Novartis' Lescol, Lamisil, Voltaren Emulgel mentioned as OTC switch candidates.

NOVARTIS LESCOL LIPID LOWERER MAY BE OTC SWITCH CANDIDATE, Jerry Karabelas, Novartis Pharmaceuticals CEO and head of the company's healthcare operations, suggested at a review of the company's 1997 financial results held in London March 17. "Eventually, it is possible that the HMG-CoAs would convert over to OTC status," Karabelas said, in part because Lescol has "an ideal profile from a safety point of view." He did not specify in which countries an attempt to switch Lescol could be made.