STERLING GI BRANDS COULD PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR SMITHKLINE'S CIMETIDINE
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
STERLING GI BRANDS COULD PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR SMITHKLINE'S CIMETIDINE as it moves from prescription to OTC status in more world markets. SmithKline Beecham is eyeing a world leadership position in the gastrointestinal OTC business with the combination of Sterling Winthrop's Phillips' Milk of Magnesia laxative, Dairy Ease and Andrews antacid brands with its own Tums, Gaviscon and Eno antacids, Citrucel laxative and the newly launched dyspepsia/heartburn medication, Tagamet 100, in the U.K. and New Zealand. Sterling's gastrointestinal business represents 17% of its total sales, while SmithKline's GI brands make up 28% of its OTC business.