Sciele Pharma, Inc. has extended its alliance with sanofi-aventis by entering into a new exclusive, three-year agreement to market Allegra Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT) and Allegra Oral Suspension in the paediatric market in the US. Under the terms of this agreement, Sciele will be responsible for all sales and marketing programmes associated with these products in the US and will share revenues on both Allegra OS and ODT. Sciele expects to launch Allegra ODT in March 2008 through its 100 paediatric sales representatives.
Allegra Oral Suspension, 30mg/5ml (6mg/ml), is indicated for the relief of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose/palate/throat, and itchy watery, red eyes associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in children two to 11 years of age. It also is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) in children six months to 11 years. Allegra ODT, 30mg, treats the same seasonal allergy symptoms and CIU in children 6 to 11 years of age in a convenient formula that dissolves on the tongue and can be taken with or without water.
Patrick Fourteau, president and chief executive officer, Sciele Pharma, Inc., commented, "We are pleased to expand our alliance with sanofi-aventis, and are excited about the anticipated launch of Allegra ODT by our Paediatric sales force. We continue to execute our strategy of forming partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies to capitalize on the full market potential of key branded products and maximize profits in cost-efficient manner."
Allegra ODT contains phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. Other Allegra products do not contain phenylalanine. Side effects with Allegra Oral Suspension 30mg/5mL for seasonal allergies are low and may include vomiting, diarrhoea and/or runny nose whereas side effects with Allegra 30mg for seasonal allergies are low and may include cough, common cold, fever and/or ear infection.