Inhalation CDMO Vectura has partnered with Mundipharma to reformulate Flutiform fluticasone propionate / formoterol fumarate MDI using a lower global warming potential (LGWP) propellant, the companies announced. According to the announcement, the first step in the reformulation will be to identify which LGWP propellant will replace HFA-227 in the formulation.
Flutiform was originally developed by Skyepharma, which was acquired by Vectura in 2016. Mundipharma has long marketed Flutiform in Europe, where the inhaler was approved for the treatment of asthma in 2012.
Mundipharma Chief Development and Medical Officer Yuri Martina commented, “We are dedicated to positively influencing the life of asthma patients across the globe. This is the first step in our long-term plan to develop a near-zero-emissions asthma inhaler. We are determined to achieve this before the European Union ban of HFA (hydrofluoroalkane) gases comes into effect, and our collaboration with Vectura demonstrates this, as well as our aim to an overall commitment to sustainable healthcare innovation.”
Vectura Chief Scientific Officer Geraldine Venthoye said, “At Vectura, our priority is to ensure that patients prescribed fluticasone propionate / formoterol fumarate pMDI can continue to have access to this treatment. Using Vectura’s expertise and extensive track record in the development of inhaled prescription medicines and devices, we believe the collaboration with Mundipharma will enable us to meet our environmental responsibilities and enable patients to use fluticasone propionate / formoterol fumarate pMDI in the years to come.”
Read the Vectura and Mundipharma press release.
