Forest Laboratories has agreed to pay $2.9 billion cash for Aeroquin developer Aptalis. Aeroquin inhaled levofloxacin for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections in CF patients, which is in Phase 3 development, was acquired by Axcan when it acquired Mpex in 2011. Axcan and Eurand Pharmaceuticals later merged and renamed the combined company Aptalis in … [Read more...] about Forest Laboratories acquires Aptalis
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Philips acquires nebulizer technology from Aerogen
Aerogen and Philips have announced an agreement that "includes the acquisition of select assets solely related to Aerogen’s home-care business" by Philips. The announcement appears to refer to Aerogen's Aeroneb Go vibrating mesh nebulizer. Philips made an undisclosed upfront payment and will make royalty payments "based on exploitation of the licensed technology." … [Read more...] about Philips acquires nebulizer technology from Aerogen
AANMA announces new CEO, headquarters
Advocacy organization Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) has announced that Tonya Winders will take over as Chief Executive Officer as of January 1, 2014. She succeeds founder Nancy Sander, who retired in September 2013. The organization also announced that its headquarters has moved to new offices in Tysons Corner, VA. Winders, who joined AANMA … [Read more...] about AANMA announces new CEO, headquarters
Japan approves Inavir DPI for prevention of flu
Daiichi Sankyo has announced that Japanese regulators have approved its Inavir laninamivir octanoate hydrate DPI for the prevention of the flu. In August 2012, the company had announced positive Phase 3 results for that indication. The inhaler was approved for treatment of the flu in Japan in October 2010. The company said that it "has great expectations for the … [Read more...] about Japan approves Inavir DPI for prevention of flu
Respira Therapeutics gets funding, moves to New Mexico
Respira Therapeutics has announced that it will relocate to New Mexico after receiving new funding from Santa Fe-based Sun Mountain Capital and Cottonwood Technology Fund. The total amount of the investment from the venture capital funds, as well as from private individuals, was not disclosed. Respira CEO Bob Curtis said, "Respira is very pleased to welcome Sun … [Read more...] about Respira Therapeutics gets funding, moves to New Mexico
Denmark approves generic fluticasone/salmeterol DPI
Sandoz has received Danish marketing authorization for the AirFluSal Forspiro inhaler for the treatment of asthma and/or COPD in 50-250µg and 50-500µg versions. Sandoz acquired European rights to the product (formerly known as VR-315) from Vectura in 2006 and for the rest of the world except the US in 2011. Sandoz Global Head Jeff George commented, “The first … [Read more...] about Denmark approves generic fluticasone/salmeterol DPI
FDA approves Anoro Ellipta
The FDA has announced the approval of GSK and Theravance's Anoro Ellipta umeclidinium/vilanterol inhalation powder for the treatment of COPD. The approval triggers a $30 million milestone payment from Theravance to GSK. Theravance will pay another $30 million on launch, which is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2014. GSK and Theravance submitted an … [Read more...] about FDA approves Anoro Ellipta
Mylan licenses “novel long-acting muscarinic antagonist compound for various indications” from Pfizer
Mylan has announced that it has acquired "exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize a novel long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) compound for various indications" from Pfizer, along with "multi-dose dry powder inhaler technology." The company says that it plans to submit an NDA for the product as a new chemical entity and will develop … [Read more...] about Mylan licenses “novel long-acting muscarinic antagonist compound for various indications” from Pfizer
Study links obesity to immune changes leading to asthma
A study published online December 15, 2013 in Nature Medicine shows that mice allowed to become obese develop specific immune system changes leading to airway hyper-reactivity. Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital found that mice fed a high fat diet to the point of obesity experienced increases in IL-1β, interleukin 17A, ILC3 cells, and NLRP3 in lung cells, all … [Read more...] about Study links obesity to immune changes leading to asthma
FLUIDDA to present Functional Respiratory Imaging technology to FDA
FLUIDDA has announced that it will meet with the FDA on January 17, 2014 to present its Functional Respiratory Imaging (FRI) technology for screening respiratory drugs. The FDA is evaluating FRI as part of its critical path initiative, which includes the development of new biomarkers. The technology combines CT scans with flow simulations, creating patient-specific … [Read more...] about FLUIDDA to present Functional Respiratory Imaging technology to FDA