Teva's Qnaze beclomethasone nasal aerosol has met all efficacy endpoints in a Phase III trial. The study involved 470 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. After 6 weeks of treatment, patients using the product experienced significant reduction in nasal symptoms compared to those using a placebo spray. If approved, Qnaze will be the first non-aqueous intranasal … [Read more...] about Positive Phase III results for Teva HFA nasal aerosol
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Bronchitol approved for treatment of CF in Australia
Pharmaxis has received TGA approval to market its Bronchitol inhaled dry powder mannitol in Australia for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. The approval is for patients over 6 years old. Bronchitol received orphan drug designation in Australia in 2009 and has received that designation from the US FDA and the EMA as well. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Bronchitol approved for treatment of CF in Australia
Teva respiratory drug sales down slightly in 2010
According to Teva, its worldwide sales of respiratory drugs, including the Pro-Air albuterol and QVAR beclomethasone inhalers, were down 3% from 2009, to $875 million. Of that amount, $556 million is attributable to sales in the US, where ProAir has a nearly 50% market share and QVAR is the 2nd place inhaled ICS. Read the company's press release … [Read more...] about Teva respiratory drug sales down slightly in 2010
Altair Therapeutics is no more
Isis Pharmaceuticals has reportedly closed down Altair Therapeutics, which it had spun off in 2007 to develop AIR645, an inhaled IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitor for the treatment of asthma. The drug, which was the only one in Altair's pipeline, failed its latest trial in the fall of 2010. Altair had seven employees. Read an article. … [Read more...] about Altair Therapeutics is no more
Successful test of inhaled measles vaccine
An article in the January 31, 2011 issue of PNAS describes how rhesus macaques gained protection against the measles virus after inhalation of a single dose of a dry powder live attenuated measles vaccine (LAMV). Two different DPIs, the PuffHaler and Solovent devices, were shown to be effective methods of delivery for the vaccine. Read the article. … [Read more...] about Successful test of inhaled measles vaccine
EC approves Fluenz intranasal flu vaccine for use in children
AstraZeneca has announced that it has received marketing authorization from the European Commission for its Fluenz nasal spray vaccine for the prevention of seasonal flu in children under 18 years old down to 24 months old. Fluenz is marketed in the US as FluMist by MedImmune. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about EC approves Fluenz intranasal flu vaccine for use in children
Gateway Analytical grand opening postponed due to weather
A severe winter storm has necessitated postponement of Gateway Analytical's grand opening ceremony from February 1 to April 12. Gateway is a subsidiary of ChemImage and offers particle analysis services including ingredient-specific particle sizing for MDIs and nasal sprays. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Gateway Analytical grand opening postponed due to weather
Allergan to co-promote Levadex with MAP
Assuming that MAP Pharmaceuticals' Levadex inhaled dihydroergotamine for the treatment of migraine receives FDA approval, Allergan will market the product to pain specialists and neurologists in the US. MAP will handle marketing to primary care physicians in the United States and will retain all rights outside the US. MAP plans to submit an NDA for Levadex by the … [Read more...] about Allergan to co-promote Levadex with MAP
BASF introduces new plastic suitable for DPIs
According to BASF, its new Ultraform N2320 003 PRO plastic for injection molding is specifically designed for medical applications with highly-stressed components, including dry powder inhalers. The new plastic will become commercially available in February 2011. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about BASF introduces new plastic suitable for DPIs
CyDex acquired by Ligand Pharmaceuticals
California-based biotech company Ligand Pharmaceuticals has acquired CyDex Pharmaceuticals and its Captisol solubility-enhancing technology. CyDex's pipeline includes a Captisol-enhanced budesonide/azelastine nasal spray. Ligand will operate CyDex as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about CyDex acquired by Ligand Pharmaceuticals