Drug maker Taro Pharmaceutical Industries (Nasdaq: TARO) yesterday announced that it was planning to launch a line of over-the-counter products based on its patented spill-resistant drug delivery system. The products will be launched in August 2003, and will be marketed under the ElixSure brand name, Taro said.
The company says it intends to launch ElixSure medications for pain/fever, cough, and congestion during the 2003-2004 cough/cold season. All the medications will utilize NonSpil, Taro’s liquid drug delivery system.
NonSpil-based medications pour like a liquid but resist spilling, Taro says, helping parents with increased ease and accuracy of dosing.
"Giving liquid medicines to children can be frustrating for parents, doctors and children at a time when the emphasis should be on comforting a sick child," said Taro chairman Dr. Barrie Levitt. “An unpleasant struggle often develops, which can result in spills, stains and inaccurate dosages of medicine. ElixSure's spill-resistant formulations may go a long way towards solving this problem. Of course, the success of the launch will depend upon consumer acceptance of this new delivery system.”
The ElixSure pain/fever formulation with acetaminophen will be available in bubble gum, grape, and cherry flavors. The congestion medication with pseudoephedrine HCl will come in a grape bubble gum flavor, and the cough formulation with dextromethorphan HBr will be available in a cherry bubble gum flavor. Taro is developing additional products using NonSpil.
The ElixSure product line will be launched by the Taro Consumer Healthcare Products (TCHP) division. TCHP will support the launch with advertising in print and on radio and television. Earlier this year, TCHP launched Kerasal, an exfoliating moisturizer for the feet.
Taro shares closed on Nasdaq on Monday at $52.65.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on 24 June, 2003