Takeda Pharmaceutical has announced that it will lay off approximately 2,800 employees -- 2,100 in Europe and 700 in the US -- as it realigns to accommodate its 2011 acquisition of Nycomed. Nycomed's products include Alvesco ciclesonide MDI, Omnaris ciclesonide nasal spray, Zymelin/Xymelin xylometazoline nasal spray, and Instanyl intranasal fentanyl; in addition, an … [Read more...] about Takeda to lay off 2,800 as it integrates Nycomed
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Valeant increases offer for ISTA
After the rejection of its last offer in December, Valeant Pharmaceuticals says that it has increased its offer for ISTA to $7.50 per share from $6.50 and adds that it has informed ISTA that the price could rise to $8.50 per share "assuming that ISTA provides it selected confirmatory due diligence related to the company that is consistent with what Valeant expects to … [Read more...] about Valeant increases offer for ISTA
Respiratory drug delivery market projected to reach $44 billion by 2016
A new report available from BCC Research projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3% for the respiratory drug delivery technologies market, meaning that the global market would approximately double to $44 billion by 2016. According to the report, the market, including MDIs, DPIs, and other devices, was $19.6 billion in 2010 would be about $22.5 billion for … [Read more...] about Respiratory drug delivery market projected to reach $44 billion by 2016
Vectura anticipates continued cuts in R&D expenditures
According to an interim management statement released by Vectura, the company anticipates a cut R&D expenditures by £1m for the fiscal year ending March 31 2012 and expects additional cuts for FY2013. The company said, "We continue to pay close attention to R&D expenditure to ensure appropriate investment is placed behind key assets, including device and product … [Read more...] about Vectura anticipates continued cuts in R&D expenditures
Fleming sells Ocean saline nasal spray to Valeant
Fleming Pharmaceuticals says that it sold the rights to its Ocean brand saline nasal products, along with three other products, to Valeant, which will distribute the product through Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC. Ocean nasal sprays, irrigator, gel, and mist are available over the counter in the US. The company, which provides contract manufacturing of … [Read more...] about Fleming sells Ocean saline nasal spray to Valeant
Inverseon to focus on smoking cessation, COPD programs
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
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