SUMMIT, N.J. -- A new over-the-counter switch product to treat athlete's foot, Lamisil AT Cream (terbinafine 1%), will be introduced by Novartis Consumer Health in May.
Many patients stop using [existing antifungal treatments] once their symptoms are relieved, often leading to recurrence of the condition. Existing athlete's foot products take about four weeks of consistent application to work.
"This is especially good news for athlete's foot sufferers, particularly because Lamisil AT has been approved as an over-the-counter treatment," said Eve del Rio, research and development director for the global dermatology category at Novartis Consumer Health here.
Novartis received approval for Lamisil AT (Advanced Treatment) Cream March 9. The company plans to highlight the introduction of the product with a television ad campaign in May.
For the one-year period ended Jan. 31, 1999, foot care/athlete's foot medication sales at food stores rose by 5.4% to $68.5 million, according to Information Resources, Chicago. Novartis will continue to offer prescription Lamisil solution 1% and 250-mg tablets for nail fungal disease.
