HEALTH

SILVER SPRING, Md. - The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic diabetes drug made by Macleods Pharma, according to agency records.

The FDA approved Macleods' pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets in the 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg strengths.

The drug is a generic version of Takeda's Actos, branded and generic versions of which had sales of about $2.7 billion during the 12-month period that ended in August 2012, according to IMS Health.

OMAHA, Neb. — Sergeant's Pet Care Products on Wednesday embarked on an awareness campaign alerting pet owners on how to keep their pets healthy. 

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club will offer free heart health screenings at 563 of its stores on Saturday, the club retailer said.

The screenings, taking place at stores with pharmacies, will include tests valued at up to $100 for glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and vision screenings.

TEMECULA, Calif. — While this season's flu epidemic maintains its strength across the West Coast, one vaccine distributor announced Wednesday they still have vaccine on hand. 

"FFF is prepared to respond to the unpredictable nature of flu season. And our secure supply chain can always be counted on to deliver safe products — even in times of limited supply," stated Patrick Schmidt, CEO FFF Enterprises. "We purchase direct from manufacturers and sell only to licensed hospitals, pharmacies and clinics."

RICHMOND, Va. — MeadWestvaco Corporation on Thursday launched its inaugural consumer satisfaction study, “Packaging Matters.” The study explores the role of packaging in product satisfaction as consumers purchase, transport, use and dispose of products across 10 different categories. 

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Reporting on the third quarter ended Dec. 31, Prestige Brands' CEO Matthew Mannelly told analysts Thursday morning he is "cautiously optimistic" regarding cough-cold reorders given the high consumption levels at retail in late December through January. 

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Prestige Brands on Tuesday announced a new sponsorship with the Southeastern Conference featuring its BC Powder analgesic brand.

Just in time for basketball championship season, the BC Powder sponsorship will introduce SEC fans to the fast-acting analgesic with a multi-tiered marketing campaign that includes 30-second television spots, radio broadcasts and consumer events. The sponsorship will continue through football season this fall.

CHICAGO — With the path to purchase evolving, merchandising has increased across just more than half of CPG categories and declined in 47% of categories, SymphonyIRI Group reported Tuesday. 

The drug channel has seen the most erosion in merchandising support, with declines in 60% of the categories within the channel in 2012.