Business

Gilead Sciences and MicroDose Therapeutx have reached an agreement for the development and commercialization of MDT-637, a small molecule antiviral fusion inhibitor for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dry powder formulation is designed for pulmonary delivery using MicroDose's proprietary DPI. The deal includes an upfront payment from Gilead … [Read more...] about Gilead licenses MicroDose inhalation powder for the treatment of RSV

By mid-2012, Almirall plans to begin clinical studies on a new inhaled drug for the treatment of COPD called LAS190792, the company has announced. The drug is a dry powder formulation of a dual, long-acting Muscarinic Antagonist β2 Agonist (MABA). The product will be Almirall's third inhalation drug developed in its Genuair multi-dose DPI. A statement from the … [Read more...] about Almirall announces that it will start clinical program on new COPD drug

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) will buy Pfizer's Capsugel business for just under $2.4 billion. In addition to its Vcaps hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) capsules for dry powder inhalation products, Capsugel also manufactures the Xcelodose micro-dosing systems, used for filling DPI capsules. Capsugel's corporate headquarters will remain in New Jersey, and … [Read more...] about Pfizer sells Capsugel to KKR

The Office of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), an agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services under the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, has awarded a $231 million contract to Australian drug development company Biota for development of a laninamivir dry powder inhaler. The product, called … [Read more...] about Biota gets US government contract for inhaled laninamivir

According to Verona Pharma, the company spent nearly £1 million in 2010 on development of its lead product, RPL554, an inhaled PDE3/4 inhibitor for the treatment of asthma, COPD, and allergic rhinitis. Those R&D costs contributed to a £1.89 million loss for the year. Verona's preliminary unaudited results statement reports that the company is in discussions with … [Read more...] about Verona announces £1.89 million loss for 2010

The US Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Matrixx Initiatives was wrong when it claimed that it did not have to disclose reports of adverse effects caused by its Zicam nasal spray because the number of reports was statistically insignificant. Matrixx is being sued by investors for securities fraud for failing to reveal reports that the product had caused some … [Read more...] about US Supreme Court rules against Matrixx in Zicam case

According to reports, Novartis will close its manufacturing facility at Horsham, UK, cutting 550 jobs, but will maintain its respiratory research program at the site. The company employs approximately 330 researchers in the respiratory program. Novartis opened the £42 million Respiratory Research Centre in 2001. Read a report from the BBC. … [Read more...] about Novartis to maintain respiratory research at Horsham

Almirall has launched Sativex oro-mucosal spray for the treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients in Spain. Sativex is an endocannabinoid modulator that contains THC and cannabidiol developed and manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals. According to the company approximately 75% of the 40,000 MS patients in Spain suffer from spasticity. The product will be … [Read more...] about Sativex spray now available in Spain

According to New York specialty pharmaceutical company Hi-Tech Pharmacal, sales of its generic fluticasone propionate nasal spray increased 562% during the quarter ending January 31, 2011. Total sales for the product reached $17.9 million for the quarter. The company attributes the increase to "strong unit sales at higher average prices." Read the company's … [Read more...] about Hi-Tech Pharmacal nasal spray sales more than quintuple