News Briefs

AstraZeneca is launching Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide) for the treatment or prevention of symptoms of asthma and to help prevent sudden severe breathing problems (asthma attacks) in people aged 18 years old and older.

Airsupra contains a short-acting beta2-agonist, to help relax the smooth muscles of the airways, and an inhaled corticosteroid, to help decrease inflammation in the lungs, the company said.

Priya Bansal, a physician and CEO at Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center said, “For over five decades, the medical community has used SABA-only rescue which does not address the inflammatory component of asthma. Now, with Airsupra available we can provide patients, especially those on maintenance therapy, another rescue option for managing their breakthrough symptoms. The MANDALA study has demonstrated how these patients can benefit from an as-needed anti-inflammatory rescue to treat their symptoms while helping to prevent an attack even if they are on ICS-containing maintenance therapy.”

Liz Bodin, vice president of U.S. Respiratory and Immunology at AstraZeneca said, “With Airsupra now available in the United States, we are taking an important step in our mission to revolutionize asthma for millions of people living with the disease. We are hopeful our innovative asthma rescue medicine can help alleviate the burden by addressing both symptoms and underlying inflammation simultaneously at the right time to reduce the risk of having a severe asthma attack.”

Rite Aid has completed its previously announced sale of the Elixir Solutions business to MedImpact Healthcare Systems for approximately $576.5 million. 

“We are pleased to finalize the sale of Elixir, marking another important milestone in our transformation to strengthen our long-term financial position,” said Jeffrey S. Stein, Rite Aid’s CEO and chief restructuring officer. “We believe this transaction is a great outcome for Rite Aid and our stakeholders, including our Elixir colleagues and the customers, clients and members they serve. Importantly, this divestiture will better position Rite Aid for long-term success as we continue to evolve our portfolio to focus on the healthcare products, services and solutions that are core to our future.”

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as Rite Aid’s legal counsel, Guggenheim Securities is serving as investment banker, and Alvarez & Marsal is serving as transformation officer and financial advisor.

Banana Boat is elevating sun care with a new non-aerosol dual sprayer that lets users choose between a continuous spray or short bursts. 

The 360 Coverage SPF 50+ Mist is refillable, reusable and recyclable. In addition, its product design ensures that the product is evenly distributed, the company said. 

Made with clinically proven UVA/UVB protection, the product aims to protect users from up to 98% of burning rays. 

Retailing for $8.99 for a refill and $11.99 for a bottle, Banana Boat’s 360 Coverage SPF 50+ Mist is available at Amazon, Walgreens and the brand’s website. 

Dunkin’ is bringing the flavor of its Brownie Batter donut straight to consumers’ homes with a new coffee creamer. 

“As a leader in the coffee creamer category, Danone North America continues to introduce innovative creamer flavors that elevate consumers’ coffee routines,” said Kallie Goodwin, vice president of marketing, coffee creamers for Danone North America.

The new Brownie Batter Creamer is Dunkin's latest seasonal flavor launch that is made with real cream and sugar and contains fudge notes, the brand shared. 

“The Brownie Batter Signature Latte was a hit in Dunkin’ restaurants last year, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this delicious offering to the at-home coffee experience,” said Brian Gilbert, vice president, retail business development for Dunkin’. “While it’s a limited-time offering, there’s plenty of Dunkin’ Brownie Batter Creamer to go around—so don’t worry, there’s no need to fight for the last lick of brownie batter like we’ve all done when baking with family and friends.”

Consumers can find the new Brownie Batter creamer at retailers nationwide. 

Sally Hansen’s well-known gel-hybrid polish, Miracle Gel, is turning 10 years old. 

To celebrate the momentous occasion, the brand is rolling out the Birthday collection, which features 8 new trendy shades that range from crème and glitter to soft glam. 

New shades consumers should be on the lookout for include It’s Sherbery Day, Brewberry, Party of Hue, Affairy to Remember, Figgin’ Love Hue, Twinkle Whites, Pink and Outfit and Gel-ebrate. 

Retailing or $12.99 each, Sally Hansen’s Birthday collection is available at mass market, drug store, food and e-commerce retailers. 

Ritual, a supplement brand, will be launching an Omega 3 DHA +EPA supplement. 

Ritual’s Omega-3 is wrapped in a fresh citrus essence capsule, entirely un-fishy for an enjoyable experience, the brand claims. It contains a dose of 500 mg DHA and EPA. The supplement is sustainably sourced from microalgae and supports cell-wall-strengthening, energy-supporting, immune-system-protecting nutrients, the brand said.

As with all Ritual products, this new supplement is made traceable, vegan, third party tested (for heavy metals and microbes), gluten-free, soy-free, major allergen free, and comes in 100% recycled packaging.