Mumbai-based pharmaceutical firm Glenmark Pharmaceuticals said it received approval from the Russian Health Ministry for the sales of Momate Rhino, also called Mometasone Furoate metered nasal spray, as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug.
Over-the-counter drugs are medicines sold directly to a consumer without prescription from a healthcare professional, as opposed to prescription drugs, which may be sold to consumers possessing a valid prescription.
Momate Rhino nasal spray, sold under the brand name Elocon, is used for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in patients above 18 years of age.
The spray will be sold in doses of 50 mcg, Glenmark said.
As of February 2019, Glenmark was ranked 41st in the retail segment of the Russian pharmaceutical market. It was ranked 4th in the respiratory space and 10th in the retail dermatology market in the country.
“Russia is an important market for us and we are consistently looking to expand product offerings. We believe over-the-counter-drugs are an interesting space and this approval for Momate Rhino nasal spray will help enhance our presence in this segment”, said Csaba Kantor, Senior Vice President and Head ‐ Asia, Russia & CIS region, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.
Established in 1977 by Gracias Saldanha as a generic drug and active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturer, Glenmark today has 16 manufacturing facilities in Europe, India and the US.