The US Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has awarded a $4.4 million contract to Texas-based Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), an independent applied research and development organization, for development of an intranasal cyanide antidote. The only treatments for cyanide poisoning currently … [Read more...] about Southwest Research Institute gets $4.4 million for development of intranasal cyanide antidote
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Sun Pharma says it will file IND for Starhaler in 2012
During its presentation at the 2011 Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference on September 14, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company (SPARC) provided a detailed report on the development of its Starhaler dry powder inhaler and announced that it plans to file an investigational new drug (IND) application in the US in 2012. The company, which co-developed the device … [Read more...] about Sun Pharma says it will file IND for Starhaler in 2012
Hearing in Proveris/Innova case delayed by Innova bankruptcy
Just prior to a scheduled hearing to determine sanctions in the Proveris Scientic vs. InnovaSystems case that was scheduled for September 6, 2011, InnovaSystems filed for bankruptcy, indefinitely delaying the hearing. The petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed on September 2 in New Jersey lists two law firms that represented Innova in the patent infringement case as … [Read more...] about Hearing in Proveris/Innova case delayed by Innova bankruptcy
Hi-Tech Pharmacal’s fluticasone nasal spray sales more than double
First quarter sales of Hi-Tech Pharmacal's fluticasone proprionate nasal spray rose from $11,700,000 in 2010 to $26,200,000 this year, the company has announced, continuing a rapid increase in sales since the product was introduced. First quarter earnings rose 59% overall, which is mostly attributable to the increase in nasal spray sales. The fluticasone … [Read more...] about Hi-Tech Pharmacal’s fluticasone nasal spray sales more than double
Freeman Technology moves to new facility
Freeman Technology has moved to a new, larger facility in the Tewkesbury Business Park in Gloucestershire, UK. The new building includes office, laboratory, and manufacturing areas; additional space for expansion is available. Freeman has been actively working to expand its powder characterization instrument business, focusing on the FT4 Powder rheometer, which can … [Read more...] about Freeman Technology moves to new facility
Iran phases out CFC inhalers
On September 5, a ceremony in Tehran marked the occasion as Iran officially phased out CFC-based metered dose inhalers (MDIs) in accordance with the Montreal Protocol, becoming the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so. The event, attended by government officials, clinicians, and representatives of international organizations, celebrated the closing of … [Read more...] about Iran phases out CFC inhalers
Bespak enters nasal drug delivery market
UK drug delivery device company Bespak, a division of Consort Medical, says that it will develop a nasal delivery device "for a major unnamed global pharmaceutical company." The contract, Bespak's first for a nasal device, involves development of a device for an undisclosed product that the pharmaceutical company plans to launch in 2015. Bespak sells more than 500 … [Read more...] about Bespak enters nasal drug delivery market
Latest update on acetylcysteine inhalation solution shortage
According to the FDA's latest update on the ongoing acetylcysteine inhalation solution shortage, all of American Regent/Luitpold's product is still on back order due to "manufacturing delays," and the company is still unable to estimate a release date for any inhalation solution. The company's Shirley, NY facility was shut down in April 2011 over safety concerns. … [Read more...] about Latest update on acetylcysteine inhalation solution shortage
Court upholds validity of Unigene’s patent for Fortical nasal spray
The United States Court of Appeals has upheld a patent for Fortical calcitonin nasal spray held by Unigene Laboratories. Fortical, a bioequivalent of Novartis's Miacalcin, is marketed in the US by Unigene subsidiary Upsher-Smith for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The court denied an appeal by Apotex of a summary judgment by the New York federal court … [Read more...] about Court upholds validity of Unigene’s patent for Fortical nasal spray
Aegis Therapeutics gets patent for GLP-1 peptide analog formulations for intranasal delivery
Aegis Therapeutics has received US Patent No. 7,998,927 for stabilized formulations of GLP-1 peptide analogs that can be delivered by a variety of different routes, including intranasal. All currently available GLP-1 formulations, which can control blood sugar and affect weight, such as Lilly-Amylin's Byetta and Novo Nordisk's Victoza require once- or twice-daily … [Read more...] about Aegis Therapeutics gets patent for GLP-1 peptide analog formulations for intranasal delivery