News Briefs

Amber Specialty Pharmacy, a Hy-Vee subsidiary, is offering expanded Evusheld services.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization for AstraZeneca’s Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) for the pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric individuals age 12 years old and older weighing at least 40 kg.

Evusheld may be prescribed for individuals who are not currently infected with SARS-CoV-2, who have not had a known recent exposure to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 and who are moderate to severe immune compromised due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments and may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination or for whom vaccination with any available COVID-19 vaccine, according to the approved or authorized schedule, which is not recommended due to a history of severe adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine(s) and/or COVID-19 vaccine component(s).

This can include transplant recipients, as well as oncology and other immunocompromised patients. Amber Specialty Pharmacy’s high-touch service model is designed to support prescribers, like transplant programs, oncologists and others, who may have patients who might be prescribed Evusheld. The pharmacy provides comprehensive services beginning at the moment of referral, through delivery and beyond, to ensure the best possible patient outcomes, the company said.

“Throughout the pandemic, Amber Specialty Pharmacy has consistently risen to the occasion to take care of our patients. Through the administration of monoclonal antibodies, we kept our focus on delivering solutions when our patients needed them the most,” said Kristin Williams, president of Amber Specialty Pharmacy. “Our expanded Evusheld services represent our continued commitment to caring for our patients, especially those who have been without therapeutic options that provided adequate immune response.”

Amber Specialty Pharmacy will offer Evusheld at its 19 locations throughout the United States. They also coordinate delivery and nursing for at-home administration, if needed, the company said.

Global ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries has announced the launch of two Luxiva CBD distillates for use in health-and-wellness products.

“The Kemin team is excited to announce that Luxiva hemp CBD distillates are now available to help our customers elevate their health and wellness innovation products,” said Tyler Holstein, global product manager of Kemin Human Nutrition and Health. “The line includes two new products that are USDA-certified organic and fully traceable to hemp farms in the Midwest United States. Kemin ingredients are made in facilities with third-party GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification and products that conform to the law and requirements governing hemp to help customers get new products to market quickly.”

The new product offerings include Luxiva Full Spectrum Cannabidiol Distillate (0.3%), a hemp extract that offers a minimum of 60% CBD with a total THC content of less than 0.3%. The other is Luxiva Full Spectrum Cannabidiol Distillate (0.1%), a hemp extract that contains 60% CBD with a total THC content of less than 0.1%.

Kemin said the products are all natural, non-GMO, vegan and kosher.

“With all these benefits, we’re excited to offer these new hemp CBD solutions and to give our customers peace of mind when buying high-quality Luxiva hemp ingredients from Kemin,” Holstein said.

Hoping to democratize plant-based wellness, Equilibria has announced a permanent price reduction on many of its wellness products, including all bundles and subscriptions. Some are now available for up to 45% off MSRP.

Equilibria helps women manage through daily struggles, both physical and mental, by pairing its plant-based supplement routines with personalized support, the company said. Its offerings include CBD as well as other functional health categories and personalized education.

“During this stressful time of escalating costs in most aspects of our consumer life, it’s more important than ever that access to high-quality wellness products are within reach,” said Coco Meers, CEO and co-founder of Equilibria. “We’ve worked incredibly hard with our premium supply chain to make Equilibria more affordable because when taken daily, our personalized wellness routines are transforming women’s lives. We want as many women as possible to be able to experience the positive effects on their physical and mental well-being.”

The company believes that CBD and other plant-based nutriceuticals work best when taken daily, so it has increased its subscription savings from 20% to 25%. Additionally, customers who subscribe to multiple products will receive additional savings based on how many products are in their routine. Members with existing subscriptions will see the new savings reflected in their monthly bundles.

As part of its new plan, the brand also is offering free, pre-purchase one-on-one wellness consultations with wellness educators around the nation to anyone interested in learning more about plant-based wellness and where to start.

“The world of plant-based wellness can be really daunting,” Meyers said. “What ingredients are safe, at what levels, and how and why do they work in individual bodies to achieve specific health goals? At Equilibria, we take the time to hold space for each and every member of our community, through one-on-one telehealth sessions to help her answer these questions and empower her to find her daily routine.”

Trojan is adding a new product to its offerings — BareSkin Raw condoms.

Designed to provide a barely-there experience, the latex condom features a virtually invisible barrier for a closer and more intimate experience, the company said.

Featuring a silky-smooth lubricant to increase comfort and sensitivity, the product features premium latex to help reduce the risk of pregnancy and STDs, according to the brand.

Currently, Trojan BareSkin Raw condoms are available in counts of three, 10 and 24 packs that can be found at retailers nationwide, including Walmart and Target, as well as online at Amazon.

The maker of Rice-A-Roni and Pasta Roni is aiming to help families simplify mealtime with its new Heat & Eat products.

As an easy-to-prepare meal option, the line features two selections — penne alfredo and rotini marinara — which microwave in 60 seconds, the Chicago-based company said.

“We know the most irreplaceable asset for families is time, which is why we keep innovating to help make meal prep less chaotic,” said Michelle McAlister, senior director of marketing at Quaker Foods North America. “With its familiar and dependable flavors similar to the other Heat & Eat varieties, Pasta Roni Heat & Eat will help make meal prep a breeze for busy families in search of delicious and convenient dinner options with less hassle.”

Consumers can find Pasta Roni Heat & Eat meal options at retailers nationwide for the suggested retail price of $2.39.

Ear care company Eosera is broadening its retail footprint.

The company recently announced that its products are now available at such retailers as Walgreens, Walmart, Albertsons and Kroger, as well as at its previously established locations including CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Amazon and food stores.

This expansion brings Eosera’s products to 28,000 locations, the company said

“I am thrilled to see our products launch in major stores, such as Walgreens, Walmart, Albertsons and Kroger,” said Eosera co-founder and CEO Elyse Stoltz Dickerson.

“Our ultimate goal is to heighten the conversation around ear health, shed light on some of the most common ailments that can occur and allow people to avoid doctors’ visits through preventive care,” she said. “We’re confident that the increased presence of our products in 28,000 retailers nationwide will continue to educate consumers on the proper ways to take care of their ears at home.”

Products available include its flagship Earwax MD, Wax Blaster MD, Ear Pain MD and Ear Itch MD.