SmithKline/Glaxo Denavir team approach could work for cold sore cream OTC switch.
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
SMITHKLINE, GLAXO DENAVIR TEAM APPROACH FOR Rx-TO-OTC SWITCH of SmithKline's topical cold sore treatment could be one outcome of the proposed merger between Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham. At a September 1996 analysts meeting, SmithKline CEO Jan Leschly said the company would pursue the switch of Denavir immediately upon receiving Rx approval, which was granted by FDA on Sept. 24, 1996, and SmithKline's consumer healthcare products unit markets the Rx product ("The Tan Sheet" Sept. 30, 1996, p. 14). The two companies announced they were in merger talks Jan. 30, signaling the end to discussions between SmithKline Beecham and American Home Products.