CRO Aptuit is planning to close two facilities where it conducts early stage development work on inhalation products. According to a spokesperson, all work currently in progress at the Livingston and Riccarton sites, both in Edinburgh, Scotland, will be completed, and other Aptuit sites will continue to provide similar services. Reportedly, the closures could cost up … [Read more...] about Aptuit closing two facilities in Scotland
News
Pulmatrix gets $5.7 million grant, hires new CBO
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded a $5.7 million grant to Pulmatrix for development of inhaled cationic airway lining modulator (iCALM) products to protect military personnel and civilians against airborne diseases. Read the press release on the grant. Pulmatrix also announced the hire of Eva Jack, formerly of MedImmune, as its new … [Read more...] about Pulmatrix gets $5.7 million grant, hires new CBO
Robert A. Ingram appointed Chairman of Valeant Board
William M. Wells has resigned as Chairman of the Board of Valeant Pharmaceuticals and has been replaced by Robert A. Ingram. Valeant subsidiary Biovail is co-devloping the Staccato loxapine inhaler with Alexza Pharmaceuticals. The FDA issued a complete response letter for Staccato loxapine in October 2010. The announcement comes less than two weeks after Elan … [Read more...] about Robert A. Ingram appointed Chairman of Valeant Board
Luitpold acquires Roxro and its Sprix nasal spray
Daiichi Sankyo subsidiary Luitpold Pharmaceuticals has acquired Roxro Pharma, which specializes in intranasal delivery of analgesics. Roxro's lead product is Sprix ketorolac tromethamine nasal spray for short-term pain management. Sprix received FDA approval in May 2010 but has not yet been marketed. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Luitpold acquires Roxro and its Sprix nasal spray
Cambridge Consultants and Sun launch new DPI at DDL
A new DPI designed for Sun Pharma by Cambridge Consultants has been on display at DDL 21. The inhaler is designed to work with carrier formulations and, according to the companies, reduces deposition in throat to such an extent that it can be loaded with approximatley half the API necessary for a traditional inhaler dose. The device also features a dose counter and a … [Read more...] about Cambridge Consultants and Sun launch new DPI at DDL
Court rules FDA has no authority to regulate e-cigarettes as drug/device combinations
The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit has upheld a lower court finding that the FDA lacks the authority to regulate e-cigarettes. The agency had asserted that it had jurisdication and issued warning letters to five e-cigarette manufacturers in September, 2010. Read the opinion. … [Read more...] about Court rules FDA has no authority to regulate e-cigarettes as drug/device combinations
Decision Resources predicts Spiriva will increase market share for COPD
According to a study by Decision Resources, primary care physicians prefer Boehringer Ingelheim's Spiriva to other first-line COPD treatments, with 44% surveyed saying they would increase their use of the drug in the next few years. That percentage is down from 59% in 2009. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Decision Resources predicts Spiriva will increase market share for COPD
Insmed acquires Transave and its Arikace inhaled liposomal amikacin
Richmond, Virginia biopharmaceutical company Insmed Incorporated has announced a "business combination" with Transave, making Transave a wholly-owned subsidiary. The company also announced plans for Phase 3 trials of Arikace inhalation solution for the treatment of pseudomonas infections in CF patients and for the treatment of non-TB mycobacteria lung … [Read more...] about Insmed acquires Transave and its Arikace inhaled liposomal amikacin
Gates Foundation awards $6 million grant to NanoBio for intranasal RSV vaccine
University of Michigan spin-off NanoBio Corporation has received its second grant for vaccine development from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The new $6 million grant is for development of an intranasal vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). No approved RSV vaccines are available currently. In 2005, prior to the spin off from UM, the company received … [Read more...] about Gates Foundation awards $6 million grant to NanoBio for intranasal RSV vaccine
Pearl announces positive Phase 2b results for COPD drug
According to Pearl Therapeutics, a Phase 2b study has demonstrated that its PT003 glycopyrrolate/formoterol combination MDI provides superior bronchodilation compared to placebo, compared to its individual components, and compared to tiotropium. The trial involved patients with moderate to very severe COPD. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Pearl announces positive Phase 2b results for COPD drug