Article: Sneesing season: it's Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and the seasonal allergies category is as congested as ever. But a slew of patent expirations poses a greater concern than the fierce competition.

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Hay fever isn't the only thing causing brand-name prescription manufacturers' eyes to water this allergy season. Top-selling products for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) went offpatent during 2007, giving rise to popular generic alternatives and subsequent losses of market share among staples in the category. The situation has caused allergy brand sales to dip to their lowest point in five years. Last year's sales were down 22% to $5.2 billion from 2006.

The sniffling pharmaceutical companies invested in allergy relief will have to make tough decisions about where to put marketing dollars, whether transitioning to ...

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