Discovery Laboratories has announced that the FDA has approved the Afectair device for marketing in the US, and the company plans a launch later this year. The company describes Afectair as "a proprietary patient interface technology that simplifies delivery of aerosolized medications to patients requiring ventilator support" and estimates that it could bring in … [Read more...] about Discovery Labs gets authorization for Afectair device in US
Regulatory
Meda files patent infringement suit against Apotex, Perrigo
Meda Pharmaceuticals has filed a patent infringement suit against Apotex and Perrigo in US District Court in regard to their generic versions of its Astepro azelastine nasal spray for the treatment of rhinitis. The suit alleges infringement of a patent granted to Meda in December 2011 when the two companies submitted abbreviated new drug applications for generic … [Read more...] about Meda files patent infringement suit against Apotex, Perrigo
FDA review of Adasuve application extended
According to Alexza Pharmaceuticals, the FDA has extended the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date for the Adasuve Staccato loxapine NDA from February 4, 2012 to May 4, 2012. On January 10, 2012, Alexza submitted an updated proposed Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, which the FDA is considering a major amendment, allowing the agency to … [Read more...] about FDA review of Adasuve application extended
FDA lifts clinical hold on Arikace for NTM
According to Insmed, the US FDA has lifted the clinical hold on Arikace liposomal amikacin for inhalation for the treatment of patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung disease. In October 2011, the FDA had asked for additional data for that indication. The hold on Arikace for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis patients remains in … [Read more...] about FDA lifts clinical hold on Arikace for NTM
Wockhardt to launch generic fluticasone nasal spray in US
Mumbai-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Wockhardt says that it will launch its generic version of GSK's Flonase fluticasone nasal spray in the US immediately after having received approval from the US FDA. The company will manufacture the 50 mcg dose nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis at its facility in Morton Grove, IL. No other nasal … [Read more...] about Wockhardt to launch generic fluticasone nasal spray in US
GSK says “totality of the data” gives it confidence to submit applications for Relovair
GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance have announced the completion of Phase 3 studies of their Relovair fluticasone furoate/vilanterol DPI for COPD. One Phase 3 study for the treatment of asthma remains to be completed. Despite the fact that the studies failed to produce statistically significant improvements in a number of measures, GSK says that it will submit … [Read more...] about GSK says “totality of the data” gives it confidence to submit applications for Relovair
Pharmaxis files resubmission for Bronchitol to PBAC
Pharmaxis has announced that it "filed a minor resubmission with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)" for its Bronchitol mannitol dry powder inhaler for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. According to the company, the committee's next scheduled meeting is in March 2012, at which time it will consider the submission. Bronchitol received marketing … [Read more...] about Pharmaxis files resubmission for Bronchitol to PBAC
The FDA explains its decision on indacaterol
In an article in the December 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, regulators from the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), with Badhul Chowdhury, director of Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Rheumatology Products, as lead author, detail the decision making process that led to approval of a single 75 μg dose of Novartis's Arcapta … [Read more...] about The FDA explains its decision on indacaterol
FDA committee recommends approval of Adasuve inhaled loxapine
After meeting to discuss concerns about the safety of Alexza Pharmaceutical's Adasuve Staccato loxapine, the FDA's Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted 9 to 8, with 1 abstention, to recommend approval for a single dose in 24 hours when used with the FDA-recommended Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), for the treatment for agitation in … [Read more...] about FDA committee recommends approval of Adasuve inhaled loxapine
FDA committee to discuss safety of Adasuve loxapine inhalation powder
The US FDA has announced a December 12 meeting of the Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee to discuss safety concerns related to Alexza's Adasuve loxapine inhalation powder for the treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Alexza resubmitted an NDA for the product in August 2011. The company first submitted the NDA in December … [Read more...] about FDA committee to discuss safety of Adasuve loxapine inhalation powder