According to Alexza Pharmaceuticals, a Phase 2a study of AZ-002 Staccato alprazolam for the treatment of epilepsy patients with acute repetitive seizures has been initiated. The study will take place in-clinic, though AZ-002 is being developed for home use to limit the occurrence of additional seizures after the patient has experienced one seizure and therefore to … [Read more...] about Alexza announces initiation of Phase 2a study of inhaled alprazolam
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Boehringer Ingelheim launches Spiriva Respimat in the US
Boehringer Ingelheim has announced that the Spiriva Respimat tiotropium soft mist inhaler is now available in the United States. Patients will also still be able to purchase Spiriva Handihaler, the company said. The FDA approved Spiriva Respimat for the treatment of COPD in September 2014. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals VP, Clinical Development & Medical … [Read more...] about Boehringer Ingelheim launches Spiriva Respimat in the US
Study shows greatly improved compliance for children using SmartTrack device
According to Nexus6, a study conducted in New Zealand has shown that 84% of children using the Smartinhaler SmartTrack device, which provides both audio and visual reminders, used their inhalers as prescribed compared to 30% using MDIs without an audio reminder. Fewer than 10% of the children using SmartTrack required rescue medication compared to more than 17% of the … [Read more...] about Study shows greatly improved compliance for children using SmartTrack device
e-cigarette inventor Hon Lik to speak at Inhalation Asia
Inhalation Asia has announced that nicotine delivery, smoking cessation, and the treatment of tuberculosis will be among the topics addressed at IA15, to be held this September in Shenyang, China. Plenary speakers for the meeting include Hon Lik, who is credited as the inventor of the e-cigarette, and T.H. Lam of Hong Kong University's School of Public Health, … [Read more...] about e-cigarette inventor Hon Lik to speak at Inhalation Asia
NovaBiotics raises £5 million
NovaBiotics, which has plans to develop an inhaled version of its Lynovex cysteamine (NM001) for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, has announced that it has raised £5 million in a private placement from Woodford Investment Management. According to the company, "NM001 has a unique antibacterial-mucoactive-antibiofilm mode of action that kills bacteria, disables … [Read more...] about NovaBiotics raises £5 million
Aradigm gets European and Australian patents for Pulmaquin
Aradigm Corporation announced that it has received patents for its Pulmaquin inhaled ciprofloxacin from the European and Australian patent offices. The European patent (EU Patent No. 2,079,443) is titled “Dual Action, Inhaled Formulations Providing Both an Immediate and Sustained Release Profile”; the Australian patent (AU2012211514) is titled “Concentrated, … [Read more...] about Aradigm gets European and Australian patents for Pulmaquin
Alfred Mann steps down as CEO of MannKind Corporation, company gets milestone payment for Afrezza
According to MannKind Corporation, Hakan Edstrom has taken over as CEO after company founder Alfred Mann stepped down from that position effective January 9, 2015. Mann will become the Executive Chairman and "intends to remain engaged with the company in business matters, including those relating to development and financing of MannKind's future therapies," the … [Read more...] about Alfred Mann steps down as CEO of MannKind Corporation, company gets milestone payment for Afrezza
First patients dosed in Phase 1/2 trial of Verona’s RPL554
According to Verona Pharma a Phase 1/2 trial of its RPL554 inhaled PDE3/4 inhibitor for the treatment of COPD has gotten underway with dosing of the first subjects. Plans are for recruitment of up to 120 healthy volunteers and COPD patients in total, with results expected by the end of the year. The trial is testing a new formulation of RPL554 "suitable for … [Read more...] about First patients dosed in Phase 1/2 trial of Verona’s RPL554
Hovione appoints Filipe Gaspar as VP of Research and Development
Hovione has announced the promotion of Filipe Gaspar to VP of R&D, reporting to CEO Guy Villax. Gaspar joined Hovione in 2003 and has held a number of positions at the company, including Director of Particle Design and Director of Drug Product Technologies. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Particle Engineering Services. Villax commented, “We are very … [Read more...] about Hovione appoints Filipe Gaspar as VP of Research and Development
Study shows intranasal insulin detemir improves short term memory in Alzheimer’s patients
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have announced results of a study in which 60 patients with amnesic mild cognitive impairment or mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia received one of two doses of an insulin detemir nasal spray or placebo for 21 days. According to the authors, patients receiving the higher dose (40 IU), demonstrated significant … [Read more...] about Study shows intranasal insulin detemir improves short term memory in Alzheimer’s patients