Researchers from the University of Goteborg, Sweden, have found that an intranasal cellulose powder significantly reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms in children. The double-blind study involved 53 children with allergies to birch pollen. Nils Åberg, associate professor at the Department of Pediatrics and consultant at the Queen Silvia Children's Hospital … [Read more...] about Study finds cellulose nasal powder effective for allergic rhinitis
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Gerresheimer doubling size of inhaler manufacturing facility
Gerresheimer will spend €12m to add approximately 5,000 sq. meters to the plastics production area at its manufacturing facility in Horsovsky Tyn, Czech Republic. The plant produces medical plastic devices, including insulin pens and inhalers. According to the company, an increase in demand for the products is leading it to double the size of the … [Read more...] about Gerresheimer doubling size of inhaler manufacturing facility
Another negative opinion from CHMP on Bronchitol
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended against granting a marketing authorization to Pharmaxis's Bronchitol inhaled dry powder mannitol formulation for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. The CHMP had previously indicated that it would vote against the authorization. Pharmaxis chose not to withdraw the marketing authorization … [Read more...] about Another negative opinion from CHMP on Bronchitol
Pfizer reportedly retaining R&D at Sandwich site
According to news reports, Pfizer has reversed its position on the closure of its R&D facility at Sandwich, UK, saving 350 jobs. The company's inhalation R&D group has operated out of Sandwich and had been in limbo after the company announced in February that it would be closing the site. Annette Doherty, the new site director at Sandwich, commented: "Pfizer's … [Read more...] about Pfizer reportedly retaining R&D at Sandwich site
Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use increases risk of fracture
A study of COPD patients by researchers from Johhs Hopkins found that use of inhaled corticosteroids for six months increased the risk of bone fracture by 27%. The researchers reviewed data from both double-blind and observational studies involving a total of more than 85,000 patients using inhaled fluticasone or budesonide. "It was surprising to find an increased … [Read more...] about Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use increases risk of fracture
Phase 1 study of intranasal diazepam shows positive results
An intranasal formulation of diazepam being developed by Neurelis for the treatment of acute seizures outside of a hospital setting demonstrated 96% bioavailability compared to the only currently approved treatment, a rectal diazepam gel. The intranasal formulaiton, NRL-1, is delivered using a standard spray pump. Dr. James Wheless, Director of the LeBonheur … [Read more...] about Phase 1 study of intranasal diazepam shows positive results
Pulmatrix launches new dry powder inhalation technology
Massacheusetts biotech company is introducing a new dry powder delivery platform based on its iSPERSE cationic salt formulations at ISAM 2011. According to the company, the iSPERSE platform "enables inhaled delivery of high drug loads, large drug molecules, and multiple drug combinations." The formulations are produced by spray drying, using excipients that are … [Read more...] about Pulmatrix launches new dry powder inhalation technology
Positive results for Aradigm drug in bronchiectasis study
A Phase 2b study of Aradigm's inhaled liposomal ciprofloxacin in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchietasis has shown a significant reduction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa colony forming units per gram of sputum (CFUs) over a 28-day treatment period. The double blind ORBIT-1 (Once-Daily Respiratory Bronchiectasis Inhalation Treatment) study involved 95 patients in … [Read more...] about Positive results for Aradigm drug in bronchiectasis study
Pearl heading into new Phase 2 studies for COPD combination inhaler
Pearl Therapeutics is advancing its PT003 combination inhaler for COPD, and the products individual components, into a new series of Phase 2 trials in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. The individual compounds are PT001, glycopyrrolate, and PT005, their formoterol fumarate. The Phase 2 studies include randomized, double-blind studies of PT001 compared to … [Read more...] about Pearl heading into new Phase 2 studies for COPD combination inhaler
Lamellar gets orphan designation for inhaled CF drug
Lamellar Biomedical's LMS-611, an inhaled Lamellasome, an artificial lamellar body, for the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis has received orphan drug designation from the European Commission. CF patients' lungs may be missing lamellar bodies that can serve as lubricants and surfactants. The company says that it has data showing that LMS-611 has "significant … [Read more...] about Lamellar gets orphan designation for inhaled CF drug