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UCB : Fourth quarter year-to-date Zyrtec sales in the US increase by 13%.

BRUSSELS, January 22, 2003 - The Pharma Sector of UCB SA confirms that the US sales of its leading prescription antihistamine drug, Zyrtec, has reached $ 314 million for the fourth quarter of 2002, a 7% increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date Zyrtec US sales through December amount to $ 1,115 million, representing 13% growth over the same period in 2001.

Among established prescription antihistamines, Zyrtec continues to be the fastest-growing in new prescriptions in the US. This growth can be attributed to strong performances by Zyrtec syrup and Zyrtec-D 12 Hour. Zyrtec-D 12 Hour is the only prescription oral antihistamine/decongestant combination medicine approved to treat both year-round indoor and outdoor allergies as well as nasal congestion. With 30% of all allergy sufferers also experiencing nasal congestion, and with decongestant combinations accounting for about one fifth of total US antihistamine prescriptions, a significant opportunity exists for Zyrtec-D. It is the number one antihistamine prescribed by doctors for chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives).

In November 2002, Zyrtec received FDA approval to treat year-round allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in infants as young as six months of age. That expands on the existing Zyrtec pediatric indication for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and urticaria for children aged two to 11 years. Zyrtec is now the first and only antihistamine-Rx or OTC-approved for use in infants as young as six months old. Zyrtec is already the number one antihistamine product prescribed by pediatricians.


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