Schering-Plough Corporation's new scent-free, alcohol-free formulation of Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) Nasal Spray, 50 mcg was launched in US. The safety and efficacy of the scent-free, alcohol-free formulation was approved by the US FDA in August 2004.

Nasonex remains the only once-daily prescription nasal inhaled steroid approved to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, in adults and children 12 years of age and older when Nasonex is started 2 to 4 weeks prior to allergy season, and the only nasal inhaled steroid approved to treat nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, in patients as young as 2 years of age. Nasonex also is the first and only nasal inhaled steroid approved for the treatment of nasal polyps in adults 18 years of age and older, the company informed.

Nasal inhaled steroids are the recommended first-line therapy when nasal congestion is the primary symptom of a patient's allergic rhinitis, according to The Allergy Report, which was developed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

"Nasal inhaled steroids are the most effective medicines for treating and preventing nasal allergy symptoms, especially the most annoying symptom, nasal congestion," Eric Schenkel, a specialist in allergy and immunology based in Easton, Pennsylvania said adding, "And when given a choice, my patients typically would rather use a scent-free nasal inhaled steroid."

The FDA approved the new scent-free formulation on Aug. 26, 2004 following a review of a New Drug Application (NDA) Supplement and the safety and efficacy data from the original formulation of Nasonex Nasal Spray.