Richard Hawkins, who founded Pharmaco, now PPD Development, has joined the board of directors of Texas-based inhalation drug development company Savara. The company is developing a number of dry powder aerosol medicines based on its NanoCluster particle manufacturing technology. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about Savara appoints Richard Hawkins to board
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Bitop initiates trial of Ectoin inhalation solution
German biotech company bitop AG announced that it has begun enrolling patients in a clinical trial of its Ectoin inhalation solution for the treatment of airway inflammation. In addition to the inhalation solution, bitop is also developing an Ectoin nasal spray and and a DPI. According to bitop, Ectoin is a naturally-occurring "cell protection … [Read more...] about Bitop initiates trial of Ectoin inhalation solution
Hovione wins patent case involving fluticasone intermediates
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has found that Hovione's method for making flumethasone and an analogue was not obvious, upholding the company's patent. A previous reexamination based on a 2005 claim had found that the method was obvious and that the patent should be canceled. An appeals board overturned that ruling after hearing oral arguments in … [Read more...] about Hovione wins patent case involving fluticasone intermediates
ISTA announces plans to file IND for bepotastine nasal spray
According to ISTA Pharmaceuticals, the company will file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its bepotastine nasal spray for allergic rhinitis by the end of this year. ISTA, which already markets a bepotastine opthalmic solution, is looking to expand its prescription eye care business into the nasal allergy arena. Read the company's press … [Read more...] about ISTA announces plans to file IND for bepotastine nasal spray
New features for Astech automated inhaler testing workstation
Astech Projects says it has added more dose collection chambers to its Xelox 1 Series Automated Sample Delivery Workstation to facilitate collection of samples for content uniformity testing. The workstation performs automatic waste firing of inhalers and dose collection. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about New features for Astech automated inhaler testing workstation
Study shows increased risk of diabetes with ICS use
An article in the November issue of the American Journal of Medicine reports that a study of almost 400,000 COPD and asthma patients showed a 34% increase in the rate of Type 2 diabetes among those using inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Higher doses of ICS were associated with higher increased risk of developing diabetes. The study was conducted by … [Read more...] about Study shows increased risk of diabetes with ICS use
Disappointing Phase 3 results for aclidinium bromide
Almirall and Forest Laboratories have announced that a Phase 3 study of their aclidinium bromide DPI for the treatment of COPD produced significant improvement from baseline in FEV1 at clinical doses but underperformed when compared to placebo. Another Phase 3 double-blind study is still underway, and Forest Lab's President Lawrence S. Olanoff expressed … [Read more...] about Disappointing Phase 3 results for aclidinium bromide
Group advises consumers to “SHUN” nasal sprays
A group calling itself Safe and Healthy Use of Nasal sprays (SHUN) is trying to get out the message that "Addiction to over-the-counter medicated nasal spray is a serious problem in the United States" and says that its mission is "to ensure that all Americans know about the consequences of this overuse and the treatment alternatives. The group, … [Read more...] about Group advises consumers to “SHUN” nasal sprays
AstraZeneca gets positive opinion for Fluenz
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a positive opinion on AstraZeneca's MAA for its Fluenz intranasal influenza vaccine for use in children. Fluenz is the same live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) product marketed in the US by MedImmune under the name FluMist. Read the company's press release. … [Read more...] about AstraZeneca gets positive opinion for Fluenz
European development deal for Strativa’s Nascobal
Strativa Pharmaceuticals has entered into an agreement with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) for the development and commercialization of Nascobal cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) nasal spray in Europe. Sobi plans to begin development for European approval in early 2011 and will help to finance an upgrade of Strativa's facilities necessary to meet EU regulations. QOL … [Read more...] about European development deal for Strativa’s Nascobal