Bayer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Astepro® Allergy (Azelastine HCI .15%) as an over-the-counter (OTC) product for the temporary relief of nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itchy nose due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. With the FDA’s approval, Astepro® Allergy becomes the first and only steroid free, antihistamine nasal spray for allergies available OTC in the United States for adults and children 6 years of age and older. Astepro® is currently only available with a prescription in the U.S. Today’s OTC approval of Astepro® Allergy will provide more than 50 million Americans that suffer from allergies each year over-the-counter access to this steroid free nasal spray optioni. Currently, OTC allergy medications includes three major classes: antihistamines, intranasal steroids and mast cell stabilizers. Astepro® Allergy will be the first and only OTC antihistamine nasal spray for indoor and outdoor allergy relief upon the OTC switch. This OTC formulation is full prescription strength and includes a number of benefits including flexible once or twice daily dosing that provides up to 24-hour relief of nasal congestion, running nose, sneezing and itchy nose from indoor and outdoor allergies. Astepro® Allergy will be available at national mass retail locations in the first quarter of 2022.