Sanofi-Aventis reports on safety and efficacy of Nasacort AQ

Sanofi Aventis has presented new data at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology showing the safety and efficacy of the Nasacort AQ (triamcinolone acetonide) nasal spray as a treatment for children aged two to five with all-year allergic rhinitis.

Furthermore, the treatment did not result in significant suppression of adrenal functioning in patients in the same age range.

Patients exhibited improved symptoms of sneezing, nasal itching and discharge and congestion, with its safety profile shown to be comparable to placebo.

At present, Nasacort AQ nasal spray is indicated as a treatment for nasal symptoms of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients aged six years and older.

Dr Anjuli Nayak of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, said: “Traditionally there has been a concern regarding potential effects of the widely-used intranasal corticosteroids on adrenal function in children.”

She added that the company is encouraged by the results from the six-month study, with the trial showing that the treatment does not cause significant adrenal suppression in children aged two to five.

In May 2007, Sanofi-Aventis and UCB announced the launch of antihistamine Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) as a treatment for the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and uncomplicated skin conditions arising from chronic idiopathic urticaria.