University of Michigan spin-off NanoBio Corporation has received its second grant for vaccine development from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The new $6 million grant is for development of an intranasal vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). No approved RSV vaccines are available currently. In 2005, prior to the spin off from UM, the company received … [Read more...] about Gates Foundation awards $6 million grant to NanoBio for intranasal RSV vaccine
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GSK increases investment in Relovair development
GlaxoSmithKline has increased its share of Theravance, with which it is developing Relovair fluticasone/vilanterol COPD product, to approximately 19%. In addition, GSK is crediting a UK "patent box" proposal to encourage R&D investments with in announcing its final decision to invest in its facility in Ware, Hertfordshire for the manufacture of the new … [Read more...] about GSK increases investment in Relovair development
Mannkind announces positive Phase 3 results while facing clinical trial fraud accusations
Having recently announced that it stands by its clinical trials after a former executive filed suit against the company for retaliatory termination after he raised concerns about the validity of studies conducted in Russia and Bulgaria, Mannkind has released new data from a Phase 3 bioequivalence study of its Afrezza inhaled insulin. The new data concern the … [Read more...] about Mannkind announces positive Phase 3 results while facing clinical trial fraud accusations
Microdose and Nexus6 announce partnership
Microdose Therapeutx will now be able to offer the Nexus6 SmartinhalerLive technology as an integral component of its electronic dry powder inhaler. The Nexus6 technology will allow the Microdose DPI to provide real-time reporting of compliance and dosing data via wireless uploads. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Microdose and Nexus6 announce partnership
Federal grant for THC nasal spray development
Summit Biosciences has received almost $150k in qualifying therapeutic discovery project (QTDP) grants for development of its synthetic THC nasal spray. According to Summit, it will use the money to hire new personnel for the development project. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Federal grant for THC nasal spray development
Bitop initiates trial of Ectoin inhalation solution
German biotech company bitop AG announced that it has begun enrolling patients in a clinical trial of its Ectoin inhalation solution for the treatment of airway inflammation. In addition to the inhalation solution, bitop is also developing an Ectoin nasal spray and and a DPI. According to bitop, Ectoin is a naturally-occurring "cell protection … [Read more...] about Bitop initiates trial of Ectoin inhalation solution
Hovione wins patent case involving fluticasone intermediates
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has found that Hovione's method for making flumethasone and an analogue was not obvious, upholding the company's patent. A previous reexamination based on a 2005 claim had found that the method was obvious and that the patent should be canceled. An appeals board overturned that ruling after hearing oral arguments in … [Read more...] about Hovione wins patent case involving fluticasone intermediates
ISTA announces plans to file IND for bepotastine nasal spray
According to ISTA Pharmaceuticals, the company will file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its bepotastine nasal spray for allergic rhinitis by the end of this year. ISTA, which already markets a bepotastine opthalmic solution, is looking to expand its prescription eye care business into the nasal allergy arena. Read the company's press … [Read more...] about ISTA announces plans to file IND for bepotastine nasal spray
European development deal for Strativa’s Nascobal
Strativa Pharmaceuticals has entered into an agreement with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) for the development and commercialization of Nascobal cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) nasal spray in Europe. Sobi plans to begin development for European approval in early 2011 and will help to finance an upgrade of Strativa's facilities necessary to meet EU regulations. QOL … [Read more...] about European development deal for Strativa’s Nascobal
Daiichi Sankyo launches Inavir in Japan
Daiichi Sankyo has begun marketing its single dose Inavir laninamivir octanoate DPI for the treatment of influenza in Japan. According to the company, it plans to supply a total of 4 million units for the 2010-2011 flu season. The product uses Hovione's TwinCaps delivery system. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Daiichi Sankyo launches Inavir in Japan