Sciele Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCRX) today announced it has extended its alliance with sanofi-aventis (NYSE:SNY) by entering into a new exclusive, three-year agreement to market AllegraŽ Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT) and AllegraŽ Oral Suspension in the pediatric market in the U.S. Under the terms of this agreement, Sciele will be responsible for all sales and marketing programs associated with these products in the U.S. and will share revenues on both Allegra OS and ODT. Sciele expects to launch Allegra ODT in March 2008 through its 100 pediatric sales representatives.
Allegra Oral Suspension, 30mg/5ml (6mg/ml), is indicated for the relief of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose/palate/throat, and itchy watery, red eyes associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in children two to 11 years of age. It also is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) in children six months to 11 years. Allegra ODT, 30mg, treats the same seasonal allergy symptoms and CIU in children 6 to 11 years of age in a convenient formula that dissolves on the tongue and can be taken with or without water.
Patrick Fourteau, president and Chief Executive Officer of Sciele Pharma, Inc., commented, "We are pleased to expand our alliance with sanofi-aventis, and are excited about the anticipated launch of Allegra ODT by our Pediatric sales force. We continue to execute our strategy of forming partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies to capitalize on the full market potential of key branded products and maximize profits in cost-efficient manner."
Important Safety Information
Allegra ODT contains phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. Other Allegra products do not contain phenylalanine.
Side effects with Allegra Oral Suspension 30mg/5mL for seasonal allergies are low and may include vomiting, diarrhea and/or runny nose.
Side effects with Allegra 30mg for seasonal allergies are low and may include cough, common cold, fever and/or ear infection.
For additional important information, please visit http://products.sanofi-aventis.us/allegra/allegra.html.
About Sciele Pharma, Inc.
Sciele Pharma, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company specializing in sales, marketing and development of branded prescription products focused on Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Women's Health and Pediatrics. The Company's Cardiovascular and Diabetes products treat patients with high cholesterol, hypertension, high triglycerides, unstable angina and Type 2 diabetes; its Women's Health products are designed to improve the health and well-being of women and mothers and their babies; and its Pediatrics products treat allergies, asthma, coughs and colds, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Sciele Pharma employs more than 900 people. The Company's success is based on placing the needs of patients first, improving health and quality of life, and implementing its business platform an Entrepreneurial Spirit, Innovation, Execution Excellence, Simplicity, and Teamwork.