Clash of the Titans

The world’s first presentation of head-to-head data on new-generation POM antihistamines

Allergic rhinitis affects at least 10% to 25% of the population and its prevalence is increasing. Asthma and rhinitis are common co-morbidities, suggesting the concept of 'one airway, one disease' (1). The optimal treatment of allergic rhinitis may decrease the symptoms of concomitant asthma (1). Antihistamines are the mainstay of treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever), perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Two new generation antihistamines (prescription only medicines) have been launched in the last two years. However, no head-to-head clinical trial data have been available on these until now.

Important new data presented at the Annual Meeting of the British Society for Immunology (BSI) and the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) Congress on 3-6 December 2002 may significant impact on management of allergic rhinitis next year and beyond.

New data will be presented at the congress and discussed at a symposium which may impact on the management of relevant patients in the UK and around the world

DATA AVAILABLE
Wednesday 4 December 2002

SYMPOSIUM
Thursday 5 December 2002

08.00 - Chairman's Introduction
08.05 - The link between allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Understanding "One airway, one disease'' Prof Stephen Durham, Imperial College, London

08.30 - Clinical efficacy of Xyzal® (levocetirizine) and desloratadine and their evaluation using a controlled exposure system. Prof James Day, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada
09.00 - Questions to the Panel

(1) Bousquet et al. for ARIA Initiative, Management of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma. A Pocket Guide for physicians and Nurses, 2001.

Xyzal® is a trademark of UCB SA. Desloratidine is manufactured by Schering-Plough Ltd

Travel and accommodation is available for a small number of UK journalists (on a first come, first served basis). If you are able to attend this session please contact:

Elizabeth Park
Ketchum Healthcare
35-41 Folgate Street
LONDON E1 6BX
Tel: + 44-0-20-7611-3624
Fax: + 44-0-20-7611-3850
E-mail: elizabeth.park@ketchum.com

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