June 2024 Products Column

Vedolizumab (Entyvio)

From: Takeda

The FDA has approved subcutaneous (SC) vedolizumab (Entyvio) as maintenance therapy for moderate to severe active Crohn disease (CD) following induction therapy with intravenous vedolizumab. The acceptance follows the September 2023 approval as a maintenance treatment for individuals with moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis (UC). UC and CD are the 2 most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease and occur as chronic, relapsing, remitting, and inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The new approval was based on the phase 3 randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled VISIBLE 2 trial (NCT02611817), which evaluated the safety and efficacy of a SC formulation of vedolizumab as a maintenance therapy to treat moderate to severe CD. The results confirmed the well-established efficacy profile of vedolizumab, regardless of route of administration.

For more information: takeda.com

Image credit: kamol | stock.adobe.com

Lidocaine + Phenol

From: Bridges Consumer Healthcare LLC

Absorbine Jr. PRO has launched a new maximum-strength OTC pain reliever with lidocaine and phenol. The product launched with major retailers in 2023 and saw widespread patient acceptance. Phenol acts as both a numbing agent and a penetration-enhancing ingredient, which is proven to increase the transport of drugs across skin layers and help lidocaine’s effectiveness. According to a news release from the company, 72% of pain relief shoppers are constantly looking for a new and improved pain relief solution, and this product—available in both roll-on and cream formulations—aims to offer a new option.

For more information: absorbinejr.com

Bloat + Gas Relief

From: Wonderbelly

Wonderbelly has released a new line of digestive care products, called Bloat + Gas Relief, to improve bloating, gas discomfort, and abdominal pressure linked with fullness. Available in strawberry shortcake and mango smoothie flavor options, the chewable tablets contain 125 mg of simethicone. Other ingredients include calcium carbonate, natural flavors, calcium phosphate, maltose, silicon dioxide, and vegetable magnesium stearate. The tablets are also made with non–genetically modified organism ingredients and are Clean Label Project certified. The company noted that Bloat + Gas Relief is highly effective and can be found in Target and on Amazon.

For more information: wonderbelly.com

Valbenazine Tosylate Capsules

From: Lupin Limited

Compare to: Ingrezza Valbenazine tosylate capsules 40 mg and 80 mg received FDA approval as generic options to treat tardive dyskinesia. The disorder causes abnormal movements in the jaw, lips, and tongue, and commonly occurs as a rare adverse effect following long-term use of a dopamine receptor–blocking medication. The medicine is aimed to treat tardive dyskinesia by preventing the release of dopamine from vesicles, although it cannot cure the disorder. The most common adverse events when taking valbenazine include sleepiness, heart rhythm problems, and Parkinson disease–like symptoms.

For more information: lupin.com