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
Business
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
ChemImage launches new testing company
Particle analysis company ChemImage has launched a new testing and consulting business called Gateway Analytical, based in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. Gateway offers particle characterization using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, as well as regulatory consulting. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about ChemImage launches new testing company
Pearl raises $69 million
A group of investors led by Vatera Healthcare Partners has added $69 million to Pearl Therapeutics's funding, bringing the total to more than $102 million since 2007. Pearl's lead candidate, PT003, a glycopyrrolate/formoterol MDI for the treatment of COPD is in Phase 2B studies, and Pearl plans to begin Phase 3 trials by the end of 2012. Vatera was founded by … [Read more...] about Pearl raises $69 million
Pfizer considers divesting Capsugel
Pfizer says that it is "reviewing strategic alternatives" for its Capsugel business and that divestiture is an option. Capsugel manufactures capsules, including Vcaps hypromellose capsules for inhalation applications, and the Xcelodose powder dispensing system. 2009 revenue for Capsugel was approximately $740 million. Pfizer expects to make a decision … [Read more...] about Pfizer considers divesting Capsugel
ISTA plans to file IND for nasal spray by end of year
US eye care company ISTA Pharmaceuticals announced plans to file an investigational new drug (IND) application with the FDA for its bepotastine besilate nasal spray for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis by the end of 2010. The company also released results from a Phase I/II study of the nasal spray showing that the drug was well tolerated and said that … [Read more...] about ISTA plans to file IND for nasal spray by end of year
Generex gets Canadian patent for delivery system
US biotech company Generex has announced that the Canadian Intellectual Property Office has granted its patent titled "Pharmaceutical Compositions for Buccal and Pulmonary Application." Generex develops formulations for buccal delivery using its RapidMist metered dose device, which is essentially an MDI designed to deliver aerosol to the oral cavity … [Read more...] about Generex gets Canadian patent for delivery system