The March 7 meeting of the FDA's Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee (PADAC) for discussion of the Breo Ellipta inhaler, has been postponed due to weather. As of March 6, the meeting on GSK's application for the fluticasone furoate/vilanterol dry powder inhaler has not been rescheduled. Read the meeting announcement. … [Read more...] about PADAC meeting on Breo Ellipta postponed
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The Lancet launches new respiratory medicine journal
The first issue of the Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal is now available online and in print. Volume 1, Issue 1 includes articles on the efficacy of ICS/LABA combination inhalers and on the appropriateness of GOLD COPD categories among others. The issue includes a section called "Country in Focus," plus spotlights, comment, news, and 2012 research highlights … [Read more...] about The Lancet launches new respiratory medicine journal
Study shows that use of Asthmapolis system improves asthma control
A study published February 27, 2013 in PLOS ONE found that patients using the Asthmapolis remote inhaler monitoring system who received weekly email reports on their inhaler usage experienced significant reduction in symptoms and reported improved control. At the end of the study 75% of participants had achieved control of their asthma as measured by the the Asthma … [Read more...] about Study shows that use of Asthmapolis system improves asthma control
Marinomed gets Canadian approval for anti-virus nasal spray
According to Marinomed, the company's Coldamaris anti-virus nasal spray has been approved in Canada as a "natural health product." The over-the-counter product has been registered in Europe, where it is licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim, since 2007. Coldamaris, which contains a red algae extract called Carragelose, is approved in 38 countries as a prophylactic and … [Read more...] about Marinomed gets Canadian approval for anti-virus nasal spray
Pharma Tech selected for dry powder intranasal product
OptiNose has selected Pharma Tech Industries (PTI) to fill capsules, load cartridges, and package completed delivery systems for NDA batches of its dry powder intranasal sumatriptan, according to Pharma Tech. In November 2012, OptiNose announced positive results from a Phase 3 study of the product, which is delivered using the company's bi-directional nasal device. … [Read more...] about Pharma Tech selected for dry powder intranasal product
Developer of nasal spray for traumatic brain injury gets funding
Prevacus, Inc., a 2012 spin-out from Florida State University, has entered into an agreement with The Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research for funding to support clinical development of Prevasol nasal spray. According to the company, Prevasol "utilizes Neurosteroids to improve behavioral outcomes of brain injury (working memory, sensory … [Read more...] about Developer of nasal spray for traumatic brain injury gets funding
Savara announces clinical advisory board
According to Savara Pharmaceuticals, the company has created a Clinical Advisory Board to provide advice on the development of AeroVanc vancomycin hydrochloride inhalation powder for the treatment of MRSA lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The five members of the new board are: Michael P. Boyle, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the … [Read more...] about Savara announces clinical advisory board
Asthmapolis wins Bluetooth Breakthrough Award
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has named Asthmapolis the winner in the Product Category of the Bluetooth Breakthrough Awards. The awards recognize innovative products and apps that use Bluetooth wireless technology. Asthmapolis, which uses inhaler sensors and mobile apps to transmit and track data on patient use of inhalers, was one of five finalists for … [Read more...] about Asthmapolis wins Bluetooth Breakthrough Award
Nexus6 gets more than $4 million in funding for Smartinhaler
Smartinhaler developer Nexus6 has raised NZ$1.6 million (US$1.34 million) from existing investors plus NZ$3 (US$2.5 million) from BioScience Managers, with additional funding expected to bring the total to NZ$5 million by the close of the round in March. The company says it will use the money to expand global sales and marketing of the Smartinhaler range of inhaler … [Read more...] about Nexus6 gets more than $4 million in funding for Smartinhaler
Chiesi looks to acquire Cornerstone Therapeutics
According to North Carolina-based Cornerstone Therapeutics, Chiesi Farmaceutici has offered to purchase shares of Cornerstone's common stock for between $6.40 and $6.70 per share, to take the company private. Chiesi already owns approximately 60% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone's common stock. No decision has been made by Cornerstone's board of directors at … [Read more...] about Chiesi looks to acquire Cornerstone Therapeutics