Sun Pharma launches nasal spray for allergic rhinitis in USA

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries said it has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration to sell its generic version of Astelin which is used to treat nasal problems in North America. The company is selling the generic Azelastine HCL nasal spray which is therapeutically equivalent to Medpointe Pharm HLC s Astelin nasal spray, according to a statement by the Sun Pharma. According to estimates, Azelastine HCL nasal spray has annual sales of around $144 mn in the USA.
The drug is indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis such as rhinorrhoea, sneezing and nasal pruritus. It is also used for treating symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis, such as rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion and postnasal drip in adults. Earlier Dr Reddy s Laboratories recently a generic version of lansoprazole delayed-release capsule used to treat heartburns and acidity in the US market. These drug launches are a big step for Indian pharmas who are already giving big multinational companies enough heartburn with generic versions of popular drugs.

Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms occurring mostly in the nose and eyes. It occurs when you breathe in something you are allergic to (allergens) such as dust, pollen, insect venom, etc. It may be defined as inflammation of the nasal airways. If it is due to outdoor triggers, such as pollen, it is called hay fever. It occurs when your immune system overreacts to particles in the air that you breathe causing symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose.

Click here to read more about allergic rhinitis and how to prevent the disease.