Pearl Therapeutics has announced positive top-line results from a Phase 2b dose-ranging study of its PT001 glycopyrrolate (GP) MDI in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. The randomized, double-blind study compared 4 doses of the PT001 MDI to placebo and to Atrovent HFA inhalation aerosol. According to Pearl all of the doses of GP tested demonstrated statistically … [Read more...] about Positive Phase 2b results for Pearl’s PT001
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Meda gets patent related to Astepro nasal spray
Swedish pharma company Meda released a statement regarding a new patent for its Astepro nasal spray that reads in its entirety: "The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today issued a patent related to Astepro (azelastine) nasal spray. This patent will be listed in the FDA's Approved Drug Products List (the Orange Book). The Astepro patent is valid … [Read more...] about Meda gets patent related to Astepro nasal spray
Bespak reports growth in 2011, deal for nicotine delivery device
Consort Medical, parent company of device developer and manufacturer Bespak, reports "strong volume growth" for Bespak's inhaler business for the six months ending October 31, 2011. Bespak revenues were up 17% from 2010, with operating profits up 24%. The company also announced a new contract for a nicotine delivery device to be distributed by a subsidiary of British … [Read more...] about Bespak reports growth in 2011, deal for nicotine delivery device
Acacia Research acquires inhaler technology
Acacia Research, a California company frequently described as a "patent troll," says that it has acquired 13 patents for inhaler technology from "a major medical company." Company CEO Paul Ryan said, “Acacia continues to increase the number of patent portfolios we control in the medical technology sector.” The type of inhaler covered by the patents was not … [Read more...] about Acacia Research acquires inhaler technology
Bloomberg highlights changes in GSK respiratory drug research
Bloomberg has published an article about GSK's overhaul of its R&D organization that describes former head of the allergic inflammation discovery performance unit Roberto Solari as "one of the casualties of the company’s new approach to drug discovery." According to the article, a spokesperson for GSK confirmed that Solari, whom the author describes as "an unassuming … [Read more...] about Bloomberg highlights changes in GSK respiratory drug research
AstraZeneca challenges New Zealand government agency over Symbicort co-pays
AstraZeneca has asked the New Zealand High Court to review a decision by Pharmac, the government drug purchasing agency, to reduce its subsidy for the Symbicort Turbuhaler to achieve pricing parity with GSK's Seretide (Advair) Diskus inhaler. Since the imposition of parity pricing, new patients in New Zealand have had to pay a minimum $3 co-payment (about $2.30 in US … [Read more...] about AstraZeneca challenges New Zealand government agency over Symbicort co-pays
Michael J. Fox Foundation awards grant for development of inhaled L-dopa
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has awarded a grant to Civitas Therapeutics to support development of the company's lead product, CVT-301, an inhaled levodopa (L-dopa) formulation for the treatment of symptoms of Parkinson's disease. CVT-301 is a carrier-free dry powder formulation based on Civitas's proprietary Arcus particle … [Read more...] about Michael J. Fox Foundation awards grant for development of inhaled L-dopa
Novartis files NDA in Japan for NVA237
Shortly after announcing a co-promotion deal with Eisai for its inhaled COPD drugs in Japan, Novartis has filed a new drug application in that country for one of those drugs, NVA237 inhaled glycopyrronium bromide, according to Vectura, which licensed the drug to Novartis. Vectura CEO Chris Blackwell remarked, “The Japanese market is a large and growing market with … [Read more...] about Novartis files NDA in Japan for NVA237
Daily low dose budesonide inhalation not superior to intermittent high dose treatment in young children
According to a study published in the November 24 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, intermittent administration of a high dose of inhaled budesonide resulted in no more exacerbations over the course of a year in young children with asthma than daily inhalation of a low dose, and the intermittent regimen resulted in significantly lower budesonide exposure. … [Read more...] about Daily low dose budesonide inhalation not superior to intermittent high dose treatment in young children
Malvern Instruments scientist wins microscopy award
The New York Microscopical Society has recognized Malvern Instruments Chief Technology Officer E. Neil Lewis with its Ernst Abbe Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to the science of microscopy. The society specifically cited Dr. Lewis's development of chemical imaging microscopy. The award was presented at the 50th Eastern Analytical Symposium & … [Read more...] about Malvern Instruments scientist wins microscopy award