New Products

PHILADELPHIA — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a GlaxoSmithKline drug for a rare blood disorder, GSK said Friday.

The drug maker announced the approval of Promacta (eltrombopag) for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, in patients who have not responded adequately to other therapies. Chronic ITP results in increased destruction of inadequate production of platelets in the blood, creating an increased risk of bruising and bleeding.

The FDA granted Promacta orphan drug designation in May 2008 and accelerated approval in November 2008.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for shingles made by a subsidiary of generic drug maker Mylan.

Mylan announced Monday the approval of Matrix Labs’ gabapentin capsules in the 100-mg, 300-mg and 400-mg strengths. The drug is used to treat postherpetic neuralgia, a painful complication of shingles.

Gabapentin capsules had sales of about $300 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

LOS ANGELES — MGM Home Entertainment is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Academy Award-winning musical, "Fiddler on the Roof," with the film's Blu-ray debut.

The "Fiddler on the Roof" tells the story of Tevye, a poor but soulful milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the-century Czarist Russia. The Blu-ray edition of the film includes audio commentary by director Norman Jewison and star Topol, as well as a deleted song, featurettes and historical background.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, the agency said Friday.

The FDA approved Takeda’s Edarbi (azilsartan medoxomil).

NEW YORK — Bazooka Candy Brands' latest confection is offering consumers a personal and fun way to stay connected with each other.

Sweet Tweets is a colorful candy that's available in four flavors and touts a cute emoticon attached to a decorative paper board featuring fun, illustrative designs. The candy, the company said, adds a personal touch to social interactions by providing a short, handwritten note with the perfect punctuation.

PHILADELPHIA — Watson Labs is hoping to be the first to market a generic version of a popular drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

British drug maker Shire announced Thursday that it had received notification that Watson filed for regulatory approval of a version of Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) capsules with the Food and Drug Administration. Watson’s application contained a Paragraph IV certification, a legal assertion that the patent covering Adderall XR is invalid, unenforceable or won’t be infringed by Watson’s product.

NEW YORK — Roger & Gallet, the maker of fine French fragrances and body care products, has debuted at Duane Reade's Look Boutique, the retailer's signature beauty department.

To celebrate the launch, Roger & Gallet handed out 6,000 roses over two days with special cards redeemable for a tote bag with any Roger & Gallet purchase of $20 or more at select locations.

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Savient said its newest drug is the first and only therapy available to treat chronic gout in adult patients refractory to conventional therapy.

The drug maker announced the U.S. commercial launch of Krystexxa (pegloticase).