Pearl Therapeutics is advancing its PT003 combination inhaler for COPD, and the products individual components, into a new series of Phase 2 trials in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. The individual compounds are PT001, glycopyrrolate, and PT005, their formoterol fumarate. The Phase 2 studies include randomized, double-blind studies of PT001 compared to … [Read more...] about Pearl heading into new Phase 2 studies for COPD combination inhaler
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BMJ article links Respimat inhaler to increased mortality
An article by Johns Hopkins researchers published in the BMJ, the British Medical Journal, suggests that patients using the Respimat tiotropium soft mist inhaler for the treatment of COPD are 52% more likely to die than those inhaling a placebo from a soft mist inhaler. "What we think is going on is that the mist inhaler is delivering a higher concentration of … [Read more...] about BMJ article links Respimat inhaler to increased mortality
Potential for intranasal vaccine to prevent diabetes
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), Melbourne, Australia, has announced successful demonstration of proof of principle for a nasal spray vaccine to prevent type 1 diabetes. The research, conducted by scientists from WEHI and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, showed that the nasal spray suppress the body's immune response against insulin in humans. Because type … [Read more...] about Potential for intranasal vaccine to prevent diabetes
Insmed presents positive Phase 2 data for Arikace
At the European Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Hamburg, Germany, Insmed presented data showing that Arikace liposomal amikacin for inhalation improved lung function in CF patients over six cycles of treatment. Each cycle included 28 days in which patients received doses of Arikace, followed by 56 days off therapy, and the total period was 72 weeks. The product also … [Read more...] about Insmed presents positive Phase 2 data for Arikace
Phase 1 trial of inhaled atropine completed
A Phase 1 clinical trial of an inhaled dry powder formulation of atropine for the treatment of nerve agent poisoning has been completed successfully, according to MicroDose Therapeutx. MicroDose subsidiary MicroDose Defense Products is developing the product for the US Department of Defense. The study, conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, … [Read more...] about Phase 1 trial of inhaled atropine completed
Two Phase 3 studies of Relovair completed
GSK and Theravance have announced results for two Phase 3 studies of its ICS/LABA combo DPI Relovair for the treatment of COPD. The product combines fluticasone furoate and vilanterol. The companies said that the studies demonstrated statistically significant change in 0-4 hour weighted mean FEV1 and trough FEV1 for patients treated with Relovair compared with … [Read more...] about Two Phase 3 studies of Relovair completed
Novartis presents new data on indacaterol/tiotropium combination therapy
Data presented at the 2011 American Thoracic Society (ATS) meeting by Novartis regarding combined indacaterol and tiotropium therapy for COPD demonstrate that the LABA/LAMA combination produced greater improvement in lung function than tiotropium alone. Novartis's indacaterol product, called Onbrez Breezhaler, was approved by the EU in 2009 but has not yet been … [Read more...] about Novartis presents new data on indacaterol/tiotropium combination therapy
COPD journal now available in digital format
The COPD Foundation is now making its official journal, COPD: Journal Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, available online in a digital format at www.copdjournal.com. According to publisher Ashley Petrylak, the format allows readers to bookmark and mark up articles, conduct keyword searches, watch video content, and forward articles. “We hope this new format … [Read more...] about COPD journal now available in digital format
Report concludes that clean cars would reduce asthma by more than 70% in California
A report by the American Lung Association in California claims that a "car of the future" scenario in which zero emission vehicles replace a large percentage of the existing fleet of cars in the state would lead to a greater than 70% reduction in asthma and prevent up to 8400 asthma attacks and 420 premature deaths. According to the report, 7 of the top 10 most … [Read more...] about Report concludes that clean cars would reduce asthma by more than 70% in California
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