Medical

An analysis of data from Boehringer Ingelheim's WISDOM study showed that withdrawal of ICS for COPD patients using the Spiriva Handihaler tiotropium bromide DPI plus salmeterol is associated with a higher exacerbation rate in patients with ≥ 4% eosinophils in their blood, according to a new article published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Approximately 20% of the … [Read more...] about Eosinophil levels predict effect of ICS added to Spiriva + LABA on exacerbations

In a leading article published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, Andrew Bush and Louise Fleming of Royal Brompton Hospital and the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London assert that "the diagnosis of asthma has been trivialized and inhalers dispensed for no good reason, and have become almost a fashion accessory," which has contributed to … [Read more...] about Respiratory specialists call out overdiagnosis of childhood asthma and overprescription of inhalers

Verona Pharma has announced positive data from a Phase 2a study of RPL554, an inhaled PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor for the treatment of acute exacerbations in COPD patients. According to the company, asthma patients who received the nebulized RPL554 experienced no serious adverse events over the entire dose range of 0.4 to 24 mg and demonstrated a maximum bronchodilator effect … [Read more...] about Verona announces positive data from Phase 2a trial of RPL554

The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced that a grant of up to $200,000 is available for "Assessment of Intersubject Variability in Small Airway Delivery with Oral Inhalation Drug Products." One grant will be awarded. According to the March 15, 2016 announcement, "FDA's CDER is seeking depositional data obtained with a computational modeling … [Read more...] about Grant available for deposition study

Sunovion is presenting observational study data at the Hospital Medicine 2016 conference showing that a substantial number of COPD patients are discharged from hospitals with a prescription for a dry powder inhaler despite their inability to generate sufficient peak inspiratory flow for optimal use of the device. Data from a second study show worse COPD-related … [Read more...] about Sunovion study shows that COPD patients receive DPIs despite insufficient inspiratory flow rate

Boehringer Ingelheim has presented data at the 2016 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting showing that the Spiriva Respimat tiotropium bromide soft mist inhaler improves lung function and reduces exacerbations when added to other treatments for all allergic asthma subtypes. The addition of Spiriva Respimat also improved asthma … [Read more...] about BI presents data showing Spiriva Respimat effective when added to other asthma therapies

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice titled "Overdiagnosis of asthma in children in primary care: a retrospective analysis" found that over half of children diagnosed with asthma at several major healthcare centers in the Netherlands probably do not have the disease. Researchers from Julius Health Care Center and University Medical Center … [Read more...] about Study shows significant overdiagnosis of asthma in children

Serendex Pharmaceuticals has announced that the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) has approved the company's planned IMPALA Phase 2/3 clinical trial of Molgradex inhaled molgramostim for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). According to the company, the trial has already been approved in Denmark and the Netherlands, and will also include … [Read more...] about Japanese authorities approve Phase 2/3 trial of inhaled molgramostim

UK-based Ockham Biotech has announced that data from a Phase 2b study of its inhaled heparin for the treatment of COPD demonstrate significant improvement in lung function compared to placebo, with improvements maintained for 7 days after cessation of treatment and no adverse events. The study involved 24 moderate-to-severe COPD patients who received either … [Read more...] about Positive Phase 2b results for Ockham’s inhaled heparin for COPD