TARO TO INITIATE PHASE III TRIAL OF OVIDE
Taro Pharmaceutical has reported that its U.S. affiliate will initiate a multicenter Phase III study in the U.S. to evaluate a novel formulation of Ovide, a prescription product for control of head lice (pediculus humanus capitis) in pediatric and adult subjects.
Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. currently markets Ovide (malathion) Lotion. The company expects that the new formulation of Ovide will maintain the efficacy of Ovide Lotion with shorter application time and greater ease of use, thus improving patient compliance.
Approximately six to twelve million cases of head lice are reported annually in the U.S. The condition represents a problem for school children and officials, and results in lost school days for children and lost workdays for parents. In addition, there have been a significant number of reports of lice resistance to the most commonly used over-the-counter treatments.