New Study Demonstrates Allegra(R) (Fexofenadine HCL) Has Faster Onset Of Action Than Claritin(R) (Loratadine) And Clarinex(R) (Desloratadine)

Data presented today at the annual American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) meeting showed that in a wheal and flare suppression test single-dose Allegra(R) (fexofenadine HCl) 180 mg exhibits significantly faster onset of action in patients and is more effective in wheal and flare suppression compared to Claritin(R) (loratadine) 10 mg and Clarinex(R) (desloratadine) 5 mg.

"Antihistamines differ in the way they suppress histamine in the body, and the wheal and flare test is a useful way to measure these differences," said Nelly Frossard, Ph.D., Research Director at Inserm, the French National Institute of Health. "These data presented today demonstrate that Allegra suppresses histamine response more quickly and with greater potency than both Claritin and Clarinex, as measured by the wheal and flare test. This suggests Allegra may produce greater suppression of the body's natural histamine, released during the allergic reaction."

ADouble-Blind, Randomized Comparison of Allegra, Claritin and Clarinex on Wheal and Flare

Anew study presented at the ACAAI annual meeting of Allegra, Claritin and Clarinex marks the first to compare the antihistamine activity of these medications in the body using the wheal and flare test. The internationally recognized wheal and flare test was used as an objective measure of how these antihistamines compare regarding strength and onset of action in suppressing histamine-induced wheals and flares in human volunteers. Wheals represent the swelling that occurs after the skin has been exposed to histamine, the common trigger of allergic reactions, and flare represents the redness that develops around the site of exposure. This wheal and flare suppression study found that Allegra had a significantly faster onset of action than Claritin and Clarinex, and a greater magnitude of suppression of the body's wheal and flare response.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled, single dose study enrolled forty-eight healthy adult volunteers who were randomized and treated (12 per treatment group) with fexofenadine HCl 180 mg, loratadine 10 mg, desloratadine 5 mg or placebo. The subjects' skin was pricked to determine the response to histamine before treatment (zero hour time-point or baseline) and at 1,1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 hours after treatment. Wheal and flare evaluations were performed 15 minutes after for each treatment group, and lead to measured improvement.

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"The study provides further support that antihistamines are not all the same," said Dr. Frossard. "This underscores the need for patients to speak with their physicians about which medication is most appropriate for them."

Greater Suppression of Wheal and Flare Previously Shown with Allegra

Aprevious study presented at the annual Western Society of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (WSAAI) meeting(1) demonstrated that Allegra showed greater wheal and flare suppression with a faster onset of action when compared to loratadine. This study also utilized the wheal and flare test on subjects triggered by histamine skin prick tests, to illustrate how quickly antihistamines distribute into the skin, and for how long. Participants were followed over a 25-hour period and their wheal and flare assessed at similar intervals to the study being presented at the ACAAI meeting. The results presented at the WSAAI meeting support the new findings by showing that Allegra had a faster onset of action than Claritin, particularly in reducing wheals, with Allegra showing suppression in just 40 minutes.

About Allegra

Allegra (fexofenadine HCl) 180 mg once daily is a powerful, safe and effective non-sedating antihistamine for the treatment of seasonal allergy symptoms in patients 12 years and older. Side effects with Allegra 180 mg once daily are low and may include headache, cold or back pain. Allegra is available by prescription only, and seasonal allergy sufferers should consult their physician or healthcare professional with questions. For additional product information, log on to www.allegra.com.

About Aventis

Aventis (NYSE: AVE) is dedicated to improving life by treating and preventing human disease through the discovery and development of innovative pharmaceutical products. Aventis focuses on prescription drugs for important therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiology, diabetes, respiratory/allergy, anti-infectives, as well as on human vaccines. In 2001, Aventis generated sales of 17.7 billion euros ($15.8 billion), invested approx. 3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in research and development and employed approximately 75,000 people in its core business. Aventis corporate headquarters is in Strasbourg, France. The company's prescription drugs business is conducted in the U.S. by Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc., which is headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Aventis Pharmaceuticals was recently named one of the top companies to work for by Working Mother magazine. For more information about Aventis in the U.S., please visit: www.aventis-us.com.