Eileen Francis
Reporter
Washington DC, USA
+21 year(s) experience
Eileen started her journalism career as a reporter for Rose Sheet covering news relating to personal care R&D, new products, M&A and marketing, before assuming the role of managing editor. She later joined the Tan Sheet, broadening her expertise to OTC drugs and dietary supplements. Both Rose Sheet and Tan Sheet now are part of HBW Insight.
Early in her career, she served as a writer for a lobbying firm and as a blogger covering patent law news for an international law firm. Outside of Informa, her freelance work includes articles on business, art and travel. When not sitting behind her desk, Eileen is usually found running on a trail or treadmill.
HBW Insight
UNPA anticipates supplies of a ‘significant number’ of China-sourced supplement ingredients will be ‘critical’ by late April as Covid-19 disrupts shipments. During a recent webinar, UNPA CEO Loren Israelsen said he expects disruptions to continue until at least mid-year.
Topic Coronavirus Cosmetics Dietary Supplements Distribution
HBW Insight
Assertions that no convincing evidence supports that probiotics available in the US treat symptoms of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome or allergies look at the category as a whole and not individual strains shown to help with specific conditions, say consumer health industry groups.
Topic Coronavirus Dietary Supplements Research & Development
HBW Insight
Researchers say “no strong” evidence shows high vitamin D intake is beneficial to preventing or treating COVID-19, but adequate levels are needed to support immunity. Other researchers say countries should increase recommended vitamin D levels with “very suggestive” evidence supporting its effect against COVID-19 severity.
Topic Coronavirus
HBW Insight
Hand sanitizer, vitamin, energy drink, first-aid kis and medical face mask sales soar globally as consumers fearing spread of the coronavirus stockpile food and other essentials, a Nielsen report shows. FDA says outbreak could lead to interruptions in drug and medical device supplies; agency has not addressed consumer health supplies specifically, and industry is increasingly concerned with availability.
Topic Coronavirus
HBW Insight
Obviously unsubstantiated claims on how the products either prevent or cure the virus didn’t escape FDA and FTC's attention -- they warned seven firms attempting to capitalize on consumer fears. They warnings are the “first step” and they plan to enforce action against companies that continue to market products with treatment claims.
Topic Coronavirus
HBW Insight
Perrigo's Ranir division purchased the brand, which includes a portfolio of antibacterial toothbrush protectors, children’s products and tongue cleaners, for an undisclosed amount from Bonfit America.
HBW Insight
Two CBD marketers warned by FDA in a recent crackdown are targeted in class action complaints alleging they made unsubstantiated health claims and mislabeled ‘illegal drug’ products as supplements. Complaints are a wake-up call to CBD wellness industry to ensure claims are substantiated, as the class action bar is on the prowl following the agency’s 15 warning letter blast in November.
HBW Insight
In latest study casting doubt on the nutrients' effect on chronic illness, researchers find vitamin D and fish oil ineffective in staving off type 2 diabetics' kidney failure. Editorial also published in JAMA says further research is needed to analyze the nutrients’ possible benefits to diabetics with chronic kidney disease.
Topic Clinical trials
HBW Insight
E-cigarette use among people with cancer increased from 8.5% in 2014 to 10.7% in 2017, with the greatest increase among people younger than 50, according to a JAMA Oncology study. A recently NEJM study also questions safety of growing dependence on e-cigarettes by people trying to quit smoking.
Topic Cancer
HBW Insight
Amazon’s Solimo supplement and Basic Care OTC lines unlikely to expand much, says Jefferies analyst Brian Tanquilut. Still, brands are well positioned against retail private label competitors, as most products are priced lower than similar products by Walgreens and CVS.
Topic Drug review
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25 Jan 2021
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24 Jan 2021
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21 Jan 2021
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20 Jan 2021
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20 Jan 2021
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19 Jan 2021
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14 Jan 2021
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12 Jan 2021
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12 Jan 2021
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11 Jan 2021
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07 Jan 2021
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07 Jan 2021
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04 Jan 2021
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21 Dec 2020
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18 Dec 2020