University of Melbourne spin-off Otifex has reportedly raised $1.1 million for the development of a nasal spray to treat otitis media with effusion (OTE), in which viscous fluid builds up in the middle ear, potentially leading to hearing loss. The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and Uniseed are providing the funding. No medications for OTE are available at … [Read more...] about Funding for nasal spray to help prevent hearing loss
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Elpen’s Advair copy approved by Sweden
Reuters is reporting that the Swedish Medical Products Agency has approved a fluticasone/salmeterol DPI manufactured by Greek pharmaceutical company Elpen. The approval apparently took place in May 2011 but was not announced. The company has not said when or if it will launch the product in European countries outside of Greece. Elpen has been marketing the inhaler … [Read more...] about Elpen’s Advair copy approved by Sweden
Generex licenses RapidMist technology
Generex Biotechnology has reached an agreement with Amarantus BioSciences regarding Generex's RapidMist buccal aerosol delivery system. The RapidMist device is a modified metered dose inhaler that delivers the aerosol to the lining of the mouth instead of to the lungs. Amarantus, which is paying Generex $10 million for use of the technology, will use it to deliver … [Read more...] about Generex licenses RapidMist technology
Rigel raises $130 million in stock offering
Rigel Pharmaceuticals has said that it is raising approximately $130.4 million as the result of a stock offering involving 16.3 million new shares. The company says that it expects the offer to close on or about June 1, 2011. Pfizer recently returned the rights to Rigel's inhaled syk inhibitor, R343. R343 is ready to move into Phase 2 trials, and the money raised … [Read more...] about Rigel raises $130 million in stock offering
CHMP issues negative opinion on Pharmaxis’s Bronchitol
Members of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) have indicated that they would vote against approval of Pharmaxis's marketing application for Bronchitol as a treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF). The CHMP took the trend vote after hearing an oral presentation by Pharmaxis regarding the application at its meeting last week. The official vote to … [Read more...] about CHMP issues negative opinion on Pharmaxis’s Bronchitol
OptiNose wins innovation award for nasal delivery technology
OptiNose has won the Oslo regional competition of the DnB NOR Innovation Award for its nasal drug delivery technology, and the company will compete in the Norwegian national competition in September. The regional award includes a prize of 200,000 NOK (~$36,000), and the national prize is 1 million NOK. The competition is sponsored by the Norwegian bank … [Read more...] about OptiNose wins innovation award for nasal delivery technology
Shortage of acetylcysteine inhalation solution
The FDA has announced a shortage of acetylcysteine inhalation solution in the US due to increased demand and manufacturing delays. Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent. According to the FDA web site, two manufacturers, Hospira and Roxanne Laboratories are experiencing shortages of 200 mg/ml vials as a result of increased demand and expect to release new product by … [Read more...] about Shortage of acetylcysteine inhalation solution
Takeda confirms Nycomed acquisition
One day after issuing a denial (for the second time) regarding rumors of a deal for Nycomed, Takeda has confirmed its acquisition of the Swiss company for €9.6 billion (~$13.7 billion). The deal does not include Nycomed's US dermatology business, which will be spun off. Yasuchika Hasegawa, President & CEO of Takeda, said: “Takeda is committed to transforming our … [Read more...] about Takeda confirms Nycomed acquisition
Daiichi-Sankyo and Regency launch Sprix nasal spray
Regency Therapeutics, a division of Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, and Daiichi-Sankyo, Inc. have announced the launch of Sprix ketorolac tromethamine nasal spray "for the short-term (up to 5 days) management of moderate to moderately severe pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level." The US FDA approved Sprix in May 2010. In December 2010, Luitpold, a subsidiary of … [Read more...] about Daiichi-Sankyo and Regency launch Sprix nasal spray
GSK and AstraZeneca collaborate on research center
GSK and AstraZeneca have announced that the two companies, along with the University of Manchester, are working together to create the Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research (MCCIR) to facilitate translational research in inflammatory diseases, including COPD and asthma. The center will recruit scientists in time to open the new facility at the … [Read more...] about GSK and AstraZeneca collaborate on research center