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| |  Pfizer to Introduce OcuHist Antihistamine Eye Drop In April NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 1996 -- In April Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) will launch an over-the-counter antihistamine eye drop under the brand name "OcuHist," the company announced today. OcuHist will complement the company's Visine line, the leading brand of OTC eye-drop products. Pfizer has licensed the product from Akorn, Inc. (Nasdaq-NNM: AKRN), which previously marketed the formulation as the prescription drug AK-Con-A. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the marketing of OcuHist for over-the-counter use on January 31, 1996. "With an estimated 50 million Americans afflicted by pollen, ragweed and other irritants, antihistamine eye-drop products continue to experience tremendous growth," said Donald F. Farley, vice president of Pfizer Inc. and president, Pfizer Consumer Health Care Group. "OcuHist will help Pfizer in this competitive area by offering retailers and consumers an OTC antihistamine product that has already proven its effectiveness as a prescription drug." With its active antihistamine ingredient pheniramine maleate (0.3%), and decongestant ingredient naphazoline hydrochloride (0.025%), OcuHist temporarily relieves itching and redness of the eye due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair and dander. "Even with a variety of eye drops on the market, consumers are demanding more," Mr. Farley added. "They want an antihistamine product that relieves the itchy-eyes sensation and redness due to airborne irritants. OcuHist addresses that need with years of proven efficacy." OcuHist is the newest eye-care product of the Pfizer Consumer Health Care Group. Its Visine line is the leading brand of eye drops in the United States, recommended by pharmacists nearly four to one over any other brand. An integrated advertising and promotional program will support the introduction of OcuHist, expected to be on retailers' shelves by April 1, with network-television commercials, consumer couponing, and print ads and direct mail to eye-care specialists. Promotional details will soon be announced to the trade. Pfizer Inc. is a research-based, diversified health care company with global operations. In 1995, the company reported sales of more than $10 billion and spent over $1.4 billion on research and development. CONTACT: Bob Fauteux of Pfizer Inc., 212-573-3079/ /NOTE TO EDITORS: Pfizer's press releases are available at no charge through PR Newswire's Company News On-Call fax service and on PRN's Web Site. For a menu of Pfizer press releases or to retrieve a specific release, call 800-758-5804, extension 688250, or http://www.prnewswire.com on the Internet.
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