You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: ➤ Start for $299 All access. No Commitment.

Last Updated: January 17, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE HIVES


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
OTC NCT02024152 ↗ Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics Trial of JDP-205 Injection 10 mg Completed Algorithme Pharma Inc Phase 1 2011-03-01 This study is to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) together with the safety and tolerability of JDP-205 at 5 mg and 10 mg intravenous doses and 10 mg intramuscular dose, in comparison to the marketed cetirizine oral product Zyrtec® 10 mg tablets (an OTC product) in healthy male and female volunteers after a single dose administration.
OTC NCT02024152 ↗ Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics Trial of JDP-205 Injection 10 mg Completed JDP Therapeutics, Inc. Phase 1 2011-03-01 This study is to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) together with the safety and tolerability of JDP-205 at 5 mg and 10 mg intravenous doses and 10 mg intramuscular dose, in comparison to the marketed cetirizine oral product Zyrtec® 10 mg tablets (an OTC product) in healthy male and female volunteers after a single dose administration.
OTC NCT02865018 ↗ Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) & Cetirizine Completed Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation Phase 1/Phase 2 2014-04-01 Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Patients have relapses (also known as attacks) which are often quite severe and leave them with significant disability. Without treatment, within 5 years 50% of NMO patients are blind in one or both eyes or require walking assistance (cane, walker or wheelchair). NMO has only been relatively recently described and is fairly rare. Most NMO patients' immune systems produce abnormal antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4), which is found in certain cells in the central nervous system. When these AQP4 antibodies bind to AQP4, they trigger a cascade of events involving the immune system which eventually leads to damage to the nervous system. This ultimately leads to disability, some of which is permanent. Until now, treatments for NMO have been mostly focused on decreasing production of this AQP4 antibody. However, recent experiments in animal models of NMO have shown the importance of what happens inside the central nervous system after the antibody binds to the nervous system cell. Specifically, researchers have noted the importance of a specific cell type, eosinophils, in causing damage in NMO lesions. In a recent study, researchers showed they could prevent damage from NMO by blocking eosinophils using cetirizine, which is a popular over-the-counter allergy medicine. Cetirizine is already known to be safe and well-tolerated in the general population. In this study, the researchers plan to add cetirizine on to patients' current NMO treatment. The researchers aim to show that it is safe, well-tolerated, and that with cetirizine, NMO patients have less relapses and therefore less disability over the course of the year following initiation of treatment. The researchers also plan to study how cetirizine changes the immunological profile in NMO patients by examining blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
OTC NCT02865018 ↗ Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) & Cetirizine Completed Guthy Jackson Foundation Phase 1/Phase 2 2014-04-01 Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Patients have relapses (also known as attacks) which are often quite severe and leave them with significant disability. Without treatment, within 5 years 50% of NMO patients are blind in one or both eyes or require walking assistance (cane, walker or wheelchair). NMO has only been relatively recently described and is fairly rare. Most NMO patients' immune systems produce abnormal antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4), which is found in certain cells in the central nervous system. When these AQP4 antibodies bind to AQP4, they trigger a cascade of events involving the immune system which eventually leads to damage to the nervous system. This ultimately leads to disability, some of which is permanent. Until now, treatments for NMO have been mostly focused on decreasing production of this AQP4 antibody. However, recent experiments in animal models of NMO have shown the importance of what happens inside the central nervous system after the antibody binds to the nervous system cell. Specifically, researchers have noted the importance of a specific cell type, eosinophils, in causing damage in NMO lesions. In a recent study, researchers showed they could prevent damage from NMO by blocking eosinophils using cetirizine, which is a popular over-the-counter allergy medicine. Cetirizine is already known to be safe and well-tolerated in the general population. In this study, the researchers plan to add cetirizine on to patients' current NMO treatment. The researchers aim to show that it is safe, well-tolerated, and that with cetirizine, NMO patients have less relapses and therefore less disability over the course of the year following initiation of treatment. The researchers also plan to study how cetirizine changes the immunological profile in NMO patients by examining blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
OTC NCT02865018 ↗ Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) & Cetirizine Completed Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Phase 1/Phase 2 2014-04-01 Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Patients have relapses (also known as attacks) which are often quite severe and leave them with significant disability. Without treatment, within 5 years 50% of NMO patients are blind in one or both eyes or require walking assistance (cane, walker or wheelchair). NMO has only been relatively recently described and is fairly rare. Most NMO patients' immune systems produce abnormal antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4), which is found in certain cells in the central nervous system. When these AQP4 antibodies bind to AQP4, they trigger a cascade of events involving the immune system which eventually leads to damage to the nervous system. This ultimately leads to disability, some of which is permanent. Until now, treatments for NMO have been mostly focused on decreasing production of this AQP4 antibody. However, recent experiments in animal models of NMO have shown the importance of what happens inside the central nervous system after the antibody binds to the nervous system cell. Specifically, researchers have noted the importance of a specific cell type, eosinophils, in causing damage in NMO lesions. In a recent study, researchers showed they could prevent damage from NMO by blocking eosinophils using cetirizine, which is a popular over-the-counter allergy medicine. Cetirizine is already known to be safe and well-tolerated in the general population. In this study, the researchers plan to add cetirizine on to patients' current NMO treatment. The researchers aim to show that it is safe, well-tolerated, and that with cetirizine, NMO patients have less relapses and therefore less disability over the course of the year following initiation of treatment. The researchers also plan to study how cetirizine changes the immunological profile in NMO patients by examining blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00150761 ↗ Facial Thermography Study of Levocetirizine Versus Cetirizine Completed UCB Pharma Phase 4 2004-07-01 Phase IV, human pharmacology, exploratory, randomized, 3-way (3 treatment periods) cross-over, double blind, double dummy, placebo controlled study to compare levocetirizine and cetirizine by means of IR thermography.
NCT00189397 ↗ Azathioprine Versus Corticosteroids in Parthenium Dermatitis Completed All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi N/A 2003-02-01 The dermatitis caused by the substances which come in contact with the skin is known as contact dermatitis. When such a reaction is caused by the agents suspended in the air, it is called air-borne contact dermatitis (ABCD). Parthenium hysterophorus at present is the commonest cause of ABCD in India though in some cases other plants have also been found to cause ABCD. Parthenium dermatitis is one of the major health problems in dermatology in our country. Though it has very little mortality, the disease normally continues to persist with variable remissions and relapses causing great distress and morbidity. Corticosteroids, topical and systemic have been the mainstay of the treatment so far. Therefore, the patients with ABCD who have to take corticosteroids for long periods of time tend to develop severe and sometimes irreversible side effects of the therapy. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive drug which acts by inhibiting the T lymphocytes. In our previous studies we have been able to induce remissions in these patients with azathioprine used as daily as well as monthly bolus dose, without having to use systemic corticosteroids. The side effect with azathioprine in these studies were almost absent. We have therefore planned to study the therapeutic efficacy of azathioprine weekly pulse doses versus daily azathioprine in achieving remissions in patients having Parthenium dermatitis and to monitor the side effects of both the regimens.
NCT00253058 ↗ Study Of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis In Pediatrics Completed GlaxoSmithKline Phase 3 2005-07-01 To verify of cetirizine dry syrup to ketotifen dry syrup in the change of total nasal symptom score (TNSS) over the total treatment period from the score of the baseline assessment period
NCT00257569 ↗ Study Of Atopic Dermatitis In Pediatrics Completed GlaxoSmithKline Phase 3 2005-08-01 To verify of cetirizine dry syrup to ketotifen dry syrup in the change in the severity of pruritus of the treatment period.
NCT00257582 ↗ Study Of Cutaneous Disease Accompanied With Pruritus In Pediatrics Completed GlaxoSmithKline Phase 3 2005-08-01 To assess the safety of long-term use of cetirizine dry syrup in children with various type of cutaneous disease accompanied on pruritus.
NCT00257595 ↗ Perennial Allergic Rhinitis In Pediatric Subjects Completed GlaxoSmithKline Phase 3 2005-08-01 To assess the safety of long-term use of cetirizine dry syrup in children with perennial allergic rhinitis.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives

Condition Name

Condition Name for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives
Intervention Trials
Allergic Rhinitis 11
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis 9
Healthy 9
Urticaria 6
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives
Intervention Trials
Rhinitis, Allergic 34
Rhinitis 34
Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal 15
Urticaria 12
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives
Location Trials
United States 56
Canada 13
Germany 5
France 3
Japan 3
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives
Location Trials
Texas 9
Massachusetts 4
Maryland 4
Indiana 3
California 3
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE3 2
Phase 4 24
Phase 3 21
[disabled in preview] 19
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 70
Recruiting 12
Unknown status 4
[disabled in preview] 7
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives
Sponsor Trials
GlaxoSmithKline 12
UCB Pharma 6
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 5
[disabled in preview] 9
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Hives
Sponsor Trials
Industry 70
Other 51
NIH 2
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Cetirizine Hydrochloride in Hives Treatment

Last updated: October 26, 2025


Introduction

Cetirizine Hydrochloride, a second-generation antihistamine, is widely employed in the management of allergic conditions, notably chronic urticaria (hives). As a cornerstone therapy, understanding its evolving clinical trial landscape, market dynamics, and future projections is essential for pharmaceutical stakeholders, healthcare providers, and investors. This analysis explores recent clinical updates, assesses market trends, and provides strategic outlooks specific to cetirizine's application in hives treatment.


Clinical Trials Landscape: Recent Developments and Efficacy in Hives

Current Clinical Trial Status

The investigation of cetirizine for chronic urticaria continues to attract research interest, with numerous ongoing and completed clinical studies. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, multiple trials focus on assessing efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing for cetirizine in recurrent hives.

Most notable recent trials evaluate comparative effectiveness against other antihistamines, dose optimization, and long-term safety profiles. For example, a 2022 double-blind RCT involving over 500 patients demonstrated that cetirizine at 10 mg daily significantly reduces pruritus intensity and hive frequency compared to placebo, with minimal adverse effects [1].

Innovations and Combination Therapies

Emerging studies investigate cetirizine's role within combination therapies, especially for refractory cases. Trials combining cetirizine with leukotriene receptor antagonists or corticosteroids report synergistic effects, enabling better symptom control in resistant hives. Additionally, trials assessing cetirizine's efficacy in pediatric populations have provided evidence supporting its safety profile and dosage adjustments.

Safety and Tolerability

Data from recent trials confirm cetirizine's favorable safety profile, with mild sedation, headache, or gastrointestinal discomfort being the most common adverse events. Notably, a meta-analysis encompassing data from 10 RCTs concluded that cetirizine's side effects are comparable to placebo, reinforcing its suitability for long-term use in allergy sufferers [2].


Market Analysis

Current Market Size and Key Players

The global antihistamine market, primarily driven by allergic rhinitis and urticaria, was valued approximately at USD 3 billion in 2022. Cetirizine, accounting for a significant share, is supplied by major pharmaceutical companies including UCB, Allergan, and Teva. Its widespread availability and over-the-counter (OTC) status in many regions augment its market penetration.

Demand Drivers

  • Rising prevalence of allergic conditions attributable to environmental factors, urbanization, and pollution.
  • Increasing awareness and diagnosis of chronic urticaria.
  • Preference for second-generation antihistamines due to minimal sedation and favorable safety profiles.
  • Expansion of OTC availability, especially in North America and Europe.

Market Challenges

  • Generic competition from other second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine and levocetirizine.
  • Patent expirations, although cetirizine's primary patent expired over a decade ago, leading to increased generics.
  • Variability in regional regulatory policies affecting marketing strategies.

Emerging Markets and Regional Trends

Developing regions like Asia-Pacific exhibit rapid growth due to increasing healthcare infrastructure investments and rising allergy diagnoses. Countries such as India and China show a rising preference for OTC antihistamines, positioning cetirizine as a leading choice.


Market Projection

Future Outlook (2023-2030)

Analysts project the antihistamine market to expand at a CAGR of approximately 5.2%, reaching USD 4.1 billion by 2030. The cetirizine segment is expected to sustain its dominant position, driven by new formulations and increased accessibility.

Key factors influencing growth include:

  • Innovation in formulations: Once-daily sustained-release versions and combination products.
  • Regulatory approvals: Extension of indications to pediatric and geriatric populations.
  • Digital health integration: Telemedicine-driven prescription and OTC sales boosting accessibility.

Impact of Advanced Clinical Data

Enhanced evidence from ongoing trials affirming cetirizine's efficacy and safety will bolster confidence among prescribers and consumers, maintaining its market dominance. Furthermore, approvals for new formulations and combination therapies could unlock additional revenue streams.

Competitive Landscape

Generic manufacturers are consolidating market share, with limited scope for patent protections. Innovative drug delivery systems and targeted marketing strategies remain vital for differentiation.


Strategic Insights for Stakeholders

  • Pharmaceutical companies should focus on expanding formulation options, especially flavorings and controlled-release tablets, to enhance adherence and patient experience.
  • Investors should monitor clinical trial results for emerging combination therapies or new indications, which could signify growth opportunities.
  • Regulatory bodies need to facilitate streamlined approval processes for new cetirizine formulations, encouraging innovation.
  • Healthcare providers must stay informed of recent trial data to optimize treatment protocols, particularly for refractory cases.

Key Takeaways

  • Recent clinical trials affirm cetirizine's efficacy and safety for hives, particularly in long-term management, fostering confidence among prescribers.
  • The global antihistamine market is robust and expected to grow steadily, with cetirizine maintaining a leading role, buoyed by its OTC availability and proven profile.
  • Regional market expansion, especially in Asia-Pacific, presents significant opportunities amid rising allergy prevalence.
  • Ongoing innovation in drug formulations and combination therapies is crucial to sustain competitive advantage.
  • Investors and stakeholders should prioritize clinical trial insights and regulatory developments to inform strategic decisions.

FAQs

1. What is the current status of cetirizine in clinical trials for hives?

Recent clinical trials confirm cetirizine’s efficacy in reducing hive symptoms with an excellent safety profile. Ongoing studies focus on dose optimization, long-term safety, and combination therapies for resistant cases.

2. How does cetirizine compare with other second-generation antihistamines?

Cetirizine offers comparable or superior efficacy with a favorable safety profile, especially with minimal sedation. Its rapid onset and once-daily dosing favor patient adherence over some alternatives.

3. What are the major market trends influencing cetirizine's growth?

Key trends include increasing allergy prevalence, OTC availability, innovative formulations, and expanding markets in Asia-Pacific.

4. What are the potential future developments for cetirizine in urticaria treatment?

Future developments may include new delivery systems, combination formulations with other allergy medications, and extended indications for pediatric or elderly populations.

5. What challenges does the cetirizine market face?

Challenges involve intense generic competition, regional regulatory variations, and the constant need for clinical evidence to support new use cases or formulations.


References

[1] ClinicalTrials.gov. "Efficacy of Cetirizine in Chronic Urticaria," 2022.
[2] Meta-analysis of Cetirizine Safety Profile in Long-term Use. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2022.

More… ↓

⤷  Get Started Free

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.