Aims to support Health Care Practitioners with evidence-based cough categorization tools that enable choosing the right molecules for effective & targeted relief from cough
Mumbai, July 17, 2025 — In a landmark move to revolutionize cough diagnosis and treatment in India, Kenvue, the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue and makers of Benadryl®, has partnered with the Association of Physicians of India (API) to launch India’s first-of-its-kind ‘Cough Clinics’ initiative.
This scientific, doctor-centric program aims to equip healthcare practitioners (HCPs) with evidence-based tools and training to accurately categorize coughs and choose the right molecules for targeted, rational therapy.
The first Centre of Excellence has been inaugurated at BSES Hospital, Andheri, Mumbai. Kenvue plans to establish 10 such centres across the country in the first phase, aiming to reach over 1,000 physicians within the first year.
The Need for Reform in Cough Management
Cough remains one of the most common symptoms seen in primary care. On average:
- Adults in India experience ~3 episodes per year
- Children may have 7–10 episodes annually
- The post-COVID era has led to longer and more frequent cough episodes
Despite the burden, over 70% of patients receive empirical treatment without a clear diagnosis. According to a study in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India (JAPI), this often results in the widespread use of irrational multi-ingredient formulations, raising safety concerns and treatment costs—especially for children and the elderly.
What Are ‘Cough Clinics’?
The Cough Clinics are structured as modular learning programs hosted at Centers of Excellence and conducted by leading Pulmonologists. The aim is to:
✅ Educate physicians on cough categorization (dry, wet, multi-symptom)
✅ Promote sound-based recognition tools for diagnosis
✅ Present case-based modules for real-world application
✅ Encourage evidence-backed, simplified treatments
“At Benadryl®, we’ve always believed in simple, targeted formulations. With this initiative, we aim to reduce the use of unnecessary ingredients and improve outcomes through science-based training,” said Prashant Shinde, Business Unit Head, Self-Care, Kenvue India.
Backed by Clinical Expertise
The curriculum has been co-developed and validated by experts from API and includes:
- Three progressive learning modules
- Hands-on training with diagnostic tools
- Pre- and post-assessments to evaluate knowledge gain
- Net Promoter Score (NPS) to measure session effectiveness
“Cough is a daily reality in primary care, but diagnostic tools are often missing. This initiative empowers doctors with the right knowledge and tools,” said Dr. Agam Vora, Hon. General Secretary, API.
Highlight: The Cough Categorization Tool
A cornerstone of the initiative is the Cough Categorization Tool, developed by national experts and published in JAPI (2024). It allows physicians to:
- Differentiate between wet, dry, and multi-symptom coughs
- Identify red flag symptoms
- Map appropriate symptom-specific treatments
“India’s cough market is cluttered with irrational combinations. This collaboration with API simplifies and standardizes diagnosis for better patient care,” added Dr. Harshad Malve, Medical Head – Self Care, Kenvue.
Nationwide Rollout
Following the Mumbai launch, Cough Clinics will expand to major cities including:
- Lucknow
- Chandigarh
- Hyderabad
- Bengaluru
- Kolkata
About Kenvue
Kenvue Inc. is the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue, built on a legacy of over a century. Its portfolio includes Benadryl®, Johnson’s®, Neutrogena®, Listerine®, ORSL®, and Stayfree®—trusted globally by consumers and healthcare professionals.
🔗 Learn more: www.kenvue.com
About Benadryl®
A legacy brand in India for over 50 years, Benadryl® offers a range of cough formulations tailored to Dry, Productive, and Allergic coughs. Trusted by doctors and families alike, Benadryl® continues to provide science-based, safe, and symptom-specific relief.ecific symptoms.
