Direct-to-OTC drug introductions and line extensions dominated the list of new product rollouts in 2000. The year marked the first time since 1993 that no Rx-to-OTC switches were approved, although FDA reviewed several switch candidates.

Will market "several" topical dermatological and vaginal OTC products under an agreement with Schering-Plough that results from a previously announced joint research effort, Hawthorne, N.Y.-based Taro announces March 12. The two firms announced a joint R&D agreement on certain topicals in April 1998 ("The Tan Sheet" April 27, 1998, In Brief). Distribution of the products is expected to begin in the first half with additional products slated for introduction in the first quarter 2000. Taro will distribute the products under its own label and under various private label customers' OTC labels, the firm notes. Taro already markets topical 1% clotrimazole for athlete's foot and jock itch, which is comparable to Schering's Lotrimin AF. Clotrimazole also is the active ingredient in Schering vaginal yeast infection treatment Gyne-Lotrimin

A new dosage form of Schering-Plough's vaginal yeast infection treatment Gyne-Lotrimin 3 with a 2% dose of the active ingredient clotrimazole will be introduced by the company in February. Schering plans no major advertising but will undertake FSIs.