Schering-Plough sees desloratadine backing

Schering-Plough's single-isomer formulation of its blockbusteranti-allergy drug Claritin (loratadine) has been recommended for approval by Europe's Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products. Desloratadine has been backed by the CPMP for the once-daily treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis and, if it receives full approval from the European Medicines Evaluation Agency, will be marketed in the region under the trade name Aerius.

S-P also notes that following approval, expected in approximately three months, it will "move swiftly to launch Aerius in the European Union member states." The company has also filed for approval of desloratadine with the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of seasonal allergies and chronic idiopathic urticaria.

- Meantime, S-P has also received CPMP backing to market Remicade (infliximab) for use in combination with methotrexate to improve the physical function of rheumatoid arthritis patients, and to reduce the rate of joint destruction when response to disease-modifying drugs has been inadequate. Remicade is already marketed in the European Union for RA, also in combination with methotrexate, and for Crohn's disease.