California pharmaceutical company Inverseon has announced that it will redirect its development program for INV102, an inverse beta agonist, to focus on smoking cessation and COPD rather than asthma, although it is continuing to seek grants for development of the product as a treatment for asthma. Inverseon founder and Chair William Garner explained, “The … [Read more...] about Inverseon to focus on smoking cessation, COPD programs
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Wockhardt to launch generic fluticasone nasal spray in US
Mumbai-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Wockhardt says that it will launch its generic version of GSK's Flonase fluticasone nasal spray in the US immediately after having received approval from the US FDA. The company will manufacture the 50 mcg dose nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis at its facility in Morton Grove, IL. No other nasal … [Read more...] about Wockhardt to launch generic fluticasone nasal spray in US
Lustren Consulting now offering inhalation device development services
Launched officially on January 1, 2012, Lustren Consulting is now offering "specialist management consultancy for device development in the healthcare industry" with particular expertise in inhalation device development. The company, which was unofficially introduced at DDL 22. says that it is "focused on helping clients achieve their device related business goals and … [Read more...] about Lustren Consulting now offering inhalation device development services
Pulmatrix gets patent for inhalation formulations
The European Patent Office has granted patent number EP 2315580 B1 to Massachusetts biotech company Pulmatrix for "Pharmaceutical formulations and methods for treating respiratory tract infections.” The patent covers "both dry powder and liquid formulations with optimized ranges of the formulation components, and also describes methods for treating respiratory … [Read more...] about Pulmatrix gets patent for inhalation formulations
Elevation gets funding for development of nebulized glycoprrolate
California-based Elevation Pharmaceuticals has announced closing of $30 million in Series B financing for development of its lead product, EP-101, a glycopyrrolate inhalation solution for the treatment of COPD. Novo Ventures, a new investor, led the round, and Elevation's previous investors, Canaan Partners, TPG Biotech, Care Capital, and Mesa Verde Venture Partners, … [Read more...] about Elevation gets funding for development of nebulized glycoprrolate
Pharmaxis files resubmission for Bronchitol to PBAC
Pharmaxis has announced that it "filed a minor resubmission with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)" for its Bronchitol mannitol dry powder inhaler for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. According to the company, the committee's next scheduled meeting is in March 2012, at which time it will consider the submission. Bronchitol received marketing … [Read more...] about Pharmaxis files resubmission for Bronchitol to PBAC
Alexza announces layoffs, possible sale of assets
Days after an FDA committee recommended approval of its lead product, Adasuve inhaled loxapine for the treatment of agitation in schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, Alexza Pharmaceuticals has announced that it is "exploring strategic options to enhance stockholder value" and has issued 60-day layoff notices to all of its employees in accordance with California … [Read more...] about Alexza announces layoffs, possible sale of assets
GSK reduces the price of the Seretide Accuhaler in the UK
Effective January 1 2012, the Seretide salmeterol xinafoate/fluticasone propionate Accuhaler 100 will cost £18 in the UK, a reduction of 42%. The price reduction is expected to save the National Health Service (NHS) £6.9 million per year. GSK suggests that the move, which equalizes pricing for the Accuhaler 100 and the Evohaler 50, "removes cost as a potential … [Read more...] about GSK reduces the price of the Seretide Accuhaler in the UK
ISTA rejects offer by Valeant
ISTA Pharmaceuticals has rejected an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Valeant Pharmaceuticals to acquire all of its outstanding shares on the grounds that the offer "was grossly inadequate." ISTA's board voted unanimously against the proposal. The company's pipeline includes two bepotastine nasal spray candidates, one in combination with a steroid, for the … [Read more...] about ISTA rejects offer by Valeant
MannKind and former regulatory affairs director resolve legal issues
According to MannKind Corporation, it has completely resolved arbitration initiated by a lawsuit filed by its former Senior Director - GCP - Regulatory Affairs, John Arditi, in 2010. Arditi, who had been responsible for MannKind's GCP compliance audit program, claimed in the lawsuit that he was terminated in retaliation "for his diligence and insistence on quality … [Read more...] about MannKind and former regulatory affairs director resolve legal issues