After announcing in November 2013 that it was in consultations to close its R&D site in Horsham, UK, Novartis has confirmed that the site will stop all operations by the end of June 2014. The respiratory research group at Horsham survived a cutback in 2011, and in 2012, Novartis reaffirmed that it would keep the group at the site. The company says that the decision … [Read more...] about Novartis confirms closure of Horsham R&D site (updated)
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Fresenius Kabi launches 4 ml vials of acetylcysteine inhalation solution
Fresenius Kabi USA has announced the immediate availability of 4 ml vials of 20% acetylcysteine solution for inhalation. The company has offered 10 ml vials since 2012 and 30 ml vials since 2013. Acetylcysteine solution for inhalation, a mucolytic agent, had been in short supply in the US since 2011. Several manufacturers, including Ben Venue and American … [Read more...] about Fresenius Kabi launches 4 ml vials of acetylcysteine inhalation solution
Invion and 3M to collaborate on inhaled nadolol, zafirlukast
Invion will work with 3M Drug Delivery Systems to develop inhaled formulations of nadolol and zafirlukast to be delivered using 3M's MDI technology. If inhaled delivery of INV102 (nadolol) and INV104 (zafirlukast) for the treatment of asthma, COPD, and CF proves feasible, the two companies plan to develop the products through to commercialization. Invion is … [Read more...] about Invion and 3M to collaborate on inhaled nadolol, zafirlukast
CURx Pharmaceuticals licenses Fosfomycin/Tobramycin for Inhalation from Gilead
Sad Diego-based CURx Pharmaceuticals has announced a global license agreement with Gilead Sciences for development of Fosfomycin/Tobramycin for Inhalation (FTI) to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Gilead initiated a Phase 2 study of the product, then known as GS 9310/11 in late 2008, and CURx says that FTI is ready for … [Read more...] about CURx Pharmaceuticals licenses Fosfomycin/Tobramycin for Inhalation from Gilead
Actavis to acquire Forest Laboratories
Actavis will acquire Forest Laboratories in a deal worth approximately $25 billion, the companies have announced. Both boards of directors have approved the agreement. Forest's products include the Tudorza Pressair aclidinium bromide DPI, which launched in the US in December 2012. Last month, Forest announced its acquisition of Aptalis, the developer of Aeroquin … [Read more...] about Actavis to acquire Forest Laboratories
Another recall of acetylcysteine inhalation solution
Ben Venue Laboratories has voluntarily recalled a single lot of 30 ml vials of acetylcysteine 10% inhalation solution due to a glass particle visible in one of the vials. The recall affects lot #2005479 which has an expiration date of March 2014. According to Ben Venue, "There have been no complaints or adverse events related to a piece of glass in vials of this … [Read more...] about Another recall of acetylcysteine inhalation solution
Mast Therapeutics to acquire Aires Pharmaceuticals
Mast Therapeutics has announced that it will acquire Aires Pharmaceuticals, which is developing a sodium nitrite inhalation solution for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The inhalation solution, known as AIR001 or "Aironite," has received orphan drug status from both the FDA and the EMA. Mast CEO Brian M. Culley commented, "The acquisition of … [Read more...] about Mast Therapeutics to acquire Aires Pharmaceuticals
Flutiform launched in France
Skyepharma has announced the launch of Flutiform fluticasone/formoterol MDI for the treatment of asthma in France. Mundipharma will market the inhaler in 50/5 µg and 125/5 µg versions. The launch triggers a €3.0 million milestone payment from Mundipharma to Skyepharma. Flutiform was approved by the European Commission in 2012 and has now been launched in 14 … [Read more...] about Flutiform launched in France
Chattem launches Nasacort Allergy 24HR nasal spray in US
Sanofi US consumer healthcare division Chattem has announced that Nasacort Allergy 24HR Nasal Spray is now available over the counter in the United States. The FDA approved the triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray as an OTC treatment for allergies in October 2013. Chattem CEO Zan Guerry commented, “Now that Nasacort Allergy 24HR is available over-the-counter, the … [Read more...] about Chattem launches Nasacort Allergy 24HR nasal spray in US
Vivaldi and NIAID sign agreement on intranasal flu vaccine
Vivaldi Biosciences has signed an agreement with the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for co-research and development of live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) candidates against the H7N9 strain of influenza A. The company says that it and NIAID will work together to create LAIVs using H7N9 genes inserted into Vivaldi's master … [Read more...] about Vivaldi and NIAID sign agreement on intranasal flu vaccine