Consumer health product firms say the coronavirus will have an impact on their results, but it’s too early to estimate the costs. US FDA also hedges its predictions, saying the outbreak could lead to interruptions in country’s drug and medical device supplies. China's health commission has issued six guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, but no conventional antiviral treatment is approved and it's emphasizing traditional Chinese medicines.

With Pataday Once Daily Relief (0.2% olopatadine) and Twice Daily (0.1%), Alcon adds allergy treatment to its lineup of OTC drops indicated for dry eye and redness. “Obviously, eye allergy will become a much bigger part of the portfolio for us,” says US vision care GM Sean Clark.