Hovione has announced the filing of an international patent for its new XCaps dry powder inhaler. According to the company, the XCaps DPI is "a device which only requires two steps to inhalation and which only has two components plus a dust cover," and which it says can generate fine particle fractions greater than 70%. XCaps is available for license as part of … [Read more...] about Hovione files patent for new DPI
News
SPARC announces plans to launch new DPI
Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company (SPARC) has announced completion of Phase 3 studies for a new dry powder inhaler and its intention to launch a product based on the novel DPI in India by the end of the 2nd quarter of the fiscal year. In addition, the company said, it plans to file an IND in the US by the end of the fiscal year. The DPI delivers a dry powder … [Read more...] about SPARC announces plans to launch new DPI
Savara graduates from technology incubator
Dry powder inhalation drug developer Savara Pharmaceuticals has graduated from the Austin Techonology Incubator (ATI) Bioscience Incubator, according to ATI. Savara, which was founded in 2007, is preparing for Phase 1 trials of its lead candidate, an inhaled antibiotic. “A transition from the laboratory into the clinic represents a significant accomplishment and … [Read more...] about Savara graduates from technology incubator
Potential for intranasal vaccine to prevent diabetes
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), Melbourne, Australia, has announced successful demonstration of proof of principle for a nasal spray vaccine to prevent type 1 diabetes. The research, conducted by scientists from WEHI and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, showed that the nasal spray suppress the body's immune response against insulin in humans. Because type … [Read more...] about Potential for intranasal vaccine to prevent diabetes
Insmed presents positive Phase 2 data for Arikace
At the European Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Hamburg, Germany, Insmed presented data showing that Arikace liposomal amikacin for inhalation improved lung function in CF patients over six cycles of treatment. Each cycle included 28 days in which patients received doses of Arikace, followed by 56 days off therapy, and the total period was 72 weeks. The product also … [Read more...] about Insmed presents positive Phase 2 data for Arikace
GSK expanding Canadian facility
GlaxoSmithKline plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Mississauga, Ontario, in part to enable production of Relenza zanamivir dry powder for inhalation. The expansion is expected to create 70 new jobs. GSK will contribute more than $30 million, with the province of Ontario kicking in $3.6 million. Paul Lucas, President and CEO of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. said, … [Read more...] about GSK expanding Canadian facility
Respira looking for partners for new DPI
Respira Therapeutics has issued a press release to introduce its drug engine technology (DET) dry powder inhaler, which the company says "can be deployed and optimized in short test cycles with a wide range of compounds." The company is claiming that the novel mechanism of the inhaler delivers at high efficiencies never before achieved. According to Respira … [Read more...] about Respira looking for partners for new DPI
Funding for nasal spray to help prevent hearing loss
University of Melbourne spin-off Otifex has reportedly raised $1.1 million for the development of a nasal spray to treat otitis media with effusion (OTE), in which viscous fluid builds up in the middle ear, potentially leading to hearing loss. The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and Uniseed are providing the funding. No medications for OTE are available at … [Read more...] about Funding for nasal spray to help prevent hearing loss
Aradigm ciprofloxacin for bronchiectasis gets orphan drug designation
The US FDA has granted orphan drug designation to Aradigm Corporation's dual release ciprofloxacin for inhalation (DRCFI) for the treatment of bronchiectasis. The company's liposomal ciprofloxacin for inhalation (CFI) already has orphan drug designation from the FDA for the treatment of bronchiectasis and for cystic fibrosis. The dual release formulation combines … [Read more...] about Aradigm ciprofloxacin for bronchiectasis gets orphan drug designation
Elpen’s Advair copy approved by Sweden
Reuters is reporting that the Swedish Medical Products Agency has approved a fluticasone/salmeterol DPI manufactured by Greek pharmaceutical company Elpen. The approval apparently took place in May 2011 but was not announced. The company has not said when or if it will launch the product in European countries outside of Greece. Elpen has been marketing the inhaler … [Read more...] about Elpen’s Advair copy approved by Sweden