51.   Schering-Plough is seeking FDA approval for its next generation allergy drug, which is expected to take effect more quickly than Claritin.

52.   Schering-Plough also revealed that its top two executives are being penalized financially for manufacturing programs that are holding up the launch of a crucial new allergy drug.

53.   That included an effort by Schering-Plough Corp. to win an extension of its patent for Claritin, the popular and profitable allergy drug.

54.   The allergy drugs are known as second generation antihistamines because they dry up allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness so common with first generation over-the-counter drugs.

55.   The allergy drugs are known as second-generation antihistamines because they dry up allergy symptoms without causing the drowsiness so common with first-generation over-the-counter drugs.

56.   The panel also was considering taking similar action on two other allergy drugs, Zyrec and Allegra.

57.   The Strasbourg, France-based company said the move would allow it to focus on its pharmaceuticals, which include allergy drug Allegra.