News Briefs

In its generics guidance for 2022, Hikma shared Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ update to its expectations for the launch timing of an authorized generic of Xyrem (sodium oxybate) as provided in its first-quarter 2022 earnings conference call.

Xyrem is a central nervous system depressant indicated for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in patients aged 7 years old and older with narcolepsy.

Jazz now expects authorized generic entry to occur in late 2022, or possibly even January 2023, Hikma said.

In 2017, the company entered into a settlement agreement with Jazz to sell an authorized generic of Xyrem. Under the terms of this agreement, Hikma has a certain launch date of Jan. 1, 2023 or earlier depending on certain market conditions, and 180 days of exclusivity.

To align with Jazz’s updated expectations, Hikma now conservatively assumes it will launch its authorized generic on  Jan. 1, 2023, and that the revenue and profit contribution from the exclusivity period will shift to the first half of 2023.

Reflecting this, the company updated its guidance for its generics business. For 2022, Hikma now expects generics revenue to be in the range of $710 million to $750 million and core operating margin to be around 20%, with the lower end of the range reflecting the possibility of further price erosion in the U.S. generic market, should this materialize. This compares with Hikma’s previous guidance of generics revenue growth in the range of 8% to 10% over full-year 2021 revenue of $820 million and core operating margin in the range of 24% to 25%.

All other guidance remains unchanged, the company said. 

MegaFood wants to aid consumers who are having difficulty getting a good night’s sleep.

The latest launch from the Manchester, N.H.-based company is the Extra Strength Sleep Melatonin Gummies.

Featuring 10 g of melatonin per serving in an orange blossom flavor, the gummies are formulated to help consumers fall asleep quickly, the brand said.

Made with chamomile and lemon balm, the product is Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Glyphosate Residue Free and does not contain high fructose corn syrup or gelatin.

“Sleep plays a critical role in our overall health and wellness, and getting enough sleep at night should never feel unattainable,” said Erin Stokes, a naturopathic doctor and medical director at MegaFood. “Our new Extra Strength Sleep Gummies are intended for occasional use to help you fall asleep faster and support a healthy sleep cycle.”

NowRx, a tech-powered pharmacy that provides same-day prescription delivery and telehealth services, and Hyundai Motor Group, a global scale mobility provider including Hyundai Motor and Kia, are set to kick off a pilot project to explore the use of new solutions in the delivery of prescription medications.

The parties plan to launch the project later this year, serving two micro-fulfillment centers in the Los Angeles area. The pilot includes aspects of automated dispatch, fleet management and other last mile optimization technologies, with the extended scope to test autonomous vehicle technologies in the future.

Supported by the Innovation division of the Group, NowRx plans to combine its proprietary pharmacy management system QuickFill capabilities and the Group’s smart mobility solutions. The synergies are expected to provide a seamless healthcare experience to end consumers.

“Autonomous vehicles are part of our long-term strategic vision for NowRx to further reduce delivery costs at scale,” said Cary Breese, CEO and co-founder of NowRx. “We can’t imagine a better company to work with than the Group, which has demonstrated substantial leadership in the autonomous vehicle, and other robotics and automation areas.”

“The Group expects this collaboration with NowRx to help expand our mobility business model beyond the anticipated industry,” said Minsung Kim, vice president of Hyundai Motor Group and head of the Open Innovation Strategy Team. “We believe a new opportunity with the technologically innovative e-pharmacy NowRx, that uniquely integrates pharmacy management and delivery service, supports our movement toward smart mobility solutions provider.”

Camber is introducing atazanavir capsules.

The medication is the generic of Bristol Myers Squibb's Reyataz.

It is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and in pediatric patients aged 6 years old and older weighing at least 33 lbs.

Camber’s atazanavir capsules are available in 150 mg and 200 mg 60-count bottles and a 300 mg 30-count bottle.

There’s a new addition to the Rice Krispies Treats family.

The Battle Creek, Mich.-based company released Homestyle Cinnamon Sugar variety, which features fluffy marshmallows, golden butter and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon.

“Whether you’re a busy parent packing lunchboxes or a grown-up kid craving a taste of childhood, fans can enjoy this deliciously sticky, simple snack any time of day and be transported to a homey kitchen in just one bite,” said Heidi Ray, senior director of brand marketing at Kellogg’s portable wholesome snacks. “What’s more, this is the first-ever Cinnamon Sugar flavor for our Rice Krispies Treats brand, and we’re excited to add it to our beloved line of Homestyle bars.”

Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle Cinnamon Sugar is now available at grocery stores nationwide in a pack of six that retails for $3.99 and a pack of 12 for $5.24.

Loblaw has completed the previously announced acquisition of Lifemark Health Group from Audax Private Equity.

Lifemark is a leading provider of outpatient physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic mental health and other ancillary rehabilitation services in Canada. With this acquisition, Loblaw through its wholly owned subsidiary Shoppers Drug Mart, adds to its growing role as a healthcare service provider, with a network of health-and-wellness solutions accessible in person and digitally.

Loblaw is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, with a network of more than 2,400 corporate, franchised and associate-owned locations in communities across the country. Loblaw's purpose — Live Life Well — supports the needs and well-being of Canadians who make 1 billion visits each year to the company's stores.

[Read more: Loblaw’s Shoppers Drug Mart to acquire Lifemark Health Group]

Led by Shoppers Drug Mart, the leader in Canada's retail drug store marketplace and the No. 1 provider of pharmacy products and services, Loblaw offers full-service pharmacies and a range of services like prescriptions, med checks, vaccinations, minor-ailment diagnoses and nutrition consultations in more than 1,800 locations in 10 provinces and 2 territories, including in Shoppers Drug Mart, PharmaPrix, Loblaw pharmacy, DRUGStore Pharmacy and CENTRESante locations.

Lifemark Health Group is a Canadian leader in community rehabilitation, workplace health and wellness and medical assessment services. With over 20 years of service excellence, Lifemark Health Group, a comprehensive and trusted health provider with 3 million patient visits annually, employs over 5,000 highly trained clinicians, medical experts and team members, the company said.

As Canada's largest physiotherapy company, Lifemark said that it is passionate about enriching the health of Canadians through movement.