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
Medical
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
Research finds leukotriene antagonists as effective as inhaled steroids
An article in the May 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine finds leukotriene-receptor antagonists (LTRAs) such as montelukast (Singulair) as effective as ICS as a first-line treatment for asthma and as effective as LABAs as an add-on for those already taking inhaled corticosteroids in real-world trials. The researchers from the University of East Anglia … [Read more...] about Research finds leukotriene antagonists as effective as inhaled steroids
Positive Phase 2 results for ISTA’s bepotastine besilate nasal spray
A Phase 2 clinical trial of its bepotastine besilate nasal spray for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis has demonstrated significantly significant improvement in total nasal symptoms compared to placebo, announced ISTA Pharmaceuticals. The study involved approximately 600 patients suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms caused by mountain cedar pollen. … [Read more...] about Positive Phase 2 results for ISTA’s bepotastine besilate nasal spray
NanoBio developing intranasal vaccine to prevent urinary tract infections
The University of Michigan will license an antigen to NanoBio Corporation for development of a nasal vaccine using NanoBio's NanoStat technology for the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The antigen works by eliminating E. coli bacteria in the urinary tract. NanoBio's press release cites statistics showing that more than half of all women suffer from UTIs … [Read more...] about NanoBio developing intranasal vaccine to prevent urinary tract infections
NVA237 meets primary endpoint in Phase 3 study
NVA237, a once daily, long acting muscarinic agent (LAMA) DPI for the treatment of COPD, met its primary endpoint of improved bronchodilation compared to placebo after 12 weeks. The glycopyrronium bromide dry powder formulation was licensed to Novartis by Sosei and Vectura in 2005. Novartis announced the results in its first quarter 2011 earnings report, along … [Read more...] about NVA237 meets primary endpoint in Phase 3 study
Research shows intranasal vaccination with IL-12 highly effective
Dennis Metzger of Albany Medical College (Albany, New York) has presented research at the Society for General Microbiology Spring Conference demonstrating the effectiveness of using interleukin-12 (IL-12) in combination with intranasally-delivered vaccines to boost immune response. The study tested the effectiveness of these vaccines in mice against influenza virus, … [Read more...] about Research shows intranasal vaccination with IL-12 highly effective