Dry powder inhalation drug developer Savara Pharmaceuticals has graduated from the Austin Techonology Incubator (ATI) Bioscience Incubator, according to ATI. Savara, which was founded in 2007, is preparing for Phase 1 trials of its lead candidate, an inhaled antibiotic. “A transition from the laboratory into the clinic represents a significant accomplishment and … [Read more...] about Savara graduates from technology incubator
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GSK expanding Canadian facility
GlaxoSmithKline plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Mississauga, Ontario, in part to enable production of Relenza zanamivir dry powder for inhalation. The expansion is expected to create 70 new jobs. GSK will contribute more than $30 million, with the province of Ontario kicking in $3.6 million. Paul Lucas, President and CEO of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. said, … [Read more...] about GSK expanding Canadian facility
Respira looking for partners for new DPI
Respira Therapeutics has issued a press release to introduce its drug engine technology (DET) dry powder inhaler, which the company says "can be deployed and optimized in short test cycles with a wide range of compounds." The company is claiming that the novel mechanism of the inhaler delivers at high efficiencies never before achieved. According to Respira … [Read more...] about Respira looking for partners for new DPI
Funding for nasal spray to help prevent hearing loss
University of Melbourne spin-off Otifex has reportedly raised $1.1 million for the development of a nasal spray to treat otitis media with effusion (OTE), in which viscous fluid builds up in the middle ear, potentially leading to hearing loss. The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and Uniseed are providing the funding. No medications for OTE are available at … [Read more...] about Funding for nasal spray to help prevent hearing loss
Elpen’s Advair copy approved by Sweden
Reuters is reporting that the Swedish Medical Products Agency has approved a fluticasone/salmeterol DPI manufactured by Greek pharmaceutical company Elpen. The approval apparently took place in May 2011 but was not announced. The company has not said when or if it will launch the product in European countries outside of Greece. Elpen has been marketing the inhaler … [Read more...] about Elpen’s Advair copy approved by Sweden
Generex licenses RapidMist technology
Generex Biotechnology has reached an agreement with Amarantus BioSciences regarding Generex's RapidMist buccal aerosol delivery system. The RapidMist device is a modified metered dose inhaler that delivers the aerosol to the lining of the mouth instead of to the lungs. Amarantus, which is paying Generex $10 million for use of the technology, will use it to deliver … [Read more...] about Generex licenses RapidMist technology
Rigel raises $130 million in stock offering
Rigel Pharmaceuticals has said that it is raising approximately $130.4 million as the result of a stock offering involving 16.3 million new shares. The company says that it expects the offer to close on or about June 1, 2011. Pfizer recently returned the rights to Rigel's inhaled syk inhibitor, R343. R343 is ready to move into Phase 2 trials, and the money raised … [Read more...] about Rigel raises $130 million in stock offering
CHMP issues negative opinion on Pharmaxis’s Bronchitol
Members of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) have indicated that they would vote against approval of Pharmaxis's marketing application for Bronchitol as a treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF). The CHMP took the trend vote after hearing an oral presentation by Pharmaxis regarding the application at its meeting last week. The official vote to … [Read more...] about CHMP issues negative opinion on Pharmaxis’s Bronchitol
OptiNose wins innovation award for nasal delivery technology
OptiNose has won the Oslo regional competition of the DnB NOR Innovation Award for its nasal drug delivery technology, and the company will compete in the Norwegian national competition in September. The regional award includes a prize of 200,000 NOK (~$36,000), and the national prize is 1 million NOK. The competition is sponsored by the Norwegian bank … [Read more...] about OptiNose wins innovation award for nasal delivery technology
Shortage of acetylcysteine inhalation solution
The FDA has announced a shortage of acetylcysteine inhalation solution in the US due to increased demand and manufacturing delays. Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent. According to the FDA web site, two manufacturers, Hospira and Roxanne Laboratories are experiencing shortages of 200 mg/ml vials as a result of increased demand and expect to release new product by … [Read more...] about Shortage of acetylcysteine inhalation solution