NextWave Pharmaceuticals Partners With Kerr Drug to Provide MyKidz Iron
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia in the U.S., and a study recently published in Pediatrics has found that overweight toddlers not enrolled in day care centers have an alarmingly high rate of iron deficiency 1,2. Hispanic children were found to be the most affected at 12 percent in comparison to 6 percent of African-American and Caucasian children. This study is the first to discover a correlation between obesity, race, day care and iron deficiency in preschoolers2.
NextWave Pharmaceuticals and Kerr Drug have partnered, in an effort to lower these statistics, by offering MyKidz Iron, a nonprescription liquid iron supplement that uses new suspension technology to deliver elemental iron while offering a great taste without staining clothes or teeth. Stains and a highly bitter metallic taste are characteristics of liquid iron supplements that have traditionally kept compliance rates low.
“We are looking forward to working with NextWave Pharmaceuticals to offer pediatricians and parents this latest advancement in medicine to help support strong, healthy children,” said Ralph Petri, senior vice president pharmacy, Kerr Drug. “We feel that NextWave Pharmaceuticals will help us continue our efforts to provide patients and the medical community access to the most comprehensive and convenient health care products in the industry.”
The first three years of a child’s life are crucial, as 90 percent of physical brain growth occurs during this time3. Iron is vital for optimal brain development and for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Infants who experience iron deficiency anemia can suffer long-term effects on mental, motor and behavioral performance throughout life. In a long-term study, children who received iron supplements for anemia as older children, and who were tested years later, were more likely to repeat grades and have reduced arithmetic and written achievement4.
“Our partnership with Kerr Drug will help to make it easier for parents to prevent iron deficiency in their children by offering MyKidz Iron,” said CEO and Chairman Mahendra G. Shah. “Like NextWave Pharmaceuticals, Kerr Drug is dedicated to ensuring the health of children by providing pediatricians and parents access to the latest advancements in medicines while being convenient and affordable.”
There is another important reason to prevent iron deficiency. Recent studies suggest that iron deficient toddlers, at risk for lead exposure, absorb more lead from the environment than children who are not iron deficient 5-6. Lead is a known toxic agent and has been shown to negatively impact children’s IQ scores7-8.
A 2ml dose of MyKidz Iron delivers 10mg of elemental iron, which is the recommended daily dose for children under 4. The iron with vitamin supplement also includes 1500 IU of vitamin A, 35mg of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin D. MyKidz Iron is available in berry/banana flavor, and it comes in a pleasant smell with no alcohol, dyes or sugar. For more information visit www.mykidziron.com or call toll free (866) 697 — WAVE (9283).
About NextWave Pharmaceuticals:
NextWave Pharmaceuticals provides the next generation of children’s medications by listening to the needs of parents and children, and working closely with pediatricians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners within the pediatric community. NextWave Pharmaceuticals develops a broad line of products across several therapeutic areas. The company strives to provide unique products that address many of the compliance, convenience, dosing and safety issues children and their parents face today. Products include MyKidz Iron and MyKidz Iron FL. For more information, please visit www.nextwavepharma.com or call 1-866-697-WAVE (9283).
About Kerr Drug:
Kerr Drug is one of the most recognized and respected names in the chain drug industry. With its roots in the Carolinas and headquarters in Raleigh, Kerr Drug is taking the vision of community pharmacy farther than any other drug chain. The company has placed its future on its unique ability to provide patients, the medical community, and health plan sponsors, access to the most comprehensive and convenient health and wellness offering in the industry. With a mission to be the most comprehensive provider of pharmacy and related health care services, while continuing to be the most reliable provider of health related and convenience items, Kerr is currently providing services that far exceed the traditional drug store mix. For more information, please visit www.kerrdrug.com.