News Briefs

Eli Lilly is unveiling a new, citrate-free formulation of Taltz (ixekizumab) injection 80 mg/ml.

The new formulation, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May, includes the same active ingredient as the original formulation. The new formulation significantly reduces injection site pain experienced by some people immediately following injection as shown by an 86% decrease in a visual analog scale of pain versus the original formulation, the company said.

Taltz is approved to treat adults and children 6 years old and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, adults with active psoriatic arthritis, active ankylosing spondylitis and active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) with objective signs of inflammation. 

“Taltz has long delivered effective treatment with a well-established safety profile that addresses symptoms for people living with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, AS and nr-axSpA,” said Ashley Diaz-Granados, vice president of U.S. Immunology at Lilly.

“We’re proud of our investment in research that keeps the patient experience at the center. This new formulation provides yet another reason to choose Taltz, and we look forward to introducing it to patients who have not yet tried Taltz and providing a seamless transition for those already enjoying the medicine’s benefits,” she said. 

“Today is an exciting milestone for the nearly 30 million people around the world who live with the challenging symptoms of these autoimmune diseases that affect the skin and joints,” said April Armstrong, professor of dermatology and associate dean of clinical research at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

“In my six years of prescribing Taltz, I’ve seen firsthand the significant impact Taltz has had for patients across multiple indications,” she said. “The availability of Taltz as a citrate-free formulation represents an important advance in patient care that will allow more patients to experience less injection-site pain.”  

Michele Belcher, president of the National Community Pharmacists Association and owner of Grants Pass Pharmacy in Grants Pass, Ore., recently joined Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure at River Road Health Mart Pharmacy in Eugene.

Also present was Brian Marr, owner of River Road Health Mart Pharmacy; Roberto Linares, part-time pharmacist from Rice’s Pharmacy in Corvallis and full-time instructor at the College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University; and John and Ann Murray, owners of Murray Drug, which has locations in Heppner, Condon and Boardman.

The group discussed efforts to combat high prescription drug prices, protecting small business independent pharmacies and preserving access for the patients they serve.

[Read more: NCPA, 207 stakeholders support bipartisan Senate bill empowering FTC action against PBMs]

Belcher said that NCPA is grateful to policymakers for advancing policies to end retroactive clawbacks. On behalf of the organization, she thanked Wyden for his efforts to have the Federal Trade Commission conduct a study of pharmacy benefit managers.

Belcher expressed concern that PBMs will continue to ratchet down pharmacy reimbursement and urged Wyden to support the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act (S. 4293), which would give the FTC greater authority to hold PBMs accountable for unfair and deceptive practices that drive up the costs of drugs at the expense of consumers. She also recommended that Brooks-LaSure and the Biden administration extend the various flexibilities (diagnostics, treatments and vaccines, etc.) afforded to pharmacists by the COVID-19 public health emergency after it ends.

“Local pharmacies like mine and others represented at this discussion are an important part of the national healthcare infrastructure; we are a safety net to many patients,” Belcher said.

[Read more: NCPA survey: Three-quarters of community pharmacies report staff shortages]

“At the urging of NCPA and so many others, policymakers are taking steps toward fixing the broken prescription drug payment model, but there’s more to be done to foster successful pharmacies and healthier, happier patients,” she said. “We appreciate working with Sen. Wyden and administrator Brooks-LaSure on accomplishing these goals and supporting the pharmacist-provided services that have proven so essential to the health of our country.”

Luster Products has expanded its Luster's Pink product range with the launch of a Comfort Oil scalp serum.

A manufacturer of premium personal care products, Luster Products also unveiled an updated look for its classic Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion and Glosser.

The Luster’s Pink Comfort Oil scalp serum is formulated with a combination of natural oils and botanical extracts that soothes and calms dry, itchy scalps with a comforting tingle. It also delivers shine to dry, dull hair, the company said.

[Read more: Luster’s Pink replenishes moisture to tresses between washes]

“With the introduction of our Comfort Oil, we wanted to address common concerns we hear from consumers about the various scalp conditions they experience while wearing different looks; especially, protective styles such as braids, wigs or sew-in weaves, which can put extra tension on the scalp and increase the chance for build-up, dryness and irritation,” said Resa Luster-Mac, senior brand manager and third generation Luster executive at Luster Products. “Our new Comfort Oil scalp serum will help to relieve and alleviate some of these scalp challenges from the very first use.”

The Comfort Oil joins Luster’s Pink Natural Oil Blends collection, which also includes its Lush Growth Oil and Trueshine Oil Mist.

Luster’s Pink Comfort Oil is a soothing scalp serum that provides a comforting tingling sensation that calms scalp irritation and itchiness, relieves tension and lubricates dry scalp and helps to prevent flaking. It can be used daily for all hair types and styles and is safe for color-treated hair, the company noted.

[Read more: REX Awards 2022: Beauty]

The Comfort Oil is formulated with peppermint oil, lavender oil, camphor, aloe vera, clary sage oil, rosemary oil and more.

“Our Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion, affectionately called ‘Pink Lotion’ for short by our most supportive fans, and our Glosser have served multiple generations of consumers for more than 50 years,” Luster-Mac said. “This packaging update maintains classic characteristics of the original product, including their iconic formulas, while also adding subtle design elements that we hope will delight both existing and new consumers earning us a permanent spot in their beauty stash.”

Luster’s Pink Original Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion moisturizes extra dry hair and scalp. Fortified with vitamin E and provitamin B5, it nourishes, softens, smooths, boosts shine and improves the appearance of damaged hair. It eases combing, helping to minimize breakage and retain length.

[Read more: Beauty’s changing needs: Hair care brands step up to address aging hair and scalp concerns]

Luster's Pink Glosser is a frizz-fighting finishing mist that delivers pure shine and smoothness to any style. It contains a blend of natural emollients, botanical extracts and vitamin E that revitalizes dull hair, leaving it silky with no buildup. The Glosser is formulated with aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil and Vitamin E.

Luster's Pink Comfort Oil is currently available exclusively on LusterProducts.com.

Luster's Pink Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion and Glosser are available on LusterProducts.com and at Walmart, Family Dollar, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target, Sally Beauty and beauty supply stores nationwide.

LifeStyles Healthcare's Skyn brand is launching nine new personal massagers: Caress, Dual Ring, Tune, Arch, Bow, Wave, Rouse, Tremble and Charm.

"At Skyn, we believe that the journey to pleasure is endless and ever-evolving. We also believe that intimate experience is about more than just feeling good. It's about choice," said M'lou Walker, CEO of LifeStyles Healthcare. "We aim to offer our consumers as much choice as possible along their sexual journey. We see substantial opportunity to do this within the personal massage category, and we're excited to say that these nine new additions to the Skyn lineup are just the start of the expansion for us."

The lineup of new massagers includes:

• Caress: Ultra-soft tulip-shaped tip mimics the feeling of oral stimulation, enhanced by a velvety soft silicone finish. This device's 10 audibly discreet vibrating modes are designed for all sensitivities. It is made to fit in the palm of the hand with an illuminated panel for use in the dark. It's hypoallergenic, USB rechargeable and water resistant;
• Dual Ring: Ideal for an enhanced experience with a partner, this device marries a finger vibrator and stimulating ring with an ultra-soft silicone finish for heightened sensation. Featuring three vibrating modes, it is compact yet powerful, and has an illuminated control panel. It is hypoallergenic, USB rechargeable and water resistant;
• Tune: Miniature vibrating wand with a flexible head that concentrates powerful vibrations exactly where they're needed. Easy to clean with mild soap and water, this device is water resistant, and features 10 vibration patterns for maximum pleasure. Vibrations last up to 60 minutes on full charge;
• Arch: A uniquely shaped G-spot vibrator with a curved, flexible head that provides endless opportunities for sensual satisfaction. Perfect for on-the-go usage, this device slips easily in a purse or pocket for discretion. Ultra-soft silicone finish is water resistant and easy to clean;
• Bow: A curved vibrating massager featuring contoured textures. It is water resistant, with an easy-open, twist-off design for quick battery insertion. This device offers seven different vibration modes, lasting up to 50 minutes on full charge;
• Wave: Suitable for solo or partner play, this tongue-shaped flickering clitoral stimulator that fits in the palm of the hand gives intense waves of vibration. It features 10 different vibration patterns and an illuminated on/off switch for use in the dark. It is hypoallergenic, USB rechargeable and water resistant;
• Rouse: Remote-controlled with 10 different vibration modes, this massager operates as a Kegel trainer. It features an ultra-soft silicone finish, is USB rechargeable and water resistant;
• Tremble: A pocket-sized and portable massager that fits in the palm of the hand. It includes a remote control, perfect for partner play as well as 10 different vibrating modes. It is USB rechargeable and water resistant; and
• Charm: A discreet, yet powerful finger massager featuring a ribbed texture for intense stimulation. Battery-powered, vibrations last up to 50 minutes with a full battery.

Kellogg’s is introducing new Rice Krispies Shocking Orange Colored Cereal just in time for Halloween and fall-themed treats.

From jack-o-lantern sweets to candy corn treats, Halloween is one of the most popular treat-making moments each year so Snap, Crackle and Pop wanted to make it even easier for fans to scare up some spooktacular creations. That's why Rice Krispies Shocking Orange Colored Cereal is colorful and creepy right out of the box, the company said.

“We love seeing the scary-delicious treats families dream up with Kellogg's Rice Krispies Cereal for the Halloween season and beyond,” said Sadie Garcia, director of brand marketing at Kellogg. “Our new Shocking Orange cereal offers the classic flavor and crispy crunch of Kellogg's Rice Krispies Cereal, plus, the festive color of the fall. From breakfast creations to treats and tricks, we cannot wait to see what kind of creativity this product will inspire.”

Cereal lovers looking to get into the Halloween spirit can find Kellogg's Rice Krispies Shocking Orange Colored Cereal at retailers nationwide starting in August for a suggested retail price of $4.49 for a 7.50-oz. box and $5.49 for a 12-oz. box.

Angry Orchard is introducing Angry Orchard Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple Imperial Hard Cider.

Pointing out that imperial higher ABV options are driving growth across beer, FMB and cider categories, Angry Orchard said that its newest innovation marks the brand’s first nationally available 8% ABV cider.

Made with traditional bittersweet cider apples and blended with dark cherry juice from concentrate for an easy to drink cider bursting with real fruit flavor, Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple is the perfect balance of crisp apple and tart cherry sweetness, the beverage brand said.

In honor of its 8% ABV, Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple is now available in six-pack 12-oz. cans. It also will be a featured flavor in the Angry Orchard Fall Haul Variety Packs dropping this fall.

“Through the years, Angry Orchard has been synonymous with offering deliciously bold ciders that feature real fruit,” said Kelli McCusker, head of marketing at Angry Orchard.

“As drinkers shop the increasingly crowded alcohol space, they’re looking for offerings that deliver on flavor, ingredients and ABV to provide more value,” McCusker said. “Combining Angry Orchard’s equity in real fruit with a higher ABV in our new Hardcore wins that shopper equation while giving drinkers a new way to transport them to their ‘happy place’ that much faster.”

To celebrate Angry Orchard’s leap into Hardcore, the brand is putting the call out for drinkers to show off how "hardcore” they are. 

The cider brand is hosting a “Hard to the Core" contest where drinkers are encouraged to live out their hardcore dreams, with the brand footing the bill ($500 worth). Whether it’s bungee jumping, skydiving, rock climbing or hardcore chilling in the backyard, the first 40 drinkers (aged 21 years old and older) to submit a photo completing their hardcore activity via Twitter, with #AOHardCore, and tag @AngryOrchard will receive a $500 cash prize. The contest runs now to Sept. 8. Winners will be notified via direct message from the official @AngryOrchard Twitter account.