FDA approval of the first once-daily nasal antihistamine

FDA approval of the first once-daily nasal antihistamine 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Astepro (azelastine)
nasal spray 0.15% for the treatment of the symptoms of seasonal and perennial
allergic rhinitis. This new Astepro nasal spray 0.15% (“Astepro Once-Daily”) is
the first nasal antihistamine to offer convenient once-daily dosing for patients
who suffer from seasonal allergies. Astepro Once-Daily is formulated with
azelastine, a leading nasal antihistamine in the treatment of rhinitis in the
U.S.
 
”The approval of Astepro Once-Daily represents a significant milestone for Meda
as we continue to expand our allergy treatment franchise,” said Anders Lönner,
CEO Meda. “We are proud to introduce the first nasal antihistamine with
once-daily dosing to the U.S. The launch is anticipated to begin in October
2009.”

The FDA approval was based primarily on the results of seven double-blind,
placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trials, and a long-term, 12-month safety
trial, conducted in more than 2,300 patients with seasonal and perennial
allergic rhinitis.

For more information contact:

Anders Larnholt, VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations	tel. +46 709 458
878

MEDA AB (publ) is a leading international specialty pharma company. Meda's
products are sold in 120 countries worldwide and the company is represented by
its own organizations in more than 40 countries. The Meda share is listed under
Large Cap on the Nasdaq OMX Nordic Stock Exchange in Stockholm. Find out more,
visit www.meda.se.