HEALTH

INDIANAPOLIS — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for Type 2 diabetes made by Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim, the drug makers said.

The FDA approved Jentadueto (linagliptin and metformin) tablets, designed to be taken twice daily. The approval marks the second since the two companies announced their collaboration to develop diabetes drugs in January 2011; the first drug approved under the Lilly-BI partnership was Tradjenta (linagliptin), approved in May 2011.

WASHINGTON — The Natural Products Association last week announced it will host its 15th Annual Natural Products Day to help educate policy-makers on the value of dietary supplements here on March 27.

The day begins with an issue briefing and advocacy training so attendees learn how they can participate in the policy-making process and advocate for their interests. Afterwards, pre-arranged meetings at congressional offices offer the chance to talk to senators, representatives and their staffs about key legislation and regulatory activities.

PITTSBURGH — GNC raised nearly $2.8 million during its seventh annual fundraising campaign designed to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Through the Thanks and Giving campaign, GNC raised 40% more over the amount raised in 2010 for a total of $2.79 million, the retailer said. The program raises awareness and funds for the lifesaving research and treatment done at St. Jude to help children fighting cancer and other deadly diseases.

ATLANTA — Joseph Enterprises is looking to find a home for its ubiquitous Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia slogan among dietary supplement aisles with the presentation of the company's Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Omega-3 in both seeds and softgel formats in 2012, according to company officials presenting at the ECRM Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition EPPS conference here earlier this month.

SAN DIEGO — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a long-acting injected diabetes drug made by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Alkermes, the two companies said.

The FDA approved Bydureon (exenatide), which the companies called the first once-weekly treatment for Type 2 diabetes. The drug will become available in February.

WASHINGTON — Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency may be even more common than previously thought and a risk factor for more than just bone diseases, according to new research published Friday in the American Chemical Society journal Analytical Chemistry.

ATLANTA — Toronto-based Jamieson Labs will be attempting to parlay its dietary supplement success in the Canadian marketplace — the Jamieson brand was the No. 1 branded supplement in Canada across nine categories through December, the company reported — into the U.S. market, according to Jamieson executives presenting at the ECRM Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition EPPS conference here earlier this month.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble on Monday announced a partnership between its Metamucil brand and the syndicated "The Dr. Oz Show" to help raise awareness around fiber supplementation during Heart Health Month in February.

Fans of the show can enter a sweepstakes at DoctorOz.com/heart2heart for a trip to New York along with two tickets to "The Dr. Oz Show," that includes meeting Dr. Oz. The sweepstakes will be open Jan. 27 through May 7.