FDA APPROVES SANOFI-AVENTIS' LIQUID ALLEGRA FOR CHILDREN

Sanofi-aventis announced that the FDA has approved Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) Oral Suspension for the twice-daily treatment of symptoms associated with seasonal allergies in pediatric patients 2 to 11 years of age and for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria in children 6 months to 11 years of age. This approval makes available a safe and effective seasonal allergy treatment option that is non-impairing to pediatric populations as young as 2 years old.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a common chronic condition in children. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include nasal drainage, sneezing, watery eyes and itchy nose, eyes and throat. Studies indicate that seasonal allergy inflammation as well as the impairing side effects of older antihistamines can be disruptive to a child and may affect cognitive skills and function.

Allegra Oral Suspension has also been approved for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) in twice-daily 30-mg doses for pediatric patients 2 to 11 years of age and twice-daily 15-mg doses for pediatric patients 6 months to 2 years of age. CIU is a rare and bothersome condition characterized by hives lasting more than 6 weeks from an unknown cause. Its symptoms are caused by a reaction to an unknown trigger in the upper layers of the skin. The condition itself may cause severe itching, but is made worse by scratching.

Allegra Oral Suspension will have a raspberry-cream flavor and is expected to be available to consumers in time for the 2007 spring allergy season.