New Products

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic contraceptive made by Sandoz, the company said.

Sandoz, the generics arm of Swiss drug maker Novartis, announced the FDA approval of Introvale (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol), a generic version of Duramed’s Seasonale.

Branded and generic versions of Seasonale had sales of around $91 million during the 12-month period ended in November, according to IMS Health.

PRINCETON, N.J. — A new oral treatment for Type 2 diabetes hit the shelves Friday.

Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca announced the availability of Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride), which the companies called the only once-daily treatment for diabetes that combined metformin with a DPP-4 inhibitor, the drug class to which saxagliptin belongs.

The drug is designed for use alongside diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

LAS VEGAS — Boasted as the "next big little thing," Reese's is shrinking the size of its iconic peanut butter cups.

Making an unexpected debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Reese’s Minis are the size of a dime but retain the delicious blend of chocolate and peanut butter.

IRVINE, Calif. — A U.S. biotech company plans to develop a biosimilar of a monoclonal antibody used to treat cancers and autoimmune disorders.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals announced Wednesday a deal with Viropro to develop a biosimilar rituximab, marketed under the brand name Rituxan by Roche’s Genentech division. Global sales of rituximab in 2009 were $5.6 billion, according to Spectrum.

LAS VEGAS — Oregon Scientific and Gaiam on Wednesday announced a new wellness-bent product offering that includes low-profile heart-rate monitors with touchscreen technology; USB-powered air sanitizers; massagers for the head, back and body; and ultrasonic diffusers and heated candles for aromatherapy, which will be introduced first to buyers attending the Consumer Electronics Show.

Each product in the line will include a Gaiam Wellness DVD that features such yoga instructors as Rodney Yee providing a comprehensive approach to stress-free living.

CHICAGO — Beauty companies will be looking to get "down to Earth" in 2011, according to Mintel, an independent provider of market intelligence.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo is extending its SoBe brand with a new line of zero-calorie beverages.

SoBe Lifewater with electrolytes, available in Macintosh Apple Cherry and Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade, are infused with vitamins and made with the all-natural sweetener, PureVia, which offers full flavor with zero calories per serving.

SAN DIEGO — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted the approval application for a chemotherapy drug to treat lung cancer from AdventRx Pharmaceuticals, the drug maker said Thursday.

The FDA accepted AdventRx’s application for Exelbine (vinorelbine). The drug is a branded generic, being formulated with the same active ingredient as Navelbine, originally marketed by French drug maker Pierre Fabre and now available as a generic from seven companies.