Xyzal is a replacement of UCB’s previous allergy drug, Zyrtec which will lose its patent in the US in 2007.
In July 2006, UCB submitted a new drug application for Xyzal, seeking FDA approval for the medication for allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Under the terms of the agreement with UCB, Sanofi-Aventis will co-promote Xyzal with UCB in the US. Sanofi-Aventis will also make an upfront payment to UCB and milestones payments at certain stages in the development and commercialization of the drug. Profits will be shared between Sanofi-Aventis and UCB
Xyzal is a once-daily antihistamine indicated for the symptomatic treatment of hay fever and allergies in adults and children six years of age and older. Xyzal was first launched in Europe in 2001.
Estimates from a skin test survey suggest that allergies affect as many as 40 to 50 million people in the US, more than 20% of the population.