UCB's Xyzal wins in head-to-head with S-P's Aerius

Results published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice show that UCB Pharma's Xyzal (levocetirizine) generally demonstrated superior efficacy to Schering-Plough's Aerius (desloratadine) in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. The double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study involved 373 subjects aged 16 years or older who had a documented history of ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis. Individuals were randomized to receive once-daily levocetirizine 5mg, desloratadine 5mg or placebo and exposed to ragweed pollen on two consecutive days. Results released showed that, on both days, levocetirizine produced a significantly greater improvement in symptoms than desloratadine. Furthermore, compared to desloratadine, levocetirizine acted earlier (one hour versus three hours). Both drugs were safe and well-tolerated in the study.