News Briefs

The Food and Drug Adminstration gave the green light for Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson’s Stelara (ustekinumab) for the treatment of pediatric patients 6 years old and older with active psoriatic arthritis.

This rare disease that resembles adult PsA affects 5% to 8% of children and adolescents with chronic inflammatory arthritis.

Two of the four indications for Stelara now include pediatric patients, further expanding its treatment profile since the first approval in 2009 for adults living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Stelara is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits both interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23, two cytokines thought to play an important role in tempering the overactive inflammatory response in several autoimmune diseases. Stelara is administered as a subcutaneous injection dosed four times per year after two starter doses for the treatment of pediatric patients six years of age and older with active PsA.

“We know active pediatric psoriatic arthritis is a challenging inflammatory disease given its rarity and that symptoms, such as swollen joints and skin lesions, can vary significantly in presentation and severity,” said Terence Rooney, vice president of rheumatology and maternal fetal disease area at Janssen Research & Development.

“With this pediatric approval of Stelara, we’re pleased to help address the unmet needs of these young patients and provide physicians with a much-needed treatment option that has an established track record of safety and efficacy,” he said.

“The approval of Stelara for use in children six years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis, which follows the 2020 approval for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in this population, is complemented by more than 12 years of clinical trial and real-world evidence across all approved indications demonstrating the safety and efficacy of this biologic therapy” said said Jennifer Davidson, vice president of immunology medical affairs at Janssen Scientific Affairs. “As a global leader in immunology, Janssen is dedicated to reducing the burden of chronic autoimmune diseases, and this additional approval for Stelara builds on our legacy of bringing important treatment options to younger patients.”

Laura Geller is continuing its partnership with Emmy-nominated actress Fran Drescher by launching a limited-edition makeup essentials kit.

Featuring all of Drescher’s favorite products, the kit includes everything needed for any makeup routine — from start to finish.

Products part of the kit include Spackle Perfecting Primer in Ethereal Rose, Kajal Longwear Liner, Always There Waterproof, Blush-N-Bronze Marbelized 2-in-1 and Dual-Ended Blush + Bronzer Precision Brush.

Currently available for purchase online, Fran Drescher’s favorite products kit retails for $79 and will donate 20% of proceeds from sales to the Cancer Schmancer foundation.

Uncle Bud’s Hemp & CBD has formed a health-and-wellness partnership with the U.S.-based boxing promoter Golden Boy.

Debuting at a July 16 fight between Ryan Garcia and former two-time world champion Javier Fortuna, Uncle Bud’s entered the boxing community with an array of pain relief products that will help users heal and recover more quickly, the company said.

The Golden Boy partnership is one of a string of collaborations that Uncle Bud’s Hemp & CBD has finalized, including alliances with NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Grammy Award-winning recording artist Toni Braxton and NHL Blackhawks star defenseman Seth Jones. 

“Golden Boy has an excellent position in the boxing space, and it is an honor to partner alongside the company to highlight the importance of hemp and CBD for athletes everywhere,” said founder Bruno Schiavi. “As part of our exclusive partnership, we are excited to introduce our pain relief and recovery products to our new community of boxers and fans alike.”

The connection with Uncle Bud’s Hemp & CBD and 10-time world champion and Hall of Fame boxer Oscar De La Hoya’s company, Golden Boy, will continue the brand’s mission to expand its footprint around the athletic space and advance the relationship between 100% hemp-derived CBD products and athlete wellness and recovery.

Unitech Medical, a women-owned small family business based in Minnesota, is introducing Innovative CamWell Hand to Heal and Herb to Soothe botanical moisturizers.

The company noted that the products have clinically proven in-formula clinical benefits for painful, itchy and cracked bleeding skin, according to the company.

Additionally, the products have the following attributes: vegan, gluten free, cruelty free, nut oil free, no harsh chemicals, paraben free, BPA free, sustainable ingredients, recyclable packaging and made in the USA.

CamWell products come in unique, purposeful packaging that serves a multitude of functions, including being “aesthetically pleasing/draws the eye, educates the customer on product and amazing benefits, and makes natural CamWell products easily giftable!”

For the second year, CareSens N is partnering with the American Diabetes Association to support the diabetes community in Southern California. 

Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes (Step Out) is the signature fundraising walk of the ADA. The events are back in person this year. For more than 30 years, funds raised through these nationwide events have supported educational programming, advocacy efforts and advancements in diabetes research for the over 37 million Americans living with diabetes.

On Sept. 17 at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, CareSens N will participate at the Know Your Numbers booth to help participants of Step Out learn what blood glucose (blood sugar) numbers represent and how lowering those numbers will help them successfully manage their diabetes.

RXBAR is launching a new flavor, RXBAR Chocolate Cinnamon Brownie, for a limited time only.

Chocolate Cinnamon Brownie has an indulgent chocolate flavor and features 12 grams of protein, simple ingredients, no added sugar and most importantly, No B.S., the company said.

Containing simple ingredients — including dates, egg whites, almonds and cashews — Chocolate Cinnamon Brownie is a decadent, limited-time addition to the RXBAR portfolio to offer fans more taste variety. With crunchy whole almonds, deliciously rich chocolate chunks and fragrant cinnamon spice, the bar nods to the nostalgic senses of homemade brownies from the oven.

"RXBAR consumers seek variety, so we're constantly innovating to deliver delicious new flavors made with only simple ingredients," said Eileen Flaherty, senior brand manager, RXBAR. "Adding Chocolate Cinnamon Brownie to our portfolio of No B.S. bars allows us to surprise and delight our fans, while offering them something new to enjoy for a limited time."

The new RXBAR Chocolate Cinnamon Brownie is available now through December at RXBAR.com and select retailers nationwide.