New Products

NEW YORK — Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., today announced the submission of a new drug application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking approval for the marketing and sale of Zerenex (ferric citrate coordination complex), the company's drug candidate for the treatment of elevated serum phosphorus levels, or hyperphosphatemia, in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — There's a lot of talk this year about the return of some venerable brand names in the OTC aisles, particularly Tylenol. But if the soft launch of McNeil Consumer's Children's Tylenol serves as any kind of barometer, the return of the brands will be a big deal. Without the expected marketing hype this fourth quarter, annualized sales of Children's Tylenol were up 31.8% to $51.4 million, securely resuming its claim as the best-selling children's fever reducer for the 52 weeks ended June 16 across total U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI.

The big news in incontinence is Oxytrol, which doesn't reach store shelves until September. It's a switched product coming from Merck Consumer Care that brings an entirely new indication to the over-the-counter space — overactive bladder in women.

Some analysts are hesitant to suggest a new OTC category will translate into blockbuster-style sales. However, overactive bladder is a lot like smoking cessation or weight loss in the sense that women don't necessarily discuss these symptoms with their doctors, according to the National Association for Continence.

OMAHA, Neb. — Sergeant's Pet Care Products has created an innovative product called Vetscription PetSTOP! behavior correction spray for dogs and cats to help modify destructive or aggressive behavior. This new spray combines noise and a specially developed pheromone mist to provide quick, effective results. The spray's patent-pending pheromone mist is longer-lasting than noise products alone, so it helps redirect the pet's attention and behavior, and reminds pets not to re-engage in negative behavior, such as excessive barking, chewing or pulling on a leash.

NEW YORK — Coty’s Rimmel London has developed the new Show Off Lip Lacquer, which will be highlighted by model Kate Moss in a new ad campaign.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Eisai Inc., announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted orphan drug designation to its investigational compound (E7777) for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. E7777 is designed to have an improved purity profile and manufacturing process. It is currently in a pivotal trial intended to support its submission for approval.

There hasn't been a lot of growth in intimacy health lately, with the exception of intimacy enhancement devices, which are up 16.5% to a relatively small $26.2 million base for the 52 weeks ended June 16, according to IRI. But there is plenty of opportunity to drive growth into the category moving forward, especially with the Millennials entering the marketplace.

LOS ANGELES — Designer Protein on Wednesday announced its line of protein supplements are now all gluten-free, marking one of the first protein brands to be able to make a gluten-free claim across its entire portfolio of products, the company noted. 

"We are constantly looking to bring high-quality, consumer-desired protein products to the market," stated Grace Jean, Designer Protein CEO. "With an increasing number of consumers making gluten-free choices, we felt it was critical to attain the official 'GF' certification across our entire line."