News Briefs

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, an early commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing meaningful innovations in immuno-dermatology, is introducing Zoryve (roflumilast) cream 0.3% for topical use for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in people aged 12 and older.

As the first and only topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, the medication clears plaques and reduces itch rapidly in all affected areas of the body, including intertriginous areas (areas of skin-to-skin contact).

“We are excited to make Zoryve, our first commercial product, available as an innovative topical therapy to individuals in the United States who are currently living with plaque psoriasis. Zoryve is the only topical treatment option to date that was specifically studied and demonstrated efficacy in treating intertriginous plaque psoriasis, as well as on all other areas of the body, including hard-to-treat areas like knees and elbows,” said Ken Lock, chief commercial officer of Arcutis. “The availability of Zoryve so quickly following approval is a reflection of the strength of Arcutis’ manufacturing and commercial operations.”

“At Arcutis, we strongly believe that meaningful innovation must extend beyond product development, and include a commitment to ensuring our products are accessible to the individuals who need them," said Frank Watanabe, president and CEO of Arcutis. "With this in mind, we are executing a responsible pricing and go-to-market strategy for Zoryve as yet another way to deliver innovative solutions for those living with plaque psoriasis.”

Zoryve is now available via Zoryve Direct pharmacies and will be available for ordering at pharmacies nationwide no later than Aug. 15.

Coffee Mate, for the first time in its 50-year history, is debuting plant-based milk creamers.

The brand’s new almond and oat milk creamers, which come in French vanilla and caramel options, combine the brand’s signature flavors with the smooth and blended base of oat and almond milk, the company said.

“As creamer fans continue to seek variety, both in flavor and ingredients, it was only natural for Coffee Mate to step into the plant space,” said Leonardo Aizpuru, Nestlé senior director of brand marketing and leader of the creamer business unit. “Now everyone can have the best of both worlds — the delicious taste of Coffee Mate, featuring plant-based ingredients.”

Coffee Mate’s Plant-Based Almond and Oat Milk French Vanilla Flavored Creamer are non-dairy, lactose and cholesterol free, and contain notes of classic French vanilla.

The brand’s Plant-Based Almond and Oat Milk Caramel Flavored Creamer feature a buttery caramel flavor with notes of almond and oat milk mixed in.

Both of Coffee Mate’s new almond and oat milk-based creamers are available in a 28-oz. size.

Re+Play, the performance-based wellness and recovery line of Harrington Wellness, has formed a multi-year partnership with The National Basketball Players Association, or NBPA, and will sell its recovery-promoting products at Amazon and Walmart.

The multi-year product development plan brings products to the masses, including topicals, kinesiology tape and massage guns, among other naturally infused pain products.

“Re+Play’s partnership with the NBPA will provide consumers with a wealth of trusted, technology-driven products to help them recover like a pro,” said Al Harrington, CEO of Harrington Wellness and former NBPA member.

“As we move into the next phase of the Re+Play brand with our strategic partners at Amazon, the NBPA and Walmart, we are excited to once again reimagine how we help athletes of all levels recover from pain with CBD and other innovative technology,” he said.

The first product release from this new union is a line of recovery creams developed in partnership with Avicanna, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of plant-derived, cannabinoid-based products.

“It was important that we developed a product that was clearly evidence-based and targeted at improving muscle recovery,” said Sanford Kunkel, chief medical officer at Harrington Wellness and Re+Play. “Through our partnership with Avicanna, we were able to develop our line at its R&D headquarters in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center, JLABS, giving us a significant competitive product advantage.’’

This new Re+Play product can be purchased at replayrecovery.com and will soon be available through the Replay Recovery Store on Amazon.com and Walmart.com.

BioFilm , the makers of Astroglide personal lubricants, is introducing its newest wellness brand, BioShell.

The brand’s debut product, BioShell Germ Defense for Your Mouth, is being touted as a simple, revolutionary, pocket-sized oral antiseptic. The company said that the product guards against infection by coating the throat and mouth with a thin, invisible antibacterial film that traps most germs before they have a chance to make you sick.

“The take-anywhere bottle is the perfect companion for travel, days in the office, large gatherings or events, and more. To use, simply spray BioShell Germ Defense in your mouth one to three times before entering crowded situations like planes, trains, concerts and meetings. It can be used up to three times a day for up to seven days,” BioFilm said. 

“Today’s consumers are looking for uncomplicated ways to be and stay healthy,” said Lisa O’Carroll, BioFilm CEO. “So we took our 30-plus years of experience making quality wellness products and dedicated ourselves to introducing easy-to-use, powerfully effective illness prevention products that are designed with modern lifestyles in mind, making wellness simple for consumers every single day.” 

BioShell Germ Defense for Your Mouth is suitable for ages 12 years old and older. It is available for purchase on Amazon and will be in the cough-cold and flu section of local drug stores and pharmacies later this year, the company said.

Michele Belcher, president of the National Community Pharmacists Association and owner of Grants Pass Pharmacy in Grants Pass, Ore., recently joined Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure at River Road Health Mart Pharmacy in Eugene.

Also present was Brian Marr, owner of River Road Health Mart Pharmacy; Roberto Linares, part-time pharmacist from Rice’s Pharmacy in Corvallis and full-time instructor at the College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University; and John and Ann Murray, owners of Murray Drug, which has locations in Heppner, Condon and Boardman.

The group discussed efforts to combat high prescription drug prices, protecting small business independent pharmacies and preserving access for the patients they serve.

[Read more: NCPA, 207 stakeholders support bipartisan Senate bill empowering FTC action against PBMs]

Belcher said that NCPA is grateful to policymakers for advancing policies to end retroactive clawbacks. On behalf of the organization, she thanked Wyden for his efforts to have the Federal Trade Commission conduct a study of pharmacy benefit managers.

Belcher expressed concern that PBMs will continue to ratchet down pharmacy reimbursement and urged Wyden to support the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act (S. 4293), which would give the FTC greater authority to hold PBMs accountable for unfair and deceptive practices that drive up the costs of drugs at the expense of consumers. She also recommended that Brooks-LaSure and the Biden administration extend the various flexibilities (diagnostics, treatments and vaccines, etc.) afforded to pharmacists by the COVID-19 public health emergency after it ends.

“Local pharmacies like mine and others represented at this discussion are an important part of the national healthcare infrastructure; we are a safety net to many patients,” Belcher said.

[Read more: NCPA survey: Three-quarters of community pharmacies report staff shortages]

“At the urging of NCPA and so many others, policymakers are taking steps toward fixing the broken prescription drug payment model, but there’s more to be done to foster successful pharmacies and healthier, happier patients,” she said. “We appreciate working with Sen. Wyden and administrator Brooks-LaSure on accomplishing these goals and supporting the pharmacist-provided services that have proven so essential to the health of our country.”

Luster Products has expanded its Luster's Pink product range with the launch of a Comfort Oil scalp serum.

A manufacturer of premium personal care products, Luster Products also unveiled an updated look for its classic Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion and Glosser.

The Luster’s Pink Comfort Oil scalp serum is formulated with a combination of natural oils and botanical extracts that soothes and calms dry, itchy scalps with a comforting tingle. It also delivers shine to dry, dull hair, the company said.

[Read more: Luster’s Pink replenishes moisture to tresses between washes]

“With the introduction of our Comfort Oil, we wanted to address common concerns we hear from consumers about the various scalp conditions they experience while wearing different looks; especially, protective styles such as braids, wigs or sew-in weaves, which can put extra tension on the scalp and increase the chance for build-up, dryness and irritation,” said Resa Luster-Mac, senior brand manager and third generation Luster executive at Luster Products. “Our new Comfort Oil scalp serum will help to relieve and alleviate some of these scalp challenges from the very first use.”

The Comfort Oil joins Luster’s Pink Natural Oil Blends collection, which also includes its Lush Growth Oil and Trueshine Oil Mist.

Luster’s Pink Comfort Oil is a soothing scalp serum that provides a comforting tingling sensation that calms scalp irritation and itchiness, relieves tension and lubricates dry scalp and helps to prevent flaking. It can be used daily for all hair types and styles and is safe for color-treated hair, the company noted.

[Read more: REX Awards 2022: Beauty]

The Comfort Oil is formulated with peppermint oil, lavender oil, camphor, aloe vera, clary sage oil, rosemary oil and more.

“Our Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion, affectionately called ‘Pink Lotion’ for short by our most supportive fans, and our Glosser have served multiple generations of consumers for more than 50 years,” Luster-Mac said. “This packaging update maintains classic characteristics of the original product, including their iconic formulas, while also adding subtle design elements that we hope will delight both existing and new consumers earning us a permanent spot in their beauty stash.”

Luster’s Pink Original Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion moisturizes extra dry hair and scalp. Fortified with vitamin E and provitamin B5, it nourishes, softens, smooths, boosts shine and improves the appearance of damaged hair. It eases combing, helping to minimize breakage and retain length.

[Read more: Beauty’s changing needs: Hair care brands step up to address aging hair and scalp concerns]

Luster's Pink Glosser is a frizz-fighting finishing mist that delivers pure shine and smoothness to any style. It contains a blend of natural emollients, botanical extracts and vitamin E that revitalizes dull hair, leaving it silky with no buildup. The Glosser is formulated with aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil and Vitamin E.

Luster's Pink Comfort Oil is currently available exclusively on LusterProducts.com.

Luster's Pink Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion and Glosser are available on LusterProducts.com and at Walmart, Family Dollar, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target, Sally Beauty and beauty supply stores nationwide.