A dosage trial of Verona Pharma's inhaled mixed phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3/4 inhibitor RPL554 for the treatment of mild asthma has demonstrated positive bronchodilation without any significant adverse effects at dosages two and four times higher than had been tested in a previous safety study. Verona is looking to license the drug or to find a partner for continued … [Read more...] about Positive results for Verona lead candidate
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Vectura announces better than expected financial results
Since October 1, 2010, Vectura's financial performance has exceeded the board's expectations, according to the company's interim management statement. Chief Executive Chris Blackwell attributes the improved performance to a restructured R&D program and says that Vectura expects to have more than £73m cash on hand by March 31, 2010. Read the company's press … [Read more...] about Vectura announces better than expected financial results
MAP Pharmaceuticals appoints new board chair
Scott R. Ward has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors by MAP Pharmaceuticals, replacing Staven A. Elms. MAP plans to submit an NDA for its Levadex inhaled ergotamine for the treatment of migraine headaches within the next few months. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about MAP Pharmaceuticals appoints new board chair
Inspire drops respiratory drug program after failure of CF drug
North Carolina specialty pharma company Inspire Pharmaceuticals has announced that it is cutting 27% of its workforce (65 jobs) after its denufosol inhalation solution for the treatment of cystic fibrosis failed a Phase 3 trial. The company says that it will drop pulmonary drug development altogether in order to focus on its opthalmic products. Read the company's … [Read more...] about Inspire drops respiratory drug program after failure of CF drug
Activaero gets €5 million in new funding
A group of investors led by LSP Life Sciences Partners of Amsterdam has put together €5 million that device company Activaero will use for continued development of its inhalation systems. Activaero recently initiated clinical studies involving the delivery of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) using its Akita Jet nebulizer system. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Activaero gets €5 million in new funding
Review study supports inhaled epinephrine for croup
A review study published in The Cochrane Library finds that inhaled epinephrine provides significant relief of croup symptoms in children within 30 minutes compared to placebo. The review included 8 studies involving 225 children. Read the abstract. … [Read more...] about Review study supports inhaled epinephrine for croup
Mannkind cuts more than 40% of workforce
According to MannKind Corporation, it remains committed to gaining approval for its Afrezza inhaled insulin despite continuing requests from the FDA for additional data. The company announced that it is restructuring in order to focus on the Afrezza approval, resulting in a layoff of 41% of its workforce. MannKind's net loss for 2010 was more than $170 million. Read … [Read more...] about Mannkind cuts more than 40% of workforce
Positive Phase III results for Teva HFA nasal aerosol
Teva's Qnaze beclomethasone nasal aerosol has met all efficacy endpoints in a Phase III trial. The study involved 470 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. After 6 weeks of treatment, patients using the product experienced significant reduction in nasal symptoms compared to those using a placebo spray. If approved, Qnaze will be the first non-aqueous intranasal … [Read more...] about Positive Phase III results for Teva HFA nasal aerosol
Bronchitol approved for treatment of CF in Australia
Pharmaxis has received TGA approval to market its Bronchitol inhaled dry powder mannitol in Australia for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. The approval is for patients over 6 years old. Bronchitol received orphan drug designation in Australia in 2009 and has received that designation from the US FDA and the EMA as well. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Bronchitol approved for treatment of CF in Australia
Teva respiratory drug sales down slightly in 2010
According to Teva, its worldwide sales of respiratory drugs, including the Pro-Air albuterol and QVAR beclomethasone inhalers, were down 3% from 2009, to $875 million. Of that amount, $556 million is attributable to sales in the US, where ProAir has a nearly 50% market share and QVAR is the 2nd place inhaled ICS. Read the company's press release … [Read more...] about Teva respiratory drug sales down slightly in 2010