GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global leading health care company based in UK, has launched a new nasal spray, Avamys (fluticasone furoate) that will be prescribed for both nasal and ocular symptoms in adult and adolescent patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

During the official launch of this product that took place in Kigali, over the weekend Dr. Martine Francois, an expert from the Robert Debré hospital in France explained that this type of allergy is a universal problem.

She cited various studies that have shown that five percent of children around five years of age suffer from this problem while 50 percent of young adults also have these allergies.

"This problem however decreases with age but since it is universally prevalent and experts realized the need to manufacture a more effective drug with a modified device that does not hurt the nasal system or cause any nasal bleeding just like the other medicines,” Francois said.

Officials said that the new medication treats overall nasal allergy symptoms including congestion, sneezing, and itchy and runny nose in adults and children suffering from seasonal or year-round allergies.

Francois added that it has demonstrated significant improvement in relieving overall eye symptoms that come as a result of allergy such as red, burning, watery and itchy eyes in adult and adolescent patients with seasonal allergies.

The drug will cost Rwf8000 but prices become relatively lower with Rwanda’s health insurance system.

Avamys has also been launched in other countries in Africa such as Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Djibouti and Burundi among others.

Ends