Xolair, a promising entry, is one of the first allergy drugs to attack the molecular causes of allergies and allergy-induced asthma.

FORBES: Reviving Novartis

Tax breaks for over-the-counter drugs date to 2003, as popular drugs like the allergy medicine Claritin began switching to over-the-counter status.

WSJ: In Health Law, Rx for Trouble

InterMune announced that the FDA has posted briefing documents for the March 9 Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee meeting to review their New Drug Application for pirfenidone.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Aside from the loss of its prescription allergy franchise, Schering is facing erosion in its top-selling hepatitis C drugs due to the entry of a new competitor from Roche .

FORBES: Magazine Article

Merck also expects to apply for U.S. approval of five drugs in 2013: two allergy medicines, an anticlotting drug, a fertility treatment and an improved version of Gardasil, a vaccine that prevents sexually transmitted cancers.

WSJ: CEO: Risks key for Merck to succeed, help patients