MannKind Corporation has appointed Matthew J. Pfeffer as CEO effective January 10, 2016, replacing Alfred Mann. In November 2015, Mann temporarily resumed his role as CEO after Hakan Edstrom stepped down. On January 5, 2016, MannKind announced that Sanofi would return the rights to its Afrezza inhaled insulin and that it was considering options for the product. … [Read more...] about MannKind appoints Matthew J. Pfeffer as CEO
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Theravance, Inc changes its name to Innoviva
Theravance, Inc, which spun off from Theravance Biopharma in 2013, will now be known as "Innoviva" and will trade on NASDAQ under the symbol "INVA," the company said. Innoviva is partnered with GSK on the Relvar/Breo Ellipta fluticasone furoate/vilanterol DPI, the Anoro Ellipta umeclidinium/vilanterol DPI, and a vilanterol monotherapy DPI in development. Innoviva … [Read more...] about Theravance, Inc changes its name to Innoviva
Vectura reveals its US partner for generic fluticasone/salmeterol DPI: BI subsidiary Roxane Laboratories
Vectura Group has confirmed that its US partner for the VR315 fluticasone/salmeterol DPI and the VR506 generic fluticasone propionate DPI is Boehringer Ingelheim subsidiary Roxane Laboratories. The company is partnered with Sandoz on VR315 in the rest of the world. When Vectura announced the VR315 US licensing deal in August 2011, it referred to its partner as "a … [Read more...] about Vectura reveals its US partner for generic fluticasone/salmeterol DPI: BI subsidiary Roxane Laboratories
Simplified Solutions partners with CSP Technologies for development of X-haler DPI
Swedish DPI developer Simplified Solutions announced that it has entered into an agreement with CSP Technologies for continued development of its X-haler dry powder inhaler through to commercial manufacturing. The credit-card sized multi-dose DPI will incorporate CSP's Activ-Polymer and moisture barrier technologies. Financial details were not disclosed. According … [Read more...] about Simplified Solutions partners with CSP Technologies for development of X-haler DPI
Qualcomm to develop disposable sensor module for the Breezhaler DPI
Qualcomm subsidiary Qualcomm Life will design a disposable module for the Breezhaler DPI that will sense and report inhaler usage data for Novartis's Breezhaler COPD products, including Ultibro, Seebri, and Onbrez. The Breezhaler DPIs are approved in the US as Utibron, Seebri, and Arcapta Neohalers. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Head David Epstein commented, "Novartis … [Read more...] about Qualcomm to develop disposable sensor module for the Breezhaler DPI
Sanofi to return Afrezza rights to MannKind
Sanofi will return development and commercialization rights for Afrezza inhaled insulin to MannKind after disapponting sales, and MannKind says that it is considering strategic options for the product. Afrezza was approved by the FDA in June 2014. According to MannKind, The parties will promptly commence transition discussions in order to effect a smooth and … [Read more...] about Sanofi to return Afrezza rights to MannKind
Cipla launches mobile app for management of asthma in India
Cipla has announced the launch of a mobile app called “My Breathefree,” which is intended to serve as a "virtual caregiver" for asthma patients in India. The app includes video demonstrations of correct use for various types of inhalers in 10 languages, as well as dose reminders, tracking tools for peak expiratory flow rate, a "trigger map," and other resources from … [Read more...] about Cipla launches mobile app for management of asthma in India
Discovery Labs initiates Phase 2b trial of Aerosurf
Discovery Laboratories has announced the initiation of a Phase 2b trial of Aerosurf aerosolized KL4 surfactant to treat respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants. The trial, which is expected to enroll up to 250 patients will compare outcomes for infants receiving Aerosurf plus non-invasive nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) to outcomes … [Read more...] about Discovery Labs initiates Phase 2b trial of Aerosurf
Skyepharma partners with Mundipharma on triple combination MDI
Skyepharma has announced a partnership agreement with Mundipharma for global development and commercialization of Skyepharma's SKP-2076 ICS/LABA/LAMA fixed dose combination MDI. Mundipharma, which already markets Skyepharma's Flutiform fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate MDI in Europe and a number of other markets, will pay a non-refundable option fee in the … [Read more...] about Skyepharma partners with Mundipharma on triple combination MDI
GSK recalls almost 129,000 Ventolin inhalers
GlaxoSmithKline has recalled two lots of Ventolin HFA metered dose inhalers totaling 128,704 inhalers, according to an FDA enforcement report. The company initiated the voluntary recall on December 3, 2015 due to concerns about insufficient propellant in the cans for delivery of all 200 doses. According to a copy of the recall letter posted by a distributor, the … [Read more...] about GSK recalls almost 129,000 Ventolin inhalers