According to an article published on September 12, 2011 in the Archives of Neurology, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has demonstrated that intranasal insulin can improve memory and the ability to perform daily functions in adults with agnestic mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. The study is called "Study of Nasal Insulin to Fight … [Read more...] about Intranasal insulin shows promise for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Medical
Iran phases out CFC inhalers
On September 5, a ceremony in Tehran marked the occasion as Iran officially phased out CFC-based metered dose inhalers (MDIs) in accordance with the Montreal Protocol, becoming the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so. The event, attended by government officials, clinicians, and representatives of international organizations, celebrated the closing of … [Read more...] about Iran phases out CFC inhalers
A new model for vapor deposition in the lung
A group of researchers funded by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) have developed a new model for vapor deposition in the lung and have published their work in an article titled "Derivation of Mass Transfer Coefficients for Transient Uptake and Tissue Disposition of Soluble and Reactive Vapors in Lung Airways," published in the June 2011 issue of … [Read more...] about A new model for vapor deposition in the lung
NEJM editorial praises move towards personalized asthma treatment
An editorial by Monica Kraft in the August 31 online version of the New England Journal of Medicine voices approval for a recent article in the journal describing a study of lebrikizumab treatment for asthma patients whose disease was not well controlled with inhaled glucocorticoids. Lebrikizumab is a monoclonal antibody to interleukin-13, and the study found an … [Read more...] about NEJM editorial praises move towards personalized asthma treatment
Latest update on acetylcysteine inhalation solution shortage
According to the FDA's latest update on the ongoing acetylcysteine inhalation solution shortage, all of American Regent/Luitpold's product is still on back order due to "manufacturing delays," and the company is still unable to estimate a release date for any inhalation solution. The company's Shirley, NY facility was shut down in April 2011 over safety concerns. … [Read more...] about Latest update on acetylcysteine inhalation solution shortage
Positive Phase 2b results for Pearl Therapeutics MDI
A randomized, double-blind, Phase 2b dose-ranging study of Pearl Therapeutics' formoterol fumarate MDI compared to Foradil Aerolizer and placebo showed statistically significant benefits in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, according to the company. The metered dose inhaler product, known as PT005, demonstrated comparable improvements in lung function compared to … [Read more...] about Positive Phase 2b results for Pearl Therapeutics MDI
Study finds OTC capsaicin nasal spray effective for rhinitis
A randomized, double-blind study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati has shown that a capsaicin nasal spray available over the counter significantly relieved nasal congestion, sinus pain, sinus pressure, and headache in patients with non-allergic rhinitis compared to placebo. The article appears in the August 2011 edition of Annals of Allergy, … [Read more...] about Study finds OTC capsaicin nasal spray effective for rhinitis
Phase 2 study of nasal spray for binge eating disorder to begin
British biopharmaceutical company Lightlake Therapeutics has announced that it will begin Phase 2 trials of its naloxone nasal spray for the treatment of binge eating disorder in overweight and obese patients on August 26th, 2011 in Helsinki, Finland. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, and the nasal spray targets the endorphins produced when people eat foods high in … [Read more...] about Phase 2 study of nasal spray for binge eating disorder to begin
“Pressurized olfactory device” study shows improved opioid delivery
A study by University of Washington researchers published in the September 2011 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, the official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society, demonstrates improved delivery of morphine and fentanyl in rats via a "pressurized olfactory device" (POD) compared to conventional nasal administration. The researchers are also … [Read more...] about “Pressurized olfactory device” study shows improved opioid delivery
Positive Phase 2 results for Verona bronchodilator for asthma
Verona Pharma has successfully completed a Phase 2 study of the duration of bronchodilator action by its lead drug RPL554 in patients with mild asthma, according to the company. RPL554 is a novel long-acting phosphodiesterase 3 and phosphodiesterase 4 enzyme inhibitor intended for intranasal administration, though the company has discussed MDI and DPI formulations, … [Read more...] about Positive Phase 2 results for Verona bronchodilator for asthma