Akorn Launches Cromolyn Sodium, Anti Allergic Eye Drug.LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 1998-- Frequently Prescribed Treatment for Wide Array of Allergic Reactions in the Eye Akorn Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :AKRN) today announced the launch of cromolyn sodium cro·mo·lyn sodium n. A drug usually administered by inhalation and used to prevent certain allergic attacks, especially those associated with asthma or hay fever. 4%, the generic form of Opticrom, the Allergen allergen /al·ler·gen/ (al´er-jen) an antigenic substance capable of producing immediate hypersensitivity (allergy).allergen´ic pollen allergen anti-allergic prescription drug prescription drug Prescription medication Pharmacology An FDA-approved drug which must, by federal law or regulation, be dispensed only pursuant to a prescription–eg, finished dose form and active ingredients subject to the provisos of the Federal Food, Drug, , and Crolom, the brand currently promoted by Bausch and Lomb. The original brand, Opticrom, has been off the market for several years and has just been re-introduced. For the last few years, Crolom has been the only available brand and is currently generating sales of approximately $11 million in the United States. Cromolyn sodium 4% USP USP - unique sales point , a topical ophthalmic mast cell stabilizer Mast cell stabilizers are cromone medications used to prevent or control certain allergic disorders. They block a calcium channel essential for mast cell degranulation, stabilizing the cell and so prevent the release of histamine[1] and related mediators. , is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs used in the treatment of a wide array of allergic reactions in the eye. In addition, it must usually be applied multiple times daily. The anti-allergic eye prescription market is approximately $111 million in size in the U.S. and rapidly growing. The Crolom brand currently has 10% of that market. Akorn will have this product supplied by the Sidmak Laboratories Inc. ophthalmic manufacturing division, Advanced Remedies Inc. (ARI ARI Acute respiratory infection, see there ). Through an exclusive arrangement with Sidmak, Akorn will be responsible for the marketing and sales of all products developed or manufactured by ARI in the future. Scott Zion, senior vice president and general manager of Akorn Ophthalmics, said, "This arrangement with Sidmak will give us access to more products for our growing multi-source line. And the launch of cromolyn sodium gives the division an important new product in 1998." Akorn will aggressively market cromolyn sodium to all drug chains, wholesalers, independent pharmacies, HMO's, group purchasing organizations and other generic outlets. Akorn Inc. manufactures, markets sterile ophthalmic and injectable pharmaceuticals, and markets and distributes an extensive line of ophthalmic products. The information contained in this news release, other than historical information, consists of forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Such statements regarding the timing of acquiring and developing new products, of bringing them on line and of deriving revenues and profits from them, as well as the effects of those revenues and profits on the company's margins and financial position, is uncertain because many of the factors affecting the timing of those items are beyond the company's control. This press release is available on the KCSA KCSA Krannert Center Student Association KCSA Kentucky Crushed Stone Association (Frankfort, KY) KCSA Kyiv City State Administration KCSA Kalamazoo Christian School Association KCSA Kentucky-Canadian Studies Association Worldwide web site at www.kcsa.com. CONTACT: Akorn Inc., Lincolnshire Rita McConville, Chief Financial Officer 847/236-3851 or KCSA Worldwide, New York Paul Holm/Joseph A. Mansi 212/682-6300 ext. 201/205 |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion