Retail Clinics

HOUSTON — A recent clinical trial involving a new drug formulation incorporating aspirin with soy-derived phosphatidylcholine found that the drug combination significantly can reduce irritation to the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract.

PITTSBURGH — In partnership with Bayer Healthcare Diabetes Care and Novo Nordisk, Giant Eagle is offering its customers free in-store diabetes screenings.

Offerings include A1C tests to measure blood-glucose levels, as well as consultations with Giant Eagle diabetes and pharmaceutical care specialists. The retailer also will have dietitians and wellness coaches on hand at select locations.

Testing is available through Feb. 5, while supplies last.

CRAWLEY, England — An insulin pen for children made by Novo Nordisk has won a design award, the company said Wednesday.

The Danish drug maker won the 2010 Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies for its NovoPen Echo, used to treat Type 1 diabetes. The annual award, which the two organizations have given since 1950, are the oldest and among the most coveted for design and innovation, Novo Nordisk said.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for head lice, the agency said Tuesday.

The FDA approved Natroba (spinosad) topical suspension, made by ParaPro, a privately owned drug company based in Carmel, Ind. The drug is used to treat head lice infestation in patients ages 4 years and older.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic diabetes drug made by Mylan, the drug maker said Tuesday.

Mylan announced the approval of acarbose tablets in the 25-mg, 50-mg and 100-mg strengths. The drug is a version of Bayer’s Precose, used with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

The drug had sales of around $23 million during the 12-month period ended in September, according to IMS Health.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — B. Braun has launched its Prontosan wound management gel — a product used in the healthcare setting for cleaning wounds, as well as moistening and lubricating absorbent wound dressings — for over-the-counter use.

The ready-to-use gel contains PHMB and betaine, the surfactant for the cleansing and moistening of wounds. Its nontoxic and biocompatible formula also offers excellent skin tolerance, the company said.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — After announcing its voluntary recall of certain products at a wholesaler level on Friday, Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare division provided an update on its internal assessment phase of its comprehensive action plan.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has announced that it is offering free blood pressure testing through Jan. 16 at all Walgreens pharmacies and Take Care Clinics nationwide, as announced Thursday on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."