New Products

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for gastroesphageal reflux disease made by a subsidiary of Mylan, the generic drug maker said Monday.

The FDA approved Matrix Labs’ pantoprazole sodium delayed-release tablets in the 20-mg and 40-mg strengths.

The drug is a version of Protonix DR, made by Wyeth, now part of Pfizer. Various versions of the drug had sales of around $1.7 billion during the 12-month period ended in September, according to IMS Health. The FDA also approved a version made by Dr. Reddy’s Labs on Friday.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Just Born wants fans of its Peeps, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales brands to feel the love this Valentine's Day.

Peeps is getting a Valentine's Day makeover with Peeps chocolate-covered-raspberry-flavored marshmallow hearts, available in single-serve packages.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — An investigational schizophrenia drug appears effective in reducing agitation in patients with the disease, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.

Alexza Pharmaceuticals announced results of a phase-3 trial of the inhaled drug AZ-004 (loxapine), which showed statistically significant improvement in symptoms of agitation in patients compared with the placebo.

SAN ANTONIO — “The View” co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck aims to raise awareness around celiac disease, coupling her recently published book, "The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide," with a line of gluten-free, meal-replacement bars called Nogii in partnership with Europa Sports Products.

SAN DIEGO — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted a regulatory filing from Optimer Pharmaceuticals for a drug to treat bacterial infections.

Optimer announced Monday the FDA’s acceptance of its approval application for fidaxomicin for treating clostridium difficile infection, or CDI. CDI is a colon infection that is a particular problem in hospitals, long-term care centers and in the broader community. It is estimated to affect more than 700,000 people per year. The agency has granted the application priority review and expects to finish its review by May 30.

SAN ANTONIO — Biotab Nutraceuticals last week showcased an Extenze line extension — an energy-shot delivery format — at the ECRM Vitamin, Diet and Sports Nutrition conference here.

The cherry-flavored shot retails for approximately $5.99 as a two-pack SKU.

NEW YORK — Celebrity and supermodel Heidi Klum has teamed up with Coty to develop and market her own signature fragrance called Heidi Klum Shine.

The fragrance is expected to launch in fall 2011. The fragrance will be distributed worldwide and will be managed by the Coty Beauty division.

Marketing plans for the fragrance currently are in development, and the company is expected to reveal additional information closer to the launch.

HYDERABAD, India — Indian drug maker Dr. Reddy’s Labs has launched a generic treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The company announced Thursday the launch of pantoprazole sodium delayed-release tablets in the 20-mg and 40-mg strengths. The drug is a version of Protonix, made by Wyeth, now part of Pfizer.

Pantoprazole sodium delayed-release tablets had sales of around $1.8 billion during the 12-month period ended in September 2010, according to IMS Health.