Novartis NRT gum OTC
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Novartis Consumer Health plans by the end of 2007 to make available nationwide its 2 mg and 4 mg Thrive (nicotine polacrilex) nicotine-replacement therapy gum, following FDA's ANDA approval of the product for over-the-counter sales, the firm says June 21. The Parsippany, N.J.-based division of Novartis says the mint-flavored gum delivers nicotine to the bloodstream in "low, controlled levels" to help reduce cravings and other symptoms of smoking cessation. The 2 mg product is designed for users who smoke fewer than 25 cigarettes a day and the 4 mg version is for people with a daily habit of at least 25 cigarettes. The firm says the 12-week program printed on the user's guide in Thrive packages and available on a CD will help consumers reduce their nicotine levels and quit smoking. Novartis also will operate a toll-free phone service to counsel consumers, citing the American Legacy Foundation's guidance to combine nicotine replacement therapy with counseling and social support as part of a comprehensive plan for quitting...