Watson Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic levalbuterol inhalation solution, an authorized version of Sunovion's Xopenex for the treatment of asthma. Shipments will begin immediately. The company cites IMS Health data saying that sales of Xopenex for the past 12 months were approximately $474 million. Read the Watson press release. … [Read more...] about Watson launches authorized generic levalbuterol inhalation solution
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Symbicort Turbuhaler approved for COPD in Japan
Astellas and AstraZeneca have announced the approval of Symbicort Turbuhaler for COPD. The budesonide/formoterol fumarate DPI has been available for the treatment of asthma in Japan since January 2010. The two companies entered an agreement to co-promote Symbicort Turbuhaler in Japan in August 2009. According to the companies, "The approval of Symbicort … [Read more...] about Symbicort Turbuhaler approved for COPD in Japan
Novartis reaffirms that respiratory research is to remain in Horsham, UK
According to a newspaper report, Novartis has confirmed that it will retain its respiratory disease research center in Horsham, UK, with 440 employees. The company will sell a portion of the site and plans to invest approximately £5 million to renovate some of the remaining buildings. In March 2011, Novartis announced significant personnel reductions at the site … [Read more...] about Novartis reaffirms that respiratory research is to remain in Horsham, UK
$7.5 million in new financing for Trimel Pharmaceuticals
GE Capital Healthcare Financial Services has announced today that it is providing $7.5 million in financing to Trimel Pharmaceuticals for Phase 2 and 3 clinical development of several OINDPs. Trimel's pipeline includes asthma and allergic rhinitis therapies based on its Trivair dry powder inhaler technology and male and female sexual dysfunction therapies based on its … [Read more...] about $7.5 million in new financing for Trimel Pharmaceuticals
Positive Phase 2 results for Lightlake’s naloxone nasal spray
Lightlake Therapeutics has announced what it called "very encouraging preliminary results" from a Phase 2 clinical trial of its naloxone nasal spray for the treatment of binge eating disorder. According to the company, the randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial demonstrated a 56% greater reduction in the amount of time that patients who received the spray … [Read more...] about Positive Phase 2 results for Lightlake’s naloxone nasal spray
Chiesi to distribute Kamada’s inhaled AAT
Israeli biopharmaceutical company Kamada will receive milestone payments of $60 million as part of a 12-year distribution agreement with Chiesi Farmaceutici for Kamada's inhaled alpha-1 antitrypsin for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD-IH). Chiesi will distribute the inhalation solution in Europe, Turkey and former CIS countries. Kamada expects … [Read more...] about Chiesi to distribute Kamada’s inhaled AAT
Insmed gets additional patent for Arikace
According to Insmed, the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued the company a second composition of matter patent for Arikace liposomal amikacin for inhalation, US Patent No. 8,226,975. Insmed is developing the product for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The company recently decided to defer a Phase 3 study of Arikace in the … [Read more...] about Insmed gets additional patent for Arikace
Promotions at Alexza
Inhaled drug company Alexza Pharmaceuticals has announced the promotions of four executives. The company has promoted James V. Cassella to Executive VP, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer; Darl Moreland to Senior VP, Quality; Mark K. Oki to Senior VP, Finance and Chief Financial Officer; and Edwin S. Kamemoto to VP, Regulatory Affairs. … [Read more...] about Promotions at Alexza
Melbourn Scientific first CRO in Europe to offer cGMP spray pattern and plume geometry
Melbourn Scientific has added a Proveris SprayVIEW system and Vereo actuator, making the contract research organization the first in Europe to offer cGMP spray pattern and plume geometry measurements required for nasal spray and MDI approval for the US. The company provides a number of analytical and formulation services for OINDPs. Proveris Scientific Chief … [Read more...] about Melbourn Scientific first CRO in Europe to offer cGMP spray pattern and plume geometry
Aptar dose indicator on newly-approved nasal aerosol
Aptar Pharma has announced that the Zetonna nasal aerosol device recently launched in the US includes a customized Aptar Landmark dose indicator, the result of a six-year collaboration with Sunovion. Zetonna is delivered by a pressurized metered dose inhaler, and the FDA recommends that all new pMDI products have an integrated dose counter. Aptar Pharma … [Read more...] about Aptar dose indicator on newly-approved nasal aerosol