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
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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
New LinkedIn group for DDL Conference
DDL 22 committee member Mark Hammond has organized a new group on LinkedIn called "DDL Conference" in order to "provide updates to the programme and this years conference as they become available and also give an opportunity to suggest topics/speakers and promote discussion and networking amongst our delegates." DDL22 will take place December 7-9, 2011 at the … [Read more...] about New LinkedIn group for DDL Conference
Phase 1 trial of inhaled atropine completed
A Phase 1 clinical trial of an inhaled dry powder formulation of atropine for the treatment of nerve agent poisoning has been completed successfully, according to MicroDose Therapeutx. MicroDose subsidiary MicroDose Defense Products is developing the product for the US Department of Defense. The study, conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, … [Read more...] about Phase 1 trial of inhaled atropine completed
Copley Scientific to introduce new breath simulator
Copley Scientific will introduce its new breath simulator at the upcoming ISAM 2011 congress in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. New pharmacopoeial testing specifications for nebulizers take effect in August 2011, and the new breath simulator allows users to comply with the new requirements. The upcoming pharmacopoeial monographs, USP chapter 1601 and Ph. Eur 2.9.44, … [Read more...] about Copley Scientific to introduce new breath simulator
FDA accepts NDA for Nycomed nasal aerosol
The US FDA has accepted the filing of the new drug application for its ciclesonide nasal aerosol, according to Nycomed and Sunovion. The product is an HFA formulation of ciclesonide delivered by a metered dose device for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis in patients 12 years old and older. Sunovion (formerly Sepracor) owns the … [Read more...] about FDA accepts NDA for Nycomed nasal aerosol
Asmacure announces new CEO
Canadian biotech company Asmacure has announced that Martin Driscoll will replace Luc Vachon as Chief Executive Officer. Vachon is leaving the company "to pursue other business ventures." Asmacure is developing an inhaled nictonic receptor agonist, ASM-024, as a treatment for asthma. Driscoll worked most recently as CEO of Javelin Pharmaceuticals, which merged … [Read more...] about Asmacure announces new CEO