A well-known manufacturer of private label over-the-counter pharmaceuticals declared that the FDA has accepted the abbreviated New Drug Application for its OTC diclofenac sodium topical gel 1%. This medication is used for the short-term pain relief in foot, ankle, knee, elbow, wrist or hand of arthritis patients aged 18 years and above.

Diclofenac sodium (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID) topical gel will be marketed under a retailer store brand label as a substitute to the newly accepted Arthritis Pain relief formulation (diclofenac sodium topical gel, 1%) by another multinational company for non-prescription use.

The OTC formulation has the equivalent amount of diclofenac as the recommended strength (diclofenac 10 mg per gram). This drug is expected to launch later this year.