Allegra and Ethypharm

Aventis has announced that it is developing a Flash[R] version of its popular non-sedating antihistamine Allegra. It plans to do this with the help of Ethypharm and this venture will definitely be a combining of powers for the greater good.

Ethypharm, which has the distinction of being one of the world's leading drug delivery system companies, France, has signed a co-development and licensing contract with Aventis to develop a Flash version of their drug Allegra. To paint a concise picture, the Allegra Flash formulation will be the same as a marketed version of Allegra, but with Flashtab delivery technology, the advantages of Ethypharm’s oral “pleasant tasting” and “melt in your mouth” system will be added.

The agreement will make Ethypharm come up with an innovative version of the very successful drug, Allegra. Aventis, on the other hand, will be responsible for manufacturing, marketing and distribution of this new version all around the world.

In the future when the Flash version of Allegra becomes popular in the market, it would have opened the doors to a new and far convenient method of drug administration to patients.

Basically, Ethypharm’s Flashtab technology, presents a suitable answer to doctors and consumers’ demand for medicines which can be used more conveniently as it makes bad-tasting and difficult-to-swallow drugs more palatable, and hence, more tolerable. It is especially useful for those consumers who might no be able to swallow with ease. Also, no water is required and neither does the consumer have to chew the tablet.

Patrice Debregeas, Ethypharm's chairman and CEO expected their Flashtab technology to easily become an important and widely used technology in the pharmaceutical market in the near future (Ethypharm to develop a Flash version of Aventis’ Allegra).