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
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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
Iliad Biotechnologies to collaborate with French organizations on intranasal pertussis vaccine
Iliad Biotechnologies has licensed technology from Institut Pasteur de Lille, Inserm, National University of Singapore, and National University of Ireland Maynooth related to a live attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine, and the company says that it will work with the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research's subsidiary Inserm Transfert and Institut … [Read more...] about Iliad Biotechnologies to collaborate with French organizations on intranasal pertussis vaccine
Civitas Therapeutics appoints Timothy S. Nelson as Chairman of the Board
Civitas Therapeutics has announced the appointment of former MAP Pharmaceuticals CEO Timothy S. Nelson as Chairman of the board of directors. Nelson commented, “Civitas has a highly-validated drug inhalation platform, a potentially transformative Parkinson’s therapy with important upcoming clinical data and a management team with an exceptional record of … [Read more...] about Civitas Therapeutics appoints Timothy S. Nelson as Chairman of the Board
Forest Laboratories acquires Aptalis
Forest Laboratories has agreed to pay $2.9 billion cash for Aeroquin developer Aptalis. Aeroquin inhaled levofloxacin for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections in CF patients, which is in Phase 3 development, was acquired by Axcan when it acquired Mpex in 2011. Axcan and Eurand Pharmaceuticals later merged and renamed the combined company Aptalis in … [Read more...] about Forest Laboratories acquires Aptalis
Philips acquires nebulizer technology from Aerogen
Aerogen and Philips have announced an agreement that "includes the acquisition of select assets solely related to Aerogen’s home-care business" by Philips. The announcement appears to refer to Aerogen's Aeroneb Go vibrating mesh nebulizer. Philips made an undisclosed upfront payment and will make royalty payments "based on exploitation of the licensed technology." … [Read more...] about Philips acquires nebulizer technology from Aerogen
Respira Therapeutics gets funding, moves to New Mexico
Respira Therapeutics has announced that it will relocate to New Mexico after receiving new funding from Santa Fe-based Sun Mountain Capital and Cottonwood Technology Fund. The total amount of the investment from the venture capital funds, as well as from private individuals, was not disclosed. Respira CEO Bob Curtis said, "Respira is very pleased to welcome Sun … [Read more...] about Respira Therapeutics gets funding, moves to New Mexico
Mylan licenses “novel long-acting muscarinic antagonist compound for various indications” from Pfizer
Mylan has announced that it has acquired "exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize a novel long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) compound for various indications" from Pfizer, along with "multi-dose dry powder inhaler technology." The company says that it plans to submit an NDA for the product as a new chemical entity and will develop … [Read more...] about Mylan licenses “novel long-acting muscarinic antagonist compound for various indications” from Pfizer
Fresenius Kabi announces availability of acetylcysteine inhalation solution
Fresenius Kabi USA has announced the availability of 10 ml vials of 20% acetylcysteine inhalation solution. Acetylcysteine inhalation solution has been on the FDA’s drug shortage lists since 2011, in part due to a shutdown of a Luitpold facility. Fresenius Kabi launched 30 ml vials of the product in 2012. According to the current FDA drug shortage list, 10 ml vials … [Read more...] about Fresenius Kabi announces availability of acetylcysteine inhalation solution
Retrophin to develop intranasal oxytocin for schizophrenia, autism
Retrophin has taken several steps toward development of intranasal oxytocin for the treatment of schizophrenia and autism, the company has announced. The biopharmaceutical company says that it will acquire Kyalin Biosciences and its lead product, intranasal carbetocin, a synthetic analog of oxytocin, and it has acquired a US license for Novartis's Syntocinon … [Read more...] about Retrophin to develop intranasal oxytocin for schizophrenia, autism