New Products In Brief

Pfizer launches new line, extends Centrum

The ProNutrients supplement lines offers omega-3, probiotic and fruit and veggie stock-keeping units, designed to work with Pfizer Consumer Healthcare’s Centrum multivitamins. The New York-based pharma company says the ProNutrients products are available in multiple unit sizes with suggested prices from $11.99 to $29.99. In a Sept. 8 release, Pfizer also debuts the Centrum Specialist line extension, including SKUs focusing on vision and prenatal health. The firm says Centrum Performance and Cardio are rebranded as Centrum Specialist Energy and Heart, respectively.

Professors’ weight-loss product in stores

Mirafit, a soluble fiber-based weight-loss supplement developed by two Wayne State University professors, launches at Meijer stores in the Midwest. Nutrition and food science professor Catherine Jen and pathology professor Joseph Artiss formed ArtJen Complexus USA in 2009 to make and distribute Mirafit. In an Aug. 15 release, the Detroit firm claims Mirafit binds with dietary fat to help remove about 3,500 fat calories a week, equal to 1 or 1.5 pounds of body weight. A 90-tablet bottle of Mirafit sells at $42.99.

SIX Nutrition targets “real men”

Hoping to appeal to active men seeking a simplified supplement regimen, SIX Nutrition introduces its flagship product SIX, claiming benefits for heart, joints, muscles, mind, sex and energy. The company says Sept. 6 it aims to sell “the most complete and easiest to understand vitamins for real men.” SIX’s ingredients include astaxanthin, amino acids, vitamin D, saw palmetto and 18 probiotic strains. A month supply of SIX is available online for $49.95 through the Salt Lake City firm.

Antabloc marketed for anti-inflammation

Formulated with the alkaloid anatabine and vitamins A and D3, Antabloc helps boost the body’s anti-inflammatory functions, claims Star Scientific. The firm says Aug. 30 it is studying the supplement’s effects in human subjects at risk for excessive inflammation, with two additional clinicals planned for 2011. Glen Allen, Va.-based Star Scientific previously introduced the CigRx supplement through its Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals subsidiary, and also unsuccessfully sought FDA approval for nicotine lozenges as modified-risk nicotine products (Also see "FDA Ignores Tobacco Harm Reduction As Therapeutic Option – Experts" - Pink Sheet, 18 Apr, 2011.).

Harmonix formulates sleep aid

Atlanta-based Harmonix says its Sleep Formula 39 helped three out of four people in clinical tests sleep longer, with more than half reporting they fell asleep faster. The company says Sept. 6 it formulates the sugar-free liquid product with 5-HTP, GABA and L-tryptophan – a combination claimed to help users fall asleep, stay asleep and avoid morning grogginess. Harmonix sells Sleep Formula 39 in Atlanta-area CVS stores and through GNC.com at $5.49 for two 2-ounce bottles.

Omega Water fortified with fatty acids

Ingredients and technology firm Mycell Technologies applies its emulsion process to a line of flavored bottled water fortified with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and essential daily vitamins. Paramus, N.J.-based Mycell says Sept. 1 it joined with Nature’s Way Purewater Systems in Pittston, Pa., to create Omega Water, which comes in Berry Breeze, Fruit Fusion, Lemon Squeeze and Orange Splash varieties. The functional waters are available at retailers including Duane Reade and Hy-Vee at a suggested price of $1.99 for a 20-ounce bottle.

hCG Zero Capsules come hormone-free

A combination of African mango, guarana seed extract and citrus aurantium, plus the branded ingredients Oligonol lychee fruit extract and Razberi-K ketone, is claimed to prompt the body to eliminate stored fat deposits and provide an energy boost. Creative Bioscience, based in Murray, Utah, says its hCG Zero Capsules mimic human chorionic gonadotropin – made in the pituitary gland and during pregnancy by the developing embryo after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast – but without doses of hormones. The firm says Sept. 12 the capsules join its existing line of hCG Zero Liquid products.

Emergen-C adds kid-friendly mixes

Alacer Corp. debuts Emergen-C Kidz, an extension of its effervescent vitamin drink mix in fruit punch, orange and grape flavors. The Foothill Ranch, Calif., company says Aug. 22 Emergen-C Kidz offers 250 mg of vitamin C, zinc, quercetin and five B vitamins in each 0.3-ounce packet. Alacer suggests a retail price of $10.99 for a 30-packet box.