Drugs developed by Schering-Plough

Drugs Developed by Schering-Plough

Schering-Plough was a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company that was established in 1851 and merged with Merck & Co. in 2009. Throughout its history, Schering-Plough developed a wide range of pharmaceutical products that contributed significantly to various fields of medicine. This article provides an overview of some of the notable drugs developed by Schering-Plough, highlighting their uses, mechanisms of action, and impact on healthcare.

Ezetimibe (Zetia)

Ezetimibe (marketed as Zetia) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol that enters the bloodstream. Ezetimibe is often prescribed in combination with statins, another class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, to enhance the cholesterol-lowering effect.

Mometasone Furoate

Mometasone furoate is a potent corticosteroid used in the treatment of various inflammatory and allergic conditions. It is available in several formulations, including creams, ointments, nasal sprays, and inhalers, making it versatile in treating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma.

Boceprevir (Victrelis)

Boceprevir (marketed as Victrelis) is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of Hepatitis C. Boceprevir is a protease inhibitor that works by blocking a protein needed by the hepatitis C virus to replicate. It was one of the first-generation direct-acting antivirals that significantly improved the treatment success rates for Hepatitis C.

Peginterferon alfa-2b (PegIntron)

Peginterferon alfa-2b (marketed as PegIntron) is a medication used in the treatment of Hepatitis C and melanoma. It is a form of interferon, a protein that the body naturally produces in response to infections. Peginterferon alfa-2b has been modified to stay in the body longer, providing a sustained immune response against the virus or cancer cells.

Loratadine (Claritin)

Loratadine (marketed as Claritin) is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Unlike first-generation antihistamines, loratadine does not cross the blood-brain barrier, minimizing drowsiness and making it a preferred choice for many patients.

Desloratadine (Clarinex)

Desloratadine (marketed as Clarinex) is an active metabolite of loratadine and serves as a third-generation antihistamine. It is used to treat the same range of allergic symptoms as loratadine but is considered even less likely to cause drowsiness.

Temodar (Temozolomide)

Temozolomide (marketed as Temodar) is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of certain brain cancers, such as glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which inhibits their ability to reproduce and leads to cell death.

Conclusion

Schering-Plough's contributions to the pharmaceutical industry have been significant, with a range of drugs that have improved the quality of life for patients worldwide. The merger with Merck & Co. has further expanded the reach and impact of these medications, continuing the legacy of innovation and care initiated by Schering-Plough.