New Products

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Similasan this past fall added Computer Eye Relief to its lineup of homeopathic eye care products. The active ingredients in Similasan Computer Eye Relief eye drops stimulate the eye’s natural ability to relieve eyestrain due to intense computer work, high TV consumption, significant amounts of reading or writing and driving at night.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Eisai to treat a rare form of epilepsy, the drug maker said Friday.

The FDA approved Banzel (rufinamide) oral suspension for the treatment of seizures in children and adults with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The condition, also called LGS, affects 1% to 4% of children with epilepsy.

“This new formulation provides an option for patients who may prefer a liquid or find it difficult to take the medication in tablet form,” Eisai president and CEO Lonnel Coats said.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Splintek Health Products recently launched its SleepRight Nasal Breathe Aid — a snore-relieving product entry into the nasal strip category that retails for a suggested $11.99.

According to the company, the product reduces snoring, relieves nasal congestion and is adhesive-free and reusable. Flexible flares expand the nasal passages to significantly increase airflow, while forming to the shape of the user’s nose for a custom, comfortable fit. Each SleepRight Breathe Aid lasts up to 15 days. 

SUPPLIER NEWS — OPI is launching a new
limited-edition nail lacquer collection based on the
“Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise. In line with the premiere of the franchise’s latest film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” OPI has developed six new nail lacquers, including a new Shatter polish, which leaves behind a crackled, two-texture silver finish when painted over any dry OPI hue. The collection will be available in May at professional salons and at such retailers as Ulta for $8.50 each.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — The active gum category has a new functional addition. Kraft Foods recently introduced Stride Spark, a gum that contains vitamins B6 and B12, two essential nutrients known for helping to release energy in the body.

Manufacturers have been boosting new gum flavors with vitamins and supplements in an effort to help consumers meet their daily nutritional requirements and keep the category exciting. The strategy has worked — gum has seen steady growth over the past few years, outpacing many other confection segments.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Impax Labs received regulatory approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its generic version of a bacterial infection treatment. The drug maker said the FDA approved its 150-mg doxycycline monohydrate capsules, a drug used to treat bacterial infections and a generic version of Adoxa, made by Nycomed subsidiary PharmaDerm. The 150-mg strength of Adoxa had sales of about $25 million during the 12 months ended in December 2010, according to Wolters Kluwer.

WESTON, Fla. — For a limited time, a spring water brand is rolling out new packaging through a new marketing partnership with Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Movies.

H20 said its new "Rango"-themed bottles, which will be available through May, feature the namesake character from the animated film. H20 also launched a commercial starring Rango, the company said.

H20 products are available at Kmart, Whole Foods and other retailers.

NEW YORK — Sure, the plethora of proton-pump inhibitors dotting digestive aisles these days have generated plenty of buzz among antacids, but what do heartburn sufferers do while they wait for the PPI to begin working? They turn to an immediate relief option like the Tums and Tums Ultra brands, which together generated growth of 96.3% to $24.9 million for the 12 weeks ended Jan. 23 across food, drug and mass (minus Walmart), according to SymphonyIRI Group data.