HEALTH

Two Rx-to-OTC switches in the past year may serve as a harbinger of what the Food and Drug Administration will consider “switch” worthy. They both address chronic care needs, and they both represent first of their kind medicines to the nonprescription aisle.

SOLNA, Sweden — Aerocrine AB, a medical products company focused on improved management and care of patients with such inflammatory airway diseases as asthma, has announced that a new randomized clinical trial shows lower incidence of asthma exacerbations and increased asthma control with Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)-guided anti-inflammatory treatment.  

The study has been published on theweb site of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.

Overall, the OTC sector in 2013 realized $40.2 billion in sales, according to data culled from OTC categories tracked by IRI. That’s up from the $38.3 billion that DSN reported last year. The 2013 sales numbers reflect a strong 2012-2013 cough-cold season and the relaunch of Tylenol, Excedrin and Motrin.

HOUSTON — In an effort to help parents combat germs that children may come in contact with on airline tray tables, public bathrooms, hotel remotes, touch screen kiosks and more, Midway developed a highly effective germ-fighting hand sanitizer and packaged the gel — called b4 — in small, single-use packets that are easy to carry in a wallet, pocket or small purse.  

While the bold gel packet colors are fun for children and adults, the real b4 bonus comes down to charity — 50% of profits from the sale of b4 go toward children-focused causes.

SALT LAKE CITY — A study published online Friday shows that the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA — commonly found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements — are as effective, if not more effective, in lowering blood pressure as some of the commonly recommended lifestyle changes like increasing physical activity and restricting alcohol and sodium intake. The findings, released by the American Journal of Hypertension, are good news, especially for those with elevated blood pressure.

LOS ANGELES — A team of researchers from UCLA's Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science has developed a Google Glass application and a server platform that allow users of the wearable, glasses-like computer to perform instant, wireless diagnostic testing for a variety of diseases and health conditions.

 NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson, the official healthcare sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, on Thursday announced the launch of the Champions of Care program in the United States to shine a spotlight on people who go above and beyond to do extraordinary things in caring for others.

DULUTH, Ga. — As part of a realignment to "focus on wellness plans for major employers," SoloHealth founder Bart Foster has stepped down as CEO of the company to assume a new role as chief strategy officer, according to a report in the Atlanta Business Chronicle published Thursday. 

Chairman Larry Gerdes will assume the role of CEO. The move will capitalize on the strengths of Foster — sales and strategy — Gerdes told the Chronicle.