New Products

SILVER SPRING, Md. - The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic diabetes drug made by Macleods Pharma, according to agency records.

The FDA approved Macleods' pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets in the 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg strengths.

The drug is a generic version of Takeda's Actos, branded and generic versions of which had sales of about $2.7 billion during the 12-month period that ended in August 2012, according to IMS Health.

PARIS — During a quarterly conference call Thursday, Sanofi president of global operations Hanspeter Spek noted that Sanofi's consumer arm Chattem will be relaunching the heartburn remedy Rolaids.

"We plan to relaunch the product, which has been absent of the American markets for production problems on the side of J&J," he told analysts. "We intend to launch the product by the end of 2013, which will further accelerate the performance of Chattem in the United States."

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — Pharmacy automation system manufacturer Innovation has appointed Stephen Donohue as divisional VP sales, chain and high volume, the company said Thursday.

Innovation, which makes the PharmASSIST automation system, said Donohue would lead all the company's sales and marketing activity for the retail chain, mail order and central fill markets.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug will use its partnership with PDX and ScriptPro to increase pharmacy productivity by expanding its central fill model, the regional pharmacy chain said Thursday.

Kerr announced the opening of its central fill operation in Raleigh, N.C.

"It's not just about labor savings, inventory reductions and other efficiencies," Kerr CEO Tony Civello said. "These kinds of innovations and use of technologies are critical to remaining a player in the emerging healthcare ecosystem."

ORANGEBURG, N.Y. — PhotoMedex announced today the expansion of in-store availability of its flagship product no!no! Hair to approximately 950 Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide. The product launched initially several months ago through a pilot program in just over 100 Bed Bath & Beyond stores and with the success of the pilot launch, PhotoMedex made the decision to push the product into wider release.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Unilever has introduced a new line of Axe brand facial grooming products that includes razors offered under a partnership with Schick and Philips Norelco, the company said Tuesday.

The new Axe co-branded shaving product lines will be available at Walmart and on the retailer's website and includes Axe Schick Razors and the Axe Philips Norelco electric shaver range, featuring a shave-and-groom kit with interchangeable heads.

GLENDALE, Calif. — Nestle today announced new additions to its line of Valentine’s Day offerings.

This season's collection includes the new Wonka Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip Mystery Flavor Valentine Exchange Kit. Returning this year are Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip Valentine Exchange Kit, Nestlé Crunch and Butterfinger Hearts, Wonka's best-selling Nerds , Pixy Stix, or Laffy Taffy Candy and Card Kits, Wonka Sweetarts Lollipops and Wonka Sweetarts Hearts.

CINCINNATI — CoverGirl, a Proctor and Gamble company, launched a new Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss line created by celebrity nail stylist, Marysoul Inzerillo.

“What I love most about this nail design is that you can do it in just two simple steps, without having to add a top coat for the glossy finish we always want or having to buy nail stickers that may not last through the night,” Inzerillo said.