Medical

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”

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

A review study published in The Cochrane Library finds that inhaled epinephrine provides significant relief of croup symptoms in children within 30 minutes compared to placebo. The review included 8 studies involving 225 children. Read the abstract. … [Read more...] about Review study supports inhaled epinephrine for croup

Teva's Qnaze beclomethasone nasal aerosol has met all efficacy endpoints in a Phase III trial. The study involved 470 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. After 6 weeks of treatment, patients using the product experienced significant reduction in nasal symptoms compared to those using a placebo spray. If approved, Qnaze will be the first non-aqueous intranasal … [Read more...] about Positive Phase III results for Teva HFA nasal aerosol

An article in the January 31, 2011 issue of PNAS describes how rhesus macaques gained protection against the measles virus after inhalation of a single dose of a dry powder live attenuated measles vaccine (LAMV). Two different DPIs, the PuffHaler and Solovent devices, were shown to be effective methods of delivery for the vaccine. Read the article. … [Read more...] about Successful test of inhaled measles vaccine

According to a new report by the National Center for Health Statistics of the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), the 2009 US asthma rate rose to 8.2% of the population, a historic high. The report includes data from several national surveys. Nearly 96% of patients surveyed reported that they had been taught how to use an inhaler. Read the complete report. … [Read more...] about US asthma rate continues to increase

Almirall and Forest Laboratories have announced that Phase 3 studies of inhaled aclidinium and Phase 2b studies of an inhaled aclidinium/formoterol combination both met their primary endpoints. As a result, the companies expect to submit regulatory applications for an aclidinium DPI for the treatment of COPD in the US and Europe in mid-2011 and will begin Phase 3 … [Read more...] about Positive results for aclidinium alone and in combination with formoterol

The results from Inspire Pharmaceuticals' second Phase 3 trial of denufosol tetrasodium inhalation solution for the treatment of cystic fibrosis show that the drug failed to meet its primary endpoint, change in FEV from baseline. Denufosol is an ion channel regulator. A previous Phase 3 trial had produced significant change in FEV from baseline, and the company says … [Read more...] about Inspire’s CF drug fails Phase 3 trial