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Last Updated: January 1, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR ZYRTEC ALLERGY


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505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for Zyrtec Allergy

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 Zyrtec Allergy

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00240032 ↗ A Study to Evaluate the Impact on Skin (Injection Site) Reactions of Taking an Antihistamine (Zyrtec®) or Placebo Prior to Daily Injections of Copaxone®. Completed Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc. Phase 4 2004-10-01 This study is designed to compare injection skin (injection site) reactions when an antihistamine (Zyrtec®) or placebo is taken prior to performing daily Copaxone® injections. Patients will be assigned (like a flip of a coin) to take either a placebo or an antihistamine (Zyrtec®) prior to performing their daily Copaxone® injections. The patient and physician will be unaware whether they are taking a placebo or antihistamine during the study.
NCT00240032 ↗ A Study to Evaluate the Impact on Skin (Injection Site) Reactions of Taking an Antihistamine (Zyrtec®) or Placebo Prior to Daily Injections of Copaxone®. Completed Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Phase 4 2004-10-01 This study is designed to compare injection skin (injection site) reactions when an antihistamine (Zyrtec®) or placebo is taken prior to performing daily Copaxone® injections. Patients will be assigned (like a flip of a coin) to take either a placebo or an antihistamine (Zyrtec®) prior to performing their daily Copaxone® injections. The patient and physician will be unaware whether they are taking a placebo or antihistamine during the study.
NCT00375713 ↗ Randomized Phase III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Xyzal® (Levocetirizine) vs Zyrtec® (Cetirizine) in Subjects With Dermatitis and Eczema Completed UCB Pharma Phase 3 2005-10-01 Korean double-blind non-inferiority study to asses the efficacy (as measured by the responder rate of pruritus severity score by the patient at visit 4 or end-of-treatment visit over the 2 weeks treatment period) and safety of Xyzal® to Zyrtec® in subjects suffering from dermatitis and eczema with pruritus symptoms
NCT00420082 ↗ A Randomized, Double-Blind, 4-way Crossover Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Bilastine in the Vienna Challenge Chamber Completed Faes Farma, S.A. Phase 2 2006-10-01 This is a randomized, double blind, active and placebo controlled, 4 way crossover study in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Patients will receive a single dose of bilastine 20 mg, Cetirizine 10 mg, Fexofenadine 120 mg, and placebo in the Vienna Challenge Chamber.
NCT00504933 ↗ Efficacy Study for the Symptomatic Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Completed Faes Farma, S.A. Phase 3 2005-05-01 The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Bilastine 20 mg, compared to Cetirizine and placebo for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for Zyrtec Allergy

Condition Name

Condition Name for Zyrtec Allergy
Intervention Trials
Allergic Rhinitis 6
Healthy 6
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis 5
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis 4
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Zyrtec Allergy
Intervention Trials
Rhinitis 13
Rhinitis, Allergic 12
Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal 6
Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial 4
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Clinical Trial Locations for Zyrtec Allergy

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Zyrtec Allergy
Location Trials
United States 13
Canada 3
Austria 1
Korea, Republic of 1
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for Zyrtec Allergy
Location Trials
Maryland 3
Texas 3
Georgia 1
Indiana 1
Illinois 1
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Clinical Trial Progress for Zyrtec Allergy

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Zyrtec Allergy
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 4 12
Phase 3 5
Phase 2 1
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Zyrtec Allergy
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 27
Recruiting 1
Terminated 1
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for Zyrtec Allergy

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Zyrtec Allergy
Sponsor Trials
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 7
Faes Farma, S.A. 3
Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited 2
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Zyrtec Allergy
Sponsor Trials
Industry 28
Other 12
NIH 2
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Zyrtec Allergy (Cetirizine)

Last updated: October 30, 2025


Introduction

Zyrtec Allergy, with the active ingredient cetirizine, remains a frontline antihistamine used to manage perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and other allergic conditions. Since its initial approval, Zyrtec has maintained a dominant position in the allergy treatment market, driven by its efficacy, safety profile, and broad consumer acceptance. This report synthesizes the latest clinical trial developments, provides an in-depth market analysis, and projects future growth trajectories for Zyrtec Allergy.


Clinical Trials Update

Recent Clinical Trials and Research Initiatives

Recent scientific investigations into cetirizine have centered around exploring its expanded therapeutic applications, optimization of delivery methods, and safety in diverse patient populations:

  • Efficacy in Pediatric Populations:
    Multiple Phase III trials examined cetirizine’s safety and efficacy in children aged 2-6 years, reaffirming its favorable safety profile and confirming non-inferiority compared to older age groups. A 2022 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology demonstrated significant symptom relief with minimal adverse effects, supporting its continued pediatric use [1].

  • Combination Therapy Investigations:
    Trials assessing cetirizine in combination with other antihistamines or leukotriene receptor antagonists evaluated synergistic effects, particularly for more severe allergic conditions. A 2021 double-blind study indicated enhanced symptom control without increased adverse events when cetirizine was combined with montelukast in adults [2].

  • Formulation Innovations:
    Research into sustained-release formulations and once-daily delivery mechanisms seeks to improve compliance. A clinical trial initiated in late 2022 evaluated a novel cetirizine transdermal patch, showing promising pharmacokinetics and patient preference advantages [3].

Safety and Comparative Effectiveness

  • Long-term Safety:
    Multiple longitudinal studies reinforce cetirizine’s safety over chronic use, with emerging evidence confirming minimal CNS penetration at therapeutic doses, reducing sedation risk. This aligns with current prescribing practices and regulatory standards.

  • Comparison with New Antihistamines:
    Head-to-head trials comparing cetirizine with newer agents such as levocetirizine and desloratadine highlight comparable efficacy but often with distinct safety profiles and dosing convenience noted in real-world data.


Market Analysis

Current Market Landscape

As of 2023, the global allergy medication market exceeds $17 billion, with antihistamines accounting for over 60%. Zyrtec remains a major brand, holding approximately 35-40% market share in established markets such as North America and Europe [4].

  • Pricing and Reimbursement:
    Its over-the-counter (OTC) status in many regions affords high accessibility, though pricing remains aligned with branded products, giving it an advantage over generics primarily in markets where brand loyalty is strong.

  • Competitive Landscape:
    Competitors include generic cetirizine formulations, prescription non-sedating antihistamines like fexofenadine and loratadine, and emerging biologics for allergic asthma. While generics erode market share in some regions, Zyrtec’s trustworthiness and established clinical data help maintain premium positioning.

Market Drivers and Challenges

  • Drivers:
    Growing prevalence of allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, driven by urban pollution, climate change, and increased awareness, supports sustained demand. Consumer preference for OTC medications and familiarity with Zyrtec’s safety profile bolster its standing.

  • Challenges:
    Price sensitivity and increasing availability of low-cost generics pose hurdles. Additionally, the emergence of new biologic therapies for severe allergic conditions, though limited in scope, could influence market dynamics.

Regional Insights

  • North America:
    Approximates $5 billion in sales, bolstered by broad OTC availability and high allergy prevalence. Key players include Johnson & Johnson (Zyrtec), and generics from multiple manufacturers.

  • Europe:
    A mature market with significant OTC sales, though regulatory variations slightly restrict access in some countries.

  • Asia-Pacific:
    Rapid growth anticipated due to rising allergy awareness and urbanization. Local generics and branded imports coexist, with significant market expansion potential.


Market Projection

Forecasts (2023-2030)

Based on current trends, the allergy pharmacotherapy market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4-6% through 2030, reaching approximately $25 billion globally. Zyrtec’s market share is expected to decline marginally to 28-32%, driven by the expansion of generic options and new competitors, but it will sustain a dominant position within the OTC antihistamine segment.

  • Key Growth Factors:

    • Increasing allergy prevalence, notably in Asia-Pacific and urbanized regions.
    • Advancements in formulation delivering improved compliance and tolerability.
    • Emerging evidence supporting expanded indications, including atopic dermatitis and other allergic conditions.
  • Potential Disruptors:

    • Introduction of novel biologic agents that target upstream allergic pathways.
    • Regulatory pressures favoring generic substitution.
    • Consumer shifts toward natural or alternative remedies.

Strategic Opportunities

  • Product Diversification:
    Developing new formulations such as transdermal patches and combination therapies to capture unmet needs.

  • Geographic Expansion:
    Enhancing marketing efforts in emerging markets through partnerships and localized regulatory strategies.

  • Digital Engagement:
    Leveraging digital tools, telemedicine, and direct-to-consumer platforms for increased brand loyalty and education.


Conclusion

Zyrtec Allergy remains a pivotal antihistamine with ongoing clinical validation, reinforcing its clinical utility. While the landscape faces commoditization via generics, strategic innovation, geographic expansion, and consumer awareness will be crucial to sustaining its market leadership. Continued clinical research will likely explore extended indications and novel delivery systems, opening new horizons for cetirizine.


Key Takeaways

  • Ongoing clinical trials affirm Zyrtec’s safety, pediatric efficacy, and potential for formulation innovations.
  • The global allergy drug market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4-6%, with Zyrtec maintaining significant but declining market share due to generic competition.
  • Expansion into emerging markets and formulation diversification represent vital growth avenues.
  • Regulatory trends favoring generics and health technologies will shape market dynamics.
  • Continuous clinical validation and innovation are essential for Zyrtec’s sustained relevance.

FAQs

1. How does cetirizine compare to other antihistamines?
Cetirizine offers rapid symptom relief with a favorable safety profile, comparable efficacy to levocetirizine and fexofenadine, but with a slightly higher sedative potential at higher doses. Its once-daily dosing and OTC availability give it an edge in convenience.

2. Are there any new formulations of Zyrtec in development?
Yes. Research into sustained-release and transdermal patches aim to improve adherence and reduce dosing frequency. Some formulations are currently in clinical trial phases, with promising pharmacokinetic profiles.

3. What are the primary concerns regarding long-term cetirizine use?
Long-term use is generally safe with minimal CNS effects. Rare adverse events include dry mouth and fatigue. Monitoring is recommended in certain populations, but overall, it’s well tolerated.

4. How is Zyrtec positioned in the Asian markets?
While Zyrtec has a presence, local generics and regional brands dominate due to price sensitivity. However, brand recognition and perceived quality offer opportunities for expansion with targeted marketing strategies.

5. What future trends could impact Zyrtec’s market position?
Emerging biologics, personalized allergy therapies, and advances in formulation technologies may reshape the market. Staying ahead requires continuous clinical innovation and strategic regional expansion.


Sources:

[1] Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2022. "Efficacy and Safety of Cetirizine in Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis."
[2] Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2021. "Combination Therapy of Cetirizine and Montelukast."
[3] Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 2022. "Transdermal Delivery of Cetirizine."
[4] MarketWatch, 2023. "Global Allergy Medication Market Analysis and Trends."

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