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| |  Flonase Nasal Spray Provides More Symptom Relief Than Claritin Tablets RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Feb. 22, 1996 - Glaxo Wellcome Inc. (NYSE: GLX) announces that results from two clinical studies show FLONASE(R) (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray provides seasonal nasal allergy sufferers significantly more days of relief from nasal stuffiness, runny nose and sneezing than Claritin(R) (loratadine) tablets, the best-selling prescription antihistamine "FLONASE works better than Claritin -- it provides more days of relief from stuffy nose, runny nose and sneezing for nasal allergy sufferers," said Dr. Kathy Rickard, co-director of respiratory medical affairs for Glaxo Wellcome. "This is good news for those who are seeking a more effective treatment for these nasal symptoms." FLONASE, an aqueous once-a-day anti-rhinitic(TM) prescription nasal spray, works by reducing the inflammation of the nasal passages, thereby relieving the accompanying nasal symptoms, including nasal stuffiness. Antihistamines, used by many allergy sufferers, relieve some allergic symptoms, but do not treat one of the primary causes of patient discomfort -- inflammation. Two recent randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group, multicenter studies compared fluticasone propionate 200 mcg once daily (QD) and loratadine 10 mg once daily for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). In both studies, patients treated with fluticasone propionate reported more nasal symptom-free days than those who received loratadine. One study compared the treatments' effects on 102 patients aged 13 to 80 years with allergies to spring pollens. Patients treated with fluticasone propionate described 21 percent of the 28 days in the study as "nasal symptom-free," meaning they did not experience nasal blockage, runny nose or sneezing on those days. The percentage for those treated with loratadine reporting nasal symptom-free days was only four percent. In another study, 240 patients 12 to 17 years old with allergies to ragweed again experienced 21 percent nasal symptom-free days when treated with fluticasone propionate, while those treated with loratadine reported nine percent. The mean percentage of symptom-free days in each study was statistically significantly greater for patients receiving FLONASE 200 mcg QD than for those receiving Claritin 10 mg QD (p less than 0.001). Reporting was done by patients, providing both an objective and subjective rating. Allergic rhinitis is the most prevalent chronic disease in the United States, affecting approximately 35 million people, or nearly one- fifth of the American population. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (more commonly referred to as hay fever) is triggered by the immune system's response to pollens (i.e., tree pollen in the spring, grasses in the spring and summer and weeds in the fall). Common nasal symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itching and nasal congestion (stuffy nose), which is the most frequent complaint. "FLONASE is very well accepted by patients because it comes in a comfortable, water-based spray and only needs to be taken once a day," said Dr. Karen Dunn of Carolina Allergy and Asthma in Raleigh, N.C., and a FLONASE clinical investigator. "This new data further supports the benefits of FLONASE treatment." FLONASE is indicated for the treatment of both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in patients 12 years and older. FLONASE is not indicated for the treatment of nonallergic rhinitis. Patients should use FLONASE at regular intervals as directed since its effectiveness depends on its regular use. Drug-related side effects experienced by patients in clinical studies of FLONASE, including nasal burning, nosebleeds, sore throat and headaches, occurred in fewer than seven out of 100 people. FLONASE is marketed by Glaxo Wellcome Inc., which is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., and is the nation's leading research-based pharmaceutical firm. A subsidiary of London-based Glaxo Wellcome plc., the company is committed to fighting disease by bringing innovative medicines and services to patients and to the healthcare providers who serve them.
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