New Products

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Akorn, a niche generic pharmaceutical company, earlier this week entered into an agreement to acquire Advanced Vision Research, an over-the-counter ophthalmic company that promotes eye care products under the TheraTears and MacuTrition brands.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has announced a new advertising campaign for its Pantene hair care brand, featuring actresses Eva Mendes and Naomi Watts.

Beginning in July, both women will appear in all elements of the brand's marketing campaign, including TV and print advertising, in-store displays, iMedia and public relations campaigns.

Mendes will support the Breakage to Strength collection, while Watts will support the Flat to Volume collection.

MINNEAPOLIS — A maker of organic green tea-based beverages and energy drinks is debuting its zero-calorie iced teas.

Steaz's zero-calorie Iced Teaz are naturally sweetened with zero-calorie sweetener Truvia. Steaz's current zero-calorie offerings include sparkling green tea and energy drinks. Iced Teaz are available in citrus, half/half, peach mango and raspberry flavors.

Steaz's zero-calorie iced teas, now available in specialty and retail stores nationwide, carry a suggested retail price range of $1.29 to $1.49 per 16-oz. can.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Hummus brand Sabra is looking to boost its portfolio by introducing new snacks.

Sabra said it will be introducing a salsa line, which will include classic, southwestern style, home-style and chunky pico de gallo flavors; Greek yogurt veggie dips in roasted garlic, spinach and artichoke, sun dried tomato, and onion and fresh herbs varieties; and guacamole and new hummus flavors, including basil pesto and buffalo style blends.

The array of new products will be rolled out nationwide in the coming months.

KENNEBUNK, Maine — Tom's of Maine, a maker of natural personal care products, has announced the launch of its new natural whitening toothpaste Simply White, and a partnership with Sheryl Crow's "100 Miles From Memphis" concert that kicks off on May 7.

The project involves greening the concert tour, beautification events in key markets, a live chat with Crow on May 19 and an exclusive free song download via the Tom's of Maine Facebook page, while supplies last.

PITTSBURGH — A generic drug maker has launched its version of a pain medication made by Endo Pharmaceuticals.

Mylan and its subsidiary Mylan Pharmaceuticals launched oxycodone and aspirin tablets USP in the 4.8355-mg/325-mg strength, based on an agreement with licensing partner Coastal Pharmaceuticals. The drug, designed to treat moderate to severe pain, is a generic version of Percodan.

Oxycodone and aspirin tablets had U.S. sales of approximately $6.5 million for the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2010, according to IMS Health.

PETALUMA, Calif. — Barbara's Bakery is expanding its gluten-free cereal options with new Puffins multigrain cereal.

Puffins multigrain are made with whole grain pure oats, brown rice and corn pillows, and contain natural prebiotic fiber. What's more, Puffins multigrain is free of artificial flavors, additives and preservatives.

The new addition marks the brand's third gluten-free cereal portfolio, which includes Puffins honey rice and brown rice crisps.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Walgreens announced that it has partnered with NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products to launch an exclusive line of “The Biggest Loser”-branded meal alternative bars and shakes.

According to a company press release, the line of products, named for the popular NBC weight-loss reality show, will be offered in all of the more than 7,600 Walgreens stores nationwide beginning in May.