The United States Court of Appeals has upheld a patent for Fortical calcitonin nasal spray held by Unigene Laboratories. Fortical, a bioequivalent of Novartis's Miacalcin, is marketed in the US by Unigene subsidiary Upsher-Smith for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The court denied an appeal by Apotex of a summary judgment by the New York federal court … [Read more...] about Court upholds validity of Unigene’s patent for Fortical nasal spray
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Study finds OTC capsaicin nasal spray effective for rhinitis
A randomized, double-blind study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati has shown that a capsaicin nasal spray available over the counter significantly relieved nasal congestion, sinus pain, sinus pressure, and headache in patients with non-allergic rhinitis compared to placebo. The article appears in the August 2011 edition of Annals of Allergy, … [Read more...] about Study finds OTC capsaicin nasal spray effective for rhinitis
Phase 2 study of nasal spray for binge eating disorder to begin
British biopharmaceutical company Lightlake Therapeutics has announced that it will begin Phase 2 trials of its naloxone nasal spray for the treatment of binge eating disorder in overweight and obese patients on August 26th, 2011 in Helsinki, Finland. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, and the nasal spray targets the endorphins produced when people eat foods high in … [Read more...] about Phase 2 study of nasal spray for binge eating disorder to begin
“Pressurized olfactory device” study shows improved opioid delivery
A study by University of Washington researchers published in the September 2011 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, the official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society, demonstrates improved delivery of morphine and fentanyl in rats via a "pressurized olfactory device" (POD) compared to conventional nasal administration. The researchers are also … [Read more...] about “Pressurized olfactory device” study shows improved opioid delivery
Positive Phase 2 results for Verona bronchodilator for asthma
Verona Pharma has successfully completed a Phase 2 study of the duration of bronchodilator action by its lead drug RPL554 in patients with mild asthma, according to the company. RPL554 is a novel long-acting phosphodiesterase 3 and phosphodiesterase 4 enzyme inhibitor intended for intranasal administration, though the company has discussed MDI and DPI formulations, … [Read more...] about Positive Phase 2 results for Verona bronchodilator for asthma
Alexza announces PDUFA goal date for Staccato loxapine
After the FDA's acceptance of Alexza Pharmaceuticals's resubmitted NDA for Adasuve, the company has announced that the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date will be February 4, 2012. Alexza had received a complete response letter for the Staccato inhaled loxapine product in October 2010 and resubmitted the application for approval of Adasuve as a treatment … [Read more...] about Alexza announces PDUFA goal date for Staccato loxapine
FDA approves mometasone nasal implant for chronic sinusitis
The FDA has approved a pre-market approval (PMA) application from Intersect ENT for its Propel mometasone furoate drug delivery implant for the treatment of chronic sinusitis. The dissolvable device is inserted in the sinus cavity during surgery and maintains the opening of the ethnoid sinus while it delivers the corticosteroid to the sinus lining. David W. … [Read more...] about FDA approves mometasone nasal implant for chronic sinusitis
Aegis Therapeutics gets patent for GLP-1 peptide analog formulations for intranasal delivery
Aegis Therapeutics has received US Patent No. 7,998,927 for stabilized formulations of GLP-1 peptide analogs that can be delivered by a variety of different routes, including intranasal. All currently available GLP-1 formulations, which can control blood sugar and affect weight, such as Lilly-Amylin's Byetta and Novo Nordisk's Victoza require once- or twice-daily … [Read more...] about Aegis Therapeutics gets patent for GLP-1 peptide analog formulations for intranasal delivery
NexBio reports clinical trial results for inhaled antiviral
NexBio, which was recently raided by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has announced results from a Phase 2 clinical trial of its Fludase inhaled antiviral for the treatment of influenza. According to the company, the dry powder formulation, also known as DAS181, demonstrated a significant reduction of viral load in patients infected with influenza. The … [Read more...] about NexBio reports clinical trial results for inhaled antiviral
Pulmatrix gets $14 million for inhaled COPD and CF therapy development
Massacheusetts biotech company Pulmatrix has secured $14 million in additional funding from its existing investors, including Polaris Venture Partners, 5AM Ventures, Arch Venture Partners, and Novartis Venture Fund, bringing its total to $60 million. Terry McGuire, General Partner of Polaris Venture Partners commented, “We believe that Pulmatrix’s iCALM products have … [Read more...] about Pulmatrix gets $14 million for inhaled COPD and CF therapy development