Perrigo's coated cinnamon nicotine gum receives FDA marketing approval

The Perrigo Company (Nasdaq: PRGO;TASE) today announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market over-the-counter coated nicotine polacrilex gum USP, 2 mg and 4 mg cinnamon flavor.

The product will be marketed under store brand labels and is comparable to GlaxoSmithKline's Nicorette® Cinnamon Surge™ coated gum, which is a stop smoking aid. "This approval of coated cinnamon nicotine gum extends our leading store brand position. The expanded range of smoking cessation products also includes coated mint-flavored gum, coated fruit wave, uncoated gum and lozenges," said Joseph C. Papa, Perrigo's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Nicorette® Cinnamon Surge™ gum is selling at an annual rate estimated at over $40 million at all retail outlets.  First shipments are expected to ship this fall.