HEALTH

NCPA names Merck 2013 Corporate Recognition Award recipient
ORLANDO, Fla. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Sunday recognized Merck with its 2013 Corporate Recognition Award — the award recognizes a company for its support and work on behalf of independent community pharmacies — during NCPA’s 115th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition.
Matrixx Initiatives identifies new VP marketing for Zicam Cold Remedy brand
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Matrixx Initiatives recently named Lori Norian VP marketing for the Zicam Cold Remedy brand.

Norian previously worked at Unilever and has worked on popular products including Hellman’s, Ragu, Bertolli and Altoids. Norian said she believes her experience translates well to the cold remedy brand, which is targeted primarily to women.

“Knowing how to tap into consumers’ needs and develop resonant messaging and communications strategies is the key to driving further growth for Zicam,” Norian said.

Neat Feat launches Baby B Diaper Cream

LOS ANGELES — Neat Feat Baby B Diaper Cream is a preventive cream that helps treat the cause of the rash and restores the normal environment of the skin, according to the company.

The product also inhibits growth of fungi that contributes to skin irritation and reduces excess moisture, promoting a more natural Ph balance for the skin, the company stated.

BabyB Baby Saver Cream is part of Neat Feat's new Body Saver range.
No rest for sleep remedies

One subcategory that has really jolted the sales-per-square-inch across analgesic sets is sleep aids. Sales of sleeping remedies, including both liquids and tablets, were up 51.2% to $408 million for the 52 weeks ended Aug. 11 across U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI data. Almost one-third of that, or $127 million, came courtesy of Procter and Gamble’s ZzzQuil, which launched a little more than a year ago.
ZzzQuil gives category a boost

CINCINNATI — The launch of Procter and Gamble’s ZzzQuil helped to lift sales in the sleep category — both in terms of dollar sales and physical placement. Before ZzzQuil, sleep was typically merchandised near the floor adjacent to internal analgesics. But with ZzzQuil, the entire category was lifted to top-shelf billing. ZzzQuil liquid was up 961.5% to $75 million and ZzzQuil tablets were up 722.1% to $52 million.
New report details scope of counterfeit drugs worldwide

NEW YORK — A coalition of organizations that includes major retail pharmacy and drug manufacturing groups is warning consumers against purchasing drugs from foreign, online outlets.
Dietary supplement sector inspires confidence

When multiple multinational companies start investing their acquisition monies into one particular category, it’s a good bet that category is poised for some pretty significant growth.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)
Gummies lure adults

There may still be room for substantial growth in multivitamins — like in gummy vitamins.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)
i-Health products offer women more relief options

CROMWELL, Conn. — i-Health’s Estroven has been dialing up sales tracked within feminine pain relievers. The core brand generated $16.2 million within the last 52 weeks ended Aug. 11 across U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI. The company’s launch of Estroven Energy has generated another $3.9 million. July brought more innovation to the category with the launch of Estroven Weight Management, a supplement specifically formulated to deliver on a core benefit of helping peri/menopausal women manage their weight.
Hisamitsu expands Salonpas brand

TORRANCE,Calif. — Hisamitsu America’s Salonpas has been experiencing significantgrowth in the past year with sales up 38% to $43.1 million. Hisamitsu last year expanded the Salonpas brand beyond patches with the launch of Salonpas Pain Relieving Massage Foam and Salonpas Pain Relieving Jet Spray.