Schering Affiliate Gets OK for Rosacea Drug

Schering’s U.S. affiliate Berlex Laboratories won Food and Drug Administration approval to sell the gel Finacea for the skin condition rosacea, expanding the product line of the world’s biggest maker of contraceptive pills.

The gel will be available in the U.S. before the end of March, Schering said, adding that peak annual U.S. sales may reach $30 million. About 14 million people in the U.S. have rosacea.

Schering shares rose $1.20, or 2.8%, to $44.10 on the NYSE.