FDA APPROVES NEW HAY FEVER TREATMENT

The FDA approved Altana Pharma's Omnaris nasal spray for the treatment of nasal symptoms from seasonal and permanent allergies, according to the agency. The drug can be used for adults and children over 12.

Omnaris (ciclesonide) treats an inflamed, runny nose -- the main symptom of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Approximately 35 million Americans have seasonal allergic rhinitis, making it the most common allergic disease, the FDA said. Other symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion and itchiness in the nose, mouth and throat.

Studies showed that patients with hay fever who took Omnaris had an 8 to 10 percent reduction in nasal symptoms compared with patients who received a placebo. The FDA called the difference between the drug and the placebo "significant."

Omnaris is a corticosteroid, a hormone-like drug that represses the immune response.