In particular, Meltzer says, a leukotrieneinhibitor like Singulair could be far better at treating nasal congestion than an antihistamine like Claritin or Zyrtec.
Genentech and Novartis initially plan to aim Xolair at 500, 000 or so moderate-to-severe asthmatics whose condition isn't controlled even with high doses of existing drugs, such as GlaxoSmithKline 's (nyse: GSK - news - people ) inhaled steroid Flovent or Merck 's (nyse: MRK - news - people ) Singulair, a so-called leukotrieneinhibitor.