Vectura's VR496, an inhaled dry powder formulation of heparin sodium, has produced positive results in a Phase 2 study in cystic fibrosis patients, says the company. The product has received orphan drug status from both the EMA and the FDA. The study involved 77 CF patients, with 90% completing the 4-week treatment period. Patients treated with VR496 experienced … [Read more...] about Positive results for Vectura inhaled heparin formulation
Medical
Study shows tiotropium better than salmeterol for preventing COPD exacerbations
Results from the Prevention Of Exacerbations with Tiotropium in COPD (POET-COPD) study published in the New England Journal of Medicine show a significant reduction in exacerbations for COPD patients treated with tiotropium compared to those treated with salmeterol. The one-year study involved almost 7400 patients with moderate to severe COPD, half of whom were … [Read more...] about Study shows tiotropium better than salmeterol for preventing COPD exacerbations
Insmed gets clearance for Phase 3 Arikace trial
According to Virginia biotech company Insmed, the US FDA has cleared the company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a Phase 3 trial of its Arikace liposomal amikacin for inhalation in nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infections. Arikace is delivered using a custom PARI eFlow nebulizer system. Renu Gupta, Insmed's Executive Vice President Development … [Read more...] about Insmed gets clearance for Phase 3 Arikace trial
New asthma impact survey suggests high inhaler usage
The Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) has published results of a new survey of US asthma patients. Of the patients surveyed, 100% reported use of a short-acting bronchodilator, and 95% reported that they use some form of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). The high percentage of patients reporting use of inhaled medications is particularly … [Read more...] about New asthma impact survey suggests high inhaler usage
Omalizumab reduces need for inhaled asthma drugs
An article published in the March 17, 2011 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine details a study by researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine showing that omalizumab reduces the need for inhaled medications in inner-city children with asthma. Omalizumab is a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody. The 60-week randomized, double-blind study involved … [Read more...] about Omalizumab reduces need for inhaled asthma drugs
Phase 3 studies planned for nasal mist dental anesthesia
After a favorable end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, St. Renatus has announced that it plans to proceed to Phase 3 studies of its dental anesthetic, which is delivered as a nasal mist via a syringe. The nasally-administered anesthetic numbs the patient's teeth without numbing the face and lips. According to St. Renatus, the Phase 2 results showed that the nasal … [Read more...] about Phase 3 studies planned for nasal mist dental anesthesia
Phase 2 study of inhaled Bimosiamose produces positive results
German biopharmaceutical company Revotar has announced that its Bimosiamose inhalation solution for the treatment of COPD met its primary endpoint in a Phase 2 study involving more than 75 patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Bimosiamose is a pan-selectin antagonist that the company is developing for asthma and acute lung injury in addition to COPD. According to … [Read more...] about Phase 2 study of inhaled Bimosiamose produces positive results
COPD named official COPD Foundation journal
The COPD Foundation has announced that COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease will be its official journal. According to John W Walsh, President of the COPD Foundation, "COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which offers an in-depth and easy-to-access array of research findings in this field, is an ideal partner for the Foundation." … [Read more...] about COPD named official COPD Foundation journal
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America names “asthma capitals”
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has published its annual list of US "asthma capitals," led this year by Richmond, Virginia. The list ranks 100 metropolitan areas in terms of difficulties that they present for asthma patients living in the area. Criteria for ranking the list include factors such as the prevalence of asthma in the area, the … [Read more...] about Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America names “asthma capitals”
Positive results for Verona lead candidate
A dosage trial of Verona Pharma's inhaled mixed phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3/4 inhibitor RPL554 for the treatment of mild asthma has demonstrated positive bronchodilation without any significant adverse effects at dosages two and four times higher than had been tested in a previous safety study. Verona is looking to license the drug or to find a partner for continued … [Read more...] about Positive results for Verona lead candidate