KENILWORTH, N.J., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MiraLAX, the first ever prescription (Rx) to over-the-counter (OTC) switch in the laxative category, is now the #1 OTC non-fiber treatment for occasional constipation (based on total sales dollars(1)). Before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for its OTC switch last October, MiraLAX was the number-one doctor-prescribed laxative. Since the switch, it is gaining widespread consumer acceptance resulting in its current market-leading position.
This achievement is another example of Schering-Plough Corporation's long- standing leadership position of successfully converting prescription products into major OTC brands. Schering-Plough has a long history of switching products from prescription to non-prescription status, starting with CORICIDIN(R) in 1949 and more recently with CLARITIN(R) in 2002, and MIRALAX in 2007.
"MiraLAX has been a successful Rx-to-OTC switch because of the combination of its strong prescription heritage and a meaningful benefit to millions of Americans - relief of occasional constipation with no harsh side effects," said Jack A. DiPalma, M.D., immediate past president of the American College of Gastroenterology and director of the division of gastroenterology at University of South Alabama College of Medicine. "MiraLAX is unlike any other OTC laxative product that has been on the market. MiraLAX is kind to the body and works with its natural rhythm to restore regularity. Consumers are clearly taking notice of these benefits."
These results are particularly notable given the continued sale of generic prescription versions of MiraLAX. Schering-Plough believes that the makers of these generic products are falsely asserting on their labels that they are available "by prescription only."
About MiraLAX
The osmotic formula of MiraLAX works with the body to increase the frequency of bowel movements without causing the harsh side effects of bloating, cramps, gas or sudden urgency. MiraLAX allows a comfortable, easy and complete bowel movement. MiraLAX is taken once daily with liquids. MiraLAX dissolves completely when you add the powder to any common hot or cold beverage (4-8 oz), such as water, juice, coffee or tea. MiraLAX has a strong safety profile. Use as directed.
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal complaint, affecting more than 65 million Americans.(2) Most people resort to over-the-counter laxatives for relief of constipation, as evidenced by annual laxative sales of over $1 billion. There are an estimated 700 or more varieties of OTC and prescription laxatives available today.(3) Nearly 70 percent of constipated consumers who tried MiraLAX preferred it versus their usual laxative.(4)
MiraLAX, which is marketed by Schering-Plough Corporation through an exclusive licensing agreement with Braintree Laboratories, Inc., is
available nationally at drug stores, grocery stores, mass merchandisers and club stores.
In addition to MiraLAX, Schering-Plough's portfolio of switched products includes CORICIDIN, AFRIN(R), TINACTIN(R), LOTRIMIN(R), DRIXORAL(R) and market leading CLARITIN brand of 24-hour, non-drowsy allergy products, which have surpassed the $2 billion mark in cumulative U.S. OTC sales since launch.
About Schering-Plough Health Care Products
Schering-Plough Health Care Products is the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer products business unit of Schering-Plough, an innovation-driven, science-centered global health care company. Through its own biopharmaceutical research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough creates therapies that help save and improve lives around the world. The company applies its research-and-development platform to human prescription and consumer products as well as to animal health products. Schering-Plough's vision is to "Earn Trust, Every Day" with the doctors, patients, customers and other stakeholders served by its approximately 50,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is www.schering-plough.com.
Schering-Plough disclosure notice: The information in this press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the potential market for MiraLAX. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events.
Schering-Plough does not assume the obligation to update any forward- looking statement. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from Schering-Plough's forward-looking statements, including market forces, economic factors, product availability, current and future branded, generic or over-the-counter competition, the regulatory process, and any developments following regulatory approval, among other uncertainties. For further details about these and other factors that may impact the forward- looking statements, see Schering-Plough's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in the company's third quarter 2007 10-Q.
CONTACT: Julie Lux of Schering-Plough, +1-908-298-4774, or cell,
+1-908-216-0370
Web site: http://www.schering-plough.com//
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