The soft-drink giant continues adding brands targeted for health-conscious consumers with the acquisition of Naked Juice Company, which says it has achieved annual sales of more than $150 mil. primarily through grassroots marketing and sales efforts. Azusa, Calif.-based Naked, which was controlled by North Castle Partners private equity firm, produces more than 25 juice and juice-smoothie Naked selections made from fruits and nutritional boosts and without sugars or preservatives. The deal, with terms not disclosed, comes the same month PepsiCo launched Fuelosophy, a milk-based product with vitamins A, B, C, D and E that is being sold in test markets including some Whole Foods stores (1"The Tan Sheet" Nov. 20, 2006, In Brief). PepsiCo says nearly all of Naked's beverages qualify for the "Smart Spot designation" it has made for its more than 250 "products that contribute to a healthier lifestyle."...

A lack of regulatory harmonization for dietary supplements in Asia is a big challenge facing companies operating in the region, according to experts from the Asia Regulatory Professionals Association. The ARPA is looking to start a conversation on the issue which the association hopes will lead to regulatory change.

The Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) annual meeting, against the background of the global pandemic, has one clear message that local researchers and players are pressing ahead to take a leadership role in cutting-edge cancer research globally.