Natural Remedies (P) Limited, one of the leading herbal research companies in the country, is all set to launch the first-ever herbal anti rhinitis product, titled 'NRA-2', in the US market in March this year. The product in powder form will be marketed in the US under the category of a food supplement to begin with.

Ravindra Kumar Agarwal, chairman told Pharmabiz.com that the novel herbal product, is expected to give the company an edge in the international market, considering the prevailing herbal acceptance and demand for safe and quick relief solutions for rhinitis today.

The company is yet to decide on the brand name for the product. Both pre-clinical and clinical trials have been successfully completed a few weeks ago. The clinical trials were conducted in India at 14 centres and the reports of the study have been already submitted to the US drug regulatory authorities. The marketing permission has been just granted based on its efficacy, safety and quality.

The company has spent Rs. 50 lakh for pre clinical and human trials and the product has been patented in the US. The product will be manufactured at its facility in Bangalore. "We are initially looking at exporting the product to the US after which we will consider other countries," informed Agarwal. 'NRA-2' will be priced at a "globally competitive price", he added.

According to Agarwal, the problem of rhinitis is severe worldwide and around 350 million people are suffering with the complaint. The only relief in allopathy is the anti histamine range which makes the patients drowsy and inactive. "We are confident of a high success rate with NRA-2 as the clinical trials have provided proof of considerable relief for rhinitis cases. The product is unique in the sense that it prevents the onset of symptoms and even controls allergic asthma attacks," he added.