EISAI LAUNCHES OTC ALLERGY DRUG IN JAPAN

Japanese drugmaker Eisai announced the launch today of its new Rx-to-OTC switch product Higuard for allergic rhinitis and skin problems.

Higuard is the first product containing azelastine hydrochloride, an anti-allergy compound originally approved for prescription use, to be approved for OTC use in Japan. The product is also effective in alleviating allergy symptoms including rhinitis caused by pollens or house dusts and skin problems such as utricaria and eczema, according to Eisai. Azelastine hydrochloride exhibits anti-allergic effects by inhibiting the release of leukotriens and histamines.

According to the consumer survey conducted by Eisai, more than 50 percent of 199 pollen allergy sufferers surveyed said that they constantly feel itching of the skin, and 70 percent said that they experience allergic problems all year. Higuard is expected to serve the needs of such people, the company said.