New Drug Approvals: April 2004

Date of Approval: April 7, 2004

Company: Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis

Nasacort HFA is a dry-aerosol intranasal corticosteroid formulation containing hydrofluoroalkane (HFA). It replaces Nasacort Nasal Inhaler, which along with other nasal inhalers containing CFC’s, was taken off the market to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and FDA requirements intended to protect the ozone layer. Nasacort HFA Nasal Aerosol is indicated for the treatment of nasal symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children age 6 and older.

Company: Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals

Treatment for Hepatitis C (“HCV”)

Date of Approval: April 9, 2004

Company: ChiRhoClin, Inc.

Treatment for Diagnostic

ChiRhoStim is indicated for use in diagnostic procedures.

Date of Approval: April 16, 2004

Company: Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus Type I, Diabetes Mellitus Type II

Apidra is a recombinant DNA human insulin analogue that has a more rapid onset and a shorter duration of action than regular human insulin. Apidra is used for the control of hyperglycemia in adult patients with diabetes mellitus.

Date of Approval: April 20, 2004

Company: Bertek Pharmaceuticals

Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

Apokyn is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, "off" episodes ("end-of-dose wearing off" and unpredictable "on/off" episodes) associated with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Date of Approval: April 28, 2004

Company: Andrx Corporation

Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus Type II

Fortamet is an extended-release formulation of metformin that suppresses hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity. Fortamet is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise in order to lower blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Company: Adams Respiratory Therapeutics

Treatment for Cough