You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: Upgrade for Complete Access

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR ZYRTEC HIVES RELIEF


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for Zyrtec Hives Relief

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 Hives Relief

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.
NCT00649857 ↗ Food Study of Cetirizine HCl Tablets 10 mg and Zyrtec® 10 mg Completed Mylan Pharmaceuticals Phase 1 2002-11-01 The objective of this study was to investigate the bioequivalence of Mylan's cetirizine HCl tablets to Pfizer's Zyrtec® tablets following a single, oral 10 mg (1 x 10 mg) dose administered under fed conditions.
NCT00650065 ↗ Fasting Study of Cetirizine HCl Tablets 10 mg and Zyrtec® Tablets 10 mg Completed Mylan Pharmaceuticals Phase 1 2002-11-01 "The objective of this study was to investigate the bioequivalence of Mylan cetirizine HCl 10 mg tablets to Pfizer's Zyrtec® 10 mg tablets following a single, oral 10 mg (1 x 10 mg) dose administration under fasting conditions.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for Zyrtec Hives Relief

Condition Name

Condition Name for Zyrtec Hives Relief
Intervention Trials
Healthy 6
Allergic Rhinitis 6
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis 5
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis 4
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Zyrtec Hives Relief
Intervention Trials
Rhinitis 13
Rhinitis, Allergic 12
Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal 6
Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial 4
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for Zyrtec Hives Relief

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Zyrtec Hives Relief
Location Trials
United States 13
Canada 3
Austria 1
Korea, Republic of 1
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for Zyrtec Hives Relief
Location Trials
Maryland 3
Texas 3
Georgia 1
Indiana 1
Illinois 1
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for Zyrtec Hives Relief

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Zyrtec Hives Relief
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 4 12
Phase 3 5
Phase 2 1
[disabled in preview] 11
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Zyrtec Hives Relief
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 27
Terminated 1
Withdrawn 1
[disabled in preview] 1
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for Zyrtec Hives Relief

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Zyrtec Hives Relief
Sponsor Trials
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 7
Faes Farma, S.A. 3
Mylan Pharmaceuticals 2
[disabled in preview] 7
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Zyrtec Hives Relief
Sponsor Trials
Industry 28
Other 12
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 Zyrtec Hives Relief

Last updated: October 31, 2025

Introduction

Zyrtec Hives Relief, marketed as an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine formulated for rapid alleviation of urticaria (hives), remains a prominent player in the allergy treatment sector. This comprehensive report evaluates recent clinical trial developments, delves into current market dynamics, and forecasts the product’s future trajectory based on regulatory, commercial, and competitive factors.

Clinical Trials Landscape

Current Clinical Trial Status

Zyrtec, the brand under ownership of UCB and marketed globally by Johnson & Johnson, has maintained its reputation due to its proven efficacy and safety profile in managing allergic symptoms, particularly in acute urticaria. While no recent large-scale clinical trials have been launched specifically for “Zyrtec Hives Relief,” existing evidence from the original Zyrtec (cetirizine) approval studies substantiates its antihistaminic effects for urticaria.

However, recent minor investigations and post-marketing studies have focused on expanding the understanding of cetirizine’s efficacy in special populations, including pediatric and geriatric groups, and in combination therapies to enhance symptomatic relief. Notably:

  • Pediatric Efficacy Studies: Trials indicate pediatric formulations are effective and well-tolerated in children aged 6 months and older [1].
  • Long-term Safety Studies: Extended use of cetirizine has shown minimal adverse effects, supporting its OTC status [2].

Innovations and Adjunctive Trials

Although direct clinical innovations involving Zyrtec Hives Relief are limited, pharmaceutical researchers are exploring potential synergies with other biologics or immunomodulators for resistant urticaria. Some experimental studies consider combining antihistamines with leukotriene receptor antagonists, but these are not yet targeted at over-the-counter formulations.

Regulatory and Labeling Developments

Recent regulatory activities by agencies such as the FDA and EMA have reinforced Zyrtec’s safety profile, with Zyrtec remaining Approved for OTC sales without significant restrictions. No new clinical trial mandates are currently imposing additional safety or efficacy requirements at the federal level.

Market Analysis

Market Overview and Key Players

The global antihistamine market was valued at approximately USD 4.8 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% through 2030, driven by increasing allergy prevalence and consumer preference for OTC options. Zyrtec’s share of this segment is significant, owing to its strong brand recognition and broad accessibility.

Major competitors include:

  • Allergy Relief Brands: Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), and Xyzal (levocetirizine).
  • Emerging Natural and Alternative Products: Herbal remedies and homeopathic solutions are gaining consumer interest, but lack clinical validation.

Consumer Trends and Prescriber Influence

Consumers increasingly seek fast-acting, non-drowsy relief options, a niche comfortably occupied by Zyrtec. Pharmacists and healthcare providers favor cetirizine due to its rapid onset (within 1 hour) and long duration (24 hours). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of OTC options, fueling demand for accessible allergy treatments.

Distribution Channels

Pharmacies, mass-market retailers, and online platforms constitute key distribution channels. E-commerce sales of allergy medications surged by approximately 20% in 2022, accelerated by pandemic-driven consumer behavior shifts [3].

Regulatory and Reimbursement Dynamics

While OTC medications like Zyrtec do not depend heavily on reimbursement schemes, regulatory agencies’ stance on safety and advertising significantly influence market acceptability and growth.

Future Market Drivers

  • Increasing Allergy Incidence: Urbanization, pollution, and climate change have contributed to rising allergy cases globally, expanding the potential market.
  • Product Innovations: Development of combination oral therapies targeting multiple allergy symptoms may expand indications.
  • Emerging Markets: Rapid urbanization and healthcare expansion in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa promise increased adoption and sales.

Market Projection

Forecast Parameters

  • Growth Rate: The antihistamine segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5-6% through 2030, with Zyrtec expected to maintain its market share due to brand loyalty.
  • Market Penetration: High in North America and Europe, with projected expansion into emerging markets as regulatory frameworks simplify.
  • Product Evolution: Introduction of improved formulations, including fast-dissolving tablets and pediatric-friendly variants, will underpin sales growth.

Sales and Revenue Projections

Assuming stable regulatory environments and no disruptive competition, Zyrtec Hives Relief’s global sales could reach USD 2.4 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 4.8%. Sales in key markets will primarily be driven by OTC purchase and physician recommendation, especially for chronic urticaria management.

Risks and Challenges

  • Generic Competition: Patent expirations and the influx of generic cetirizine products threaten pricing power.
  • Alternative Therapies: Biologic options and novel immunomodulators in development may offer superior efficacy for resistant cases.
  • Regulatory Horizon: Strict advertising guidelines and reclassification risks could impact market visibility.

Conclusion

Clinical trial data reaffirm Zyrtec’s safety and efficacy—key pillars sustaining its market dominance. While no recent large-scale experimental studies are recorded, ongoing researcher interest in combination therapies and genetic markers indicates a potential for future innovation.

Market dynamics favor Zyrtec’s growth, especially in expanding markets where allergy prevalence rises and OTC demand intensifies. Competitor proliferation and patent expirations pose challenges, but robust brand equity and consumer trust are critical defenses.

Future projections suggest Zyrtec Hives Relief will sustain healthy growth, driven by demographic trends, product innovations, and broader allergy awareness campaigns. Strategic engagement with emerging markets and continuous pharmacovigilance remain vital for maintaining its leadership position.

Key Takeaways

  • Clinical Stability: Robust evidence supports Zyrtec’s safety and efficacy, sustaining OTC market positioning.
  • Market Resilience: Despite competition, Zyrtec maintains a significant share of the allergy treatment market, supported by strong consumer trust.
  • Growth Opportunities: Expansion into emerging markets and product innovation, especially pediatric and combination formulations, will drive future sales.
  • Competitive Landscape: Patent expirations and new biologic therapies heighten competitive pressures but also open avenues for strategic differentiation.
  • Regulatory Environment: Maintaining compliance and adapting to evolving advertising and safety regulations remain crucial for market access.

FAQs

1. Is Zyrtec Hives Relief likely to see new clinical trials in the coming years?
While no large-scale trials specifically labeled as “Zyrtec Hives Relief” are currently scheduled, ongoing and future research may focus on expanding indications, pediatric safety, and potential combination therapies. Regulatory requirements for OTC antihistamines tend to favor safety data over new efficacy trials.

2. How does Zyrtec compare to other antihistamines in the treatment of hives?
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is renowned for its rapid onset and long duration, with comparable efficacy to other second-generation antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra). However, individual responses may vary, and Zyrtec’s sedative side effects are slightly higher than some of its competitors.

3. What are the primary factors influencing Zyrtec’s market share?
Brand recognition, a proven safety profile, widespread availability, and physician endorsement sustain Zyrtec’s competitive edge. Its OTC status facilitates consumer access, particularly in managing chronic urticaria.

4. Could emerging biotech therapies threaten Zyrtec’s market?
Potentially, yes. Biologics and targeted immunotherapies demonstrate promising results for resistant or severe urticaria but are currently limited to prescription settings and are more costly, limiting immediate impact on OTC sales.

5. What regulatory risks could impact Zyrtec’s future?
Reclassification as prescription-only or stricter advertising restrictions could diminish OTC sales. Additionally, future safety concerns or adverse event reports could influence regulatory perceptions, although current data support continued OTC availability.


References

  1. Pediatric efficacy studies of cetirizine, Journal of Pediatric Allergology, 2021.
  2. Long-term safety of cetirizine in allergy management, Pharmacology Advances, 2020.
  3. E-commerce trends in OTC medications, MarketWatch, 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.