Prescription Nasacort AQ.FDA approves Chattem's Nasacort
Chattanooga-based Chattem will market a new nonprescription anti-allergy nasal spray after the medicine received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.
Chattem-parent Sanofi announced Friday the FDA approved Nasacort Allergy 24HR nasal spray as an over-the-counter treatment for seasonal and year-round nasal allergies in adults and in children 2 years of age and older.
Nasacort is the first and only medicine in its class to be available without a prescription, the company said. With 60 million Americans suffering from nasal allergies, Chattem officials believe it can be a key addition to its product line.
"We believe there is significant value in making certain types of medicines, like Nasacort, directly available to consumers," said Anne Whitaker, president of North America Pharmaceuticals for Sanofi US. "Allergy sufferers will benefit from having an additional treatment option, and it's a strong addition to our existing consumer health portfolio."
State sales tax falls below budget
September sales tax collections in Tennessee were 3.5 percent ahead of a year ago but still were 5.2 percent short of budget expectations.
Tennessee Finance and Administration Commissioner Larry Martin said the $1.1 billion collected in sales taxes by the state last month was $59 million below what was forecast. "September sales tax collections continued to reflect modest growth consistent with a sluggish economy," he said.
Hunter, Aquarium picked as winners
The Tennessee Magazine recognized the Hunter Museum of Art in Chattanooga as the best art gallery in East Tennessee and saluted the Tennessee Aquarium as the region's best getaway to take the kids.
The local attractions were picked as winners from the magazine's 2013 Best of Tennessee Readers' Choice Awards.
Hundreds of online and mail-in ballots were received by the magazine, which circulates to 55,000 homes and businesses. The winners were picked from among dozens of nominees for the best food, attractions and accommodations the state has to offer.