NasalCEASE

Executive Summary

The first FDA-approved nonprescription treatment for minor nosebleeds has hit the shelves of more than 5,400 CVS stores, according to an announcement by Mendon, N.Y.-based marketer Catalina Healthcare Feb. 1. NasalCEASE is a small sterile nasal packing made of a highly absorbent "natural 'bio-polymer' extracted from brown seaweed." It releases calcium to stop bleeding and "turns moist to prevent sticking to clots." FDA approval of the 510(k) device application was received in July 2004, but the product initially was only available through doctors and some independent pharmacies. Catalina Healthcare is a subsidiary of the French firm Les Laboratoires Brothier, and the product has been available over-the-counter in Europe for several years. A box of five individually wrapped sterile packs carries an SRP of $11.50. The firm plans to build consumer awareness through a national radio campaign slated to begin in April...