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
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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
Biovail and Valeant merge
Shareholders of pharma companies Biovail and Valeant voted to approve their merger, and the new company is now called Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. Valeant markets Migranal dihydroergotamine nasal spray in the US, and Biovail had been partnered with Alexza on the development of Staccato loxapine since February 2010. FDA action on the Staccato … [Read more...] about Biovail and Valeant merge
Stirling talking to potential partners for HDA device
According to Stirling Products, the company is in discussions with several major pharmaceutical companies about partnerships on products using its patented high density aerosol (HDA) device. The company says that its ultrasound-based HDA technology produces a concentration level three times higher than that of other ultrasonic devices. One version of the device … [Read more...] about Stirling talking to potential partners for HDA device
Boston Scientific buys Asthmatx, hopes to expand use of bronchial thermoplasty
Boston Scientific has acquired Asthmatx, the developer of a bronchial thermoplasty procedure marketed as an alternative to inhaled medications for the treatment of severe asthma for an upfront payment of $193.5 million and future payments of up to $250 million. The Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System, which was approved by the FDA in April 2010, uses heat to … [Read more...] about Boston Scientific buys Asthmatx, hopes to expand use of bronchial thermoplasty
Quintiles to support Bronchitol commercialization
Quintiles has announced that it will provide commercialization services to Pharmaxis for the launch of Pharmaxis's Bronchitol mannitol DPI for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. Bronchitol has received orphan drug status in both Europe and the US, and Pharmaxis has filed an MAA with the EMA. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Quintiles to support Bronchitol commercialization
Cypress Bioscience licenses two OINDPs
Cypress Bioscience of San Diego, California has aquired worldwide licensing rights for Alexza Pharmaceutical's Staccato Nicotine inhaler for smoking cessation. Alexza will receive $5 million up front, with another $1 million due upon meeting preclinical and clinical milestones. Read the company's press release. Cypress also announced that it purchased … [Read more...] about Cypress Bioscience licenses two OINDPs
Abbott terminates Flutiform agreement with Skye
Skye Pharma says that it understands why Abbot has decided to return US marketing rights for the Flutiform formoterol fluticasate MDI given the issues raised by the US FDA concerning approval of the drug. According to Skye, it will look for a new licensee if the company can find a way to move forward with the NDA. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Abbott terminates Flutiform agreement with Skye
Archimedes to open US headquarters in New Jersey
Archimedes Pharma, which has submitted an NDA for its lead product, PecFent fentanyl nasal spray, announced that it anticipates creating as many as 75 new jobs at its new US headquarters in Bedminster, NJ. The company's main headquarters are in Reading, UK. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Archimedes to open US headquarters in New Jersey