UCB's Xyzal cleared for marketing in EU

UCB of Belgium has been granted marketing approval across the EuropeanUnion for Xyzal/Xusal (levocetirizine), its new-generation non-sedating antihistamine product which was first registered in Germany earlier this year (Marketletter January 22). As in Germany, the drug has been approved in the EU for all three target indications, ie seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Xyzal has already been launched in Germany and Switzerland, where reportedly strong initial sales helped UCB's antihistamine franchise, spearheaded by parent drug Zyrtec (cetirizine), rise 12% to 188 million euros ($171 million) in the first half of this year. Xyzal can be taken once-daily, as opposed to twice-daily dosing with Zyrtec, and boasts a "rapid onset of action, outstanding efficacy and an excellent safety profile," according to UCB.

Further EU launches in October