Brightener is a moisturizer that brightens the complexion and masks discolorations with vitamins C and E as it protects from sun damage with SPF 15. Eventone Brightening Facial Mask combines vitamins C and E with lemon extract to brighten dull skin and calm redness. In addition, licorice extract helps improve skin texture, ginseng extract helps enhance circulation, and kaolin works to absorb oil from the skin and cleanse the pores.

L'Oréal, New York City, (212) 818-1500, has three new products for fall. Limited-edition Crystal Shine is a creamy lip color with crystal reflection, available in 12 shades. Endless Liquid, an eight-hour nondrying lip color, provides rich color and precise application. It is available in nine shades. Blush Délice, with vitamin C, offers five shades to color and complement all skin tones.

Etc.

Worldwide Medical Corp., Lake Forest, Calif., maker of First Check home screening tests for drugs of abuse, alcohol, cholesterol, and colorectal disease, has a new regional distribution agreement with Kroger Supermarkets. First Check's recently cleared Ecstasy home screening test will now begin shipping to Kroger. For further information, call (949) 598-8378.

Morphpaste Inc., St. Louis, has a toothpaste to help kids keep on brushing. Two individual primary color stripes mix within the toothpaste, changing colors the longer the child brushes. Morphpaste contains no sodium lauryl sulfate, the controversial foaming agent that is known to cause canker sores. The company can be reached at (314) 436-3332.

A new "impact carb" information section will appear on the labels of reduced carbohydrate nutrition bars from EAS, Golden, Colo., (800) 297-9776. The new labels will help consumers identify bars that can be expected to have a minimal impact on their blood glucose levels. The new labels are designed to comply with the FDA's interpretation of the Nutrition Labeling & Education Act.

Tampax, a product of Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, (800) 347-1565, has a new absorbent-braid tampon: Tampax Pearl. The applicator is plastic, and its tampon features an expanding butterfly shape for better fit and protection.

Vermont Soapworks, Middlebury, Vt., (866) SOAP4U2, has made ready its natural soap products for the holidays. Among them are the Butter Bar, billed as the "ultimate dry skin soap." Made from vegetable and botanical sources—including shea, cocoa, and mango butters; aloe vera; and calendula—it has natural moisturizing ingredients to soothe and heal winter skin. The soap is free of the excess alkali, detergents, and synthetic substances that cause severe dryness and irritation.

Neat Solutions Inc., Huntersville, N.C., (888) 888-4779, maker of protective "toppers" for floor and table, has a new neat, clean, and disposable Floor Topper Mess & Toss Mat. Made of lightweight recyclable plastic, the 38-in. x 38-in. mat, complete with a brightly colored A, B, C design, protects the floor under easels, high chairs, and tables. Floor Toppers are available in packages of six and 10.

ConAgra Foods, Omaha, (402) 595-4000, is adding a new meat protein stick to its Pemmican line of meat snacks. Pemmican Meat Sticks, at 1.2 oz. each, provide a portable snack or quick lunch.

Abbott Laboratories' Ross Products division, Columbus, Ohio, (800) 986-8510, is introducing three preterm infant formulas: NeoSure Advance, Similac Special Care, and Similac Natural Care. All are supplemented with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), fatty acids that are found in small amounts in breast milk and are considered important for brain and visual development. Neosure is specially formulated for prematurity, Similac Special Care is for premature and low-birth-weight babies, and Similac Natural Care is for premature and low-birth-weight babies that are being breast-fed.

Milford, Conn.-based BIC USA, (203) 783-2000, is introducing a shaver for men and women with sensitive skin. BIC Comfort 3 combines triple-blade technology with a nonpivot head to provide a close shave. DualStrip moisturizers release vitamin E and aloe to keep skin soft.

From Essere Corp., based in Pittsburgh, (412) 562-2100, comes Flex-RX, a new topical roll-on analgesic with both pain and pain-preventive ingredients. The company claims the temporary pain reliever can be used to ease the symptoms of arthritis, backache, stiffness, strains and sprains, bruises, muscle soreness, carpal tunnel, bursitis, migraines, muscle spasms, and sciatica. It also helps increase joint range of motion and flexibility.

The Smart Cap is a new, easy-to-use device to help promote patient compliance. From Pharmaceutical Direct, Dover, N.J., (973) 989-0900, the prescription pill bottle top, with a built-in timer, replaces the normal prescription vial lid. After a patient has taken a pill and replaces the Smart Cap, it resets itself to begin timing again, displaying the number of hours and minutes since the last dosage. The cap has both a child-resistant and an easy-opening feature.

A novel greeting comes in the form of a mini-garden delivered to the door. The Amazing Pop-Up Garden kit comes housed in a 6-in. x 3-in. box, complete with all materials needed, including seeds, compressed peat moss, and instructions. And it is guaranteed to grow. The seed mix is added to the planting furrow in the center of the peat moss, then watered, kept moist, and placed in a sunny spot. Various standard greetings are available. The garden is from Intromark Inc., Pittsburgh, (800) 851-6030.

Redwood Biotech, Santa Rosa, Calif., (877) 444-0049, is offering the affordable, easy-to-use, and disposable Redi Screen breath-alcohol device that will indicate alcohol present in the exhaled breath. It is not used, however, to determine correlation between breath and blood alcohol content.

 

Nancy Jillard. New Product Newswire. Drug Topics 2002;21:48.