New Products

NEW YORK — In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved 39 new drugs, 8 alone in December, marking the largest increase in 16 years. The wave of approvals poises pharmaceutical makers to see big gains after billions in losses in recent years to generic drug makers because of patent expirations.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Zak Designs is looking to expand its environmental commitment by launching a new line of dinnerware, serveware and kitchen prep items, all made from recycled melamine. The Sprinkles collection uses the same patented process Zak used in its best-selling, upscale Confetti collection, allowing the company to offer the same environmentally friendly products to the mass market.

PITTSBURGH — Mylan announced that its subsidiary, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, has received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its abbreviated new drug applications for rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets, 5 mg and 10 mg, and rizatriptan benzoate tablets, 5 mg and 10 mg. These products are the generic versions of Merck's Maxalt MLT® Tablets and Maxalt® Tablets, respectively, and are indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.

SPRING SPRING, Md. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved Fulyzaq (crofelemer) to relieve symptoms of diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients taking antiretroviral therapy, a combination of medicines used to treat HIV infection. Diarrhea is experienced by many HIV/AIDS patients and is a common reason why patients discontinue or switch their antiretroviral therapies.

AUSTIN, Texas — To meet growing consumer demand for healthier choices, Whole Foods Market is introducing Engine 2 Plant-Strong products, a new line of plant-based, minimally processed snacks, breakfast items and pantry staples. Developed in collaboration with Rip Esselstyn, author and founder of The Engine 2 Diet, the products will be available exclusively at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide beginning January 2013.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug from Johnson & Johnson for patients with tuberculosis who do not respond to other treatments, the company announced.

Tuberculosis is an air-spread infection that usually attacks the lungs, but also affect the brain, the spine and the kidneys. The drug blocks an energy-producing enzyme the tuberculosis bacteria needs to survive and is the first drug in 40 years to attempt to cure the disease using this type of treatment.

CHICAGO — Hillshire Brands will introduce new products in the frozen breakfast category over the next few years in an effort for the company to become the most innovative meat-centric food company throughout North America.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Hillshire, backed by an enhanced marketing and advertising campaign, will offer new easy-to-heat breakfast bowls, quesadillas, burritos and egg sandwiches.

SILVER SPRINGS, Md. — Teva Pharmaceuticals has received approval of their new drug application for topotecan hydrochloride injection, a treatment for small cell lung cancer, according to Food and Drug Administration records.