Aradigm Corporation has agreed to sell 50 million shares of common stock at $0.12 per share to two existing shareholders, generating net proceeds of approximately $5.6 million after fees and expenses. According to Aradigm President and CEO Igor Gonda, the company will use the funds for product development and finding partners for commercialization. The company's … [Read more...] about Aradigm raises $6 million
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Tudorza Pressair now available in US
Almirall's Tudorza Pressair aclidinium bromide dry powder inhaler for the maintenance treatment of COPD is now available in the United States, where it is being marketed by Forest Laboratories. The twice-daily anticholinergic was approved in July 2012, as were the European versions of the product, the Eklira and Bretaris Genuair DPIs. Forest and Almirall will … [Read more...] about Tudorza Pressair now available in US
Aptar’s Landmark dose indicator chosen for Skyepharma’s Flutiform MDI
Aptar Pharma has announced the selection of a customized Landmark dose indicator for Skyepharma's Flutiform fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate MDI. Flutiform is available for the treatment of asthma in Germany, the UK, and several other countries. The dose indicator on the Flutiform MDI is based on Aptar's Landmark platform, which was the winner of a 2007 … [Read more...] about Aptar’s Landmark dose indicator chosen for Skyepharma’s Flutiform MDI
New patent for Pearl Therapeutics
The US Patent and Trademark Office has issued Patent number 8,324,266, titled “Compositions, Methods & Systems for Respiratory Delivery of Two or More Active Agents,” to Pearl Therapeutics. The patent covers formulation methods using the company's co-suspension technology in metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). Pearl says that "the technology effectively prevents the … [Read more...] about New patent for Pearl Therapeutics
Bespak to manufacture nicotine inhaler for Nicoventures
According to Consort Medical, Nicoventures, a subsidiary of the British American Tobacco Group, has awarded a contract to Consort's Bespak Division "for the supply of an innovative nicotine inhalation product for use as a safer alternative to smoking." In November 2011, Bespak announced the award of a development contract for scale-up of the "cigarette-like device." … [Read more...] about Bespak to manufacture nicotine inhaler for Nicoventures
Lightlake appoints Kevin Pollack as CFO
Lightlake Therapeutics, which is developing intranasal naloxone to treat eating disorders, has announced the appointment of board member Kevin Pollack as Chief Financial Officer. Pollack joined the board of directors in April 2012. Lightlake Chief Executive Roger Crystal said, "It has been a privilege to work with Kevin since he joined our Board and when we look to … [Read more...] about Lightlake appoints Kevin Pollack as CFO
Hovione and Solvias to collaborate on co-crystals
Inhalation and particle engineering specialist Hovione and Swiss chemical development company Solvias have announced an agreement to collaborate on development and manufacturing of co-crystallized drugs. According to Hovione, "This strengthens Hovione's expertise and experience in overcoming drug delivery challenges and also the supply of GMP materials from phase I to … [Read more...] about Hovione and Solvias to collaborate on co-crystals
FDA issues letter to Alcon over Patanase marketing
The FDA issued a letter to Alcon dated November 13, 2012 regarding a sales aid that the agency says overstates the efficacy of Alcon's Patanase olopatadine hydrochloride nasal spray. In the four-page letter, the agency cites numerous examples of what it says are overstatements of the product's onset of action and the duration of relief and then requests that Alcon … [Read more...] about FDA issues letter to Alcon over Patanase marketing
Unigene says EMA recommendation against calcitonin nasal sprays “catastrophic”
Fortical salmon calcitonin nasal spray manufacturer Unigene says that it is in danger of running out of cash before the end of the first quarter of 2013, due in part to the EMA's July 2012 warning against the use of calcitonin nasal sprays. Unigene President and CEO Ashleigh Palmer said, "The impact of the EMA’s recommendation represents a devastating setback and … [Read more...] about Unigene says EMA recommendation against calcitonin nasal sprays “catastrophic”
Marinomed gets Chinese patent for polymer used in anti-viral nasal spray
Vienna, Austria-based Marinomed has announced the granting of Chinese patent No. CN101678040, titled "Antiviral Polymer," for a component of its Mavirex technology platform. According to the company, the patent covers prevention and treatment of the common cold using the polymer. Marinomed's Coldamaris nasal spray for the common cold is sold over the counter in … [Read more...] about Marinomed gets Chinese patent for polymer used in anti-viral nasal spray