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
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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
Moving toward a greener inhaler
The approximately 800 million inhalers sold annually worldwide generate approximately 10,000 tons of waste, estimates Graham Purkins of Novartis, a member of the the Device Working Group of IPAC-RS. In response to growing concern from consumers, clinicians, and manufacturers, the working group has undertaken a project to begin a conversation among inhaler designers … [Read more...] about Moving toward a greener inhaler
Eisai to co-promote Novartis COPD drugs in Japan
Tokyo-based Eisai will co-promote three Novartis inhaled COPD therapies in Japan with Novartis Pharma K.K. Starting on December 1, 2011, both companies will promote Onbrez indacaterol inhalation capsules, with Novartis targeting flagship and university hospitals and Eisai focusing on general hospitals and clinicians. Onbrez was launched in Japan in September 2011. … [Read more...] about Eisai to co-promote Novartis COPD drugs in Japan
Single batch of Omnaris nasal spray recalled in Hong Kong
According to the Hong Kong Department of Health (DH), Nycomed (Hong Kong) has voluntarily recalled a batch of Omnaris ciclesonide nasal spray due "a quality defect." The product, from batch number 137930, was manufactured in Germany by Nycomed Gmbh in August 2010. The DH says that it was notified by Nycomed Gmbh that it had found pinholes in some of the foil … [Read more...] about Single batch of Omnaris nasal spray recalled in Hong Kong
Almirall and Forest initiate Phase 3 trial of aclidinium/formoterol DPI
Two Phase 3 studies to evaluate the safety of twice daily doses of a fixed dose combination dry powder formulation of aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate in 3,500 patients with moderate to severe COPD have been initiated by Almirall and its US partner, Forest Laboratories. The 24-week studies are taking place in Europe and North America, along with a 52-week … [Read more...] about Almirall and Forest initiate Phase 3 trial of aclidinium/formoterol DPI
Positive results for intranasal Ampion
Ampio Pharmaceuticals has announced results of a randomized, double-blinded study of its intranasal Ampion, a biologic anti-inflammatory, for the treatment of nasal inflammation. According to the company, Ampion "is naturally produced by humans in response to injury and is present in commercial human serum albumin (HSA) preparations." Ampio is also developing oral and … [Read more...] about Positive results for intranasal Ampion