Clarinex extension
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
FDA has approved Clarinex-D 12-Hour extended release tablets, Schering announces Feb. 1. The new formulation (desloratadine 2.5 mg/pseudoephedrine sulfate 120 mg) features a bi-layer tablet delivery system to control the release of the pseudoephedrine. The drug will be available in March, in time for allergy season, Schering notes. Separately, Claritin sales decreased 29% to $54 mil. during the fourth quarter of 2005, the company reports in an earnings call Jan. 30. Decreased Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine) sales were attributed to PSE retail restrictions. Lower Claritin revenues, as well as a dip in sales of other pseudoephedrine-containing products contributed to a 9% decline in Consumer Health Care sales from the prior-year period to $198 mil. for the quarter. Adjusted net sales for the firm overall increased 13% to $2.7 bil. in the quarter, signaling the firm's move "from survive mode into thrive mode," CEO Fred Hassan states...