DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Over-the-counter pain reliever Cobroxin, designed for moderate to severe chronic pain, is slated to become available at Walgreens stores nationwide May 1.

Delray Beach, Fla.-based XenaCare Holdings Inc. markets and distributes Cobroxin in the United States under a license with biotech firm Nutra Pharma Corp., which developed and manufactures the pain reliever.

"As one of the largest and most well-recognized pharmacy chains in North America, we are pleased that Walgreens has chosen to offer Cobroxin for sale in its drug stores throughout the United States," commented XenaCare president and chief executive Frank Rizzo. "We look forward to working closely with Walgreens as we prepare for this launch and finalize our promotional strategy to support ongoing sales efforts by the retailer."

According to XenaCare, Cobroxin is the first OTC pain reliever clinically proven to treat moderate to severe (Stage 2) chronic pain, whereas many other Stage 2 drugs — such as Tylenol 3, Percocet and Vicodin — require prescriptions.

An all-natural medication, Cobroxin is available as an oral spray for treating migraine headaches, neck aches, shoulder pain, cramps, lower back pain and neuralgia. It also comes in a topical gel for treating joint pain and pain associated with repetitive stress and arthritis.

Earlier this month, XenaCare announced that Cobroxin Advanced Topical Gel became available at metropolitan New York drug chain Duane Reade. And in February, the supplier said food and drug retailers Winn-Dixie, Hannaford and Sweetbay Supermarkets began carrying Cobroxin.

XenaCare reported in late January that it expanded its national advertising campaign to support the growing network of retailers carrying Cobroxin. The effort includes direct-response mailings, television commercials, national sponsorships and additional print advertising.