Novartis Enters Clinical Trial with Foradil Utilising SkyePharma's New Multi-dose Dry Powder Inhaler
BASEL, Switzerland and LONDON, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis Pharma AG (Zurich: NOV) and SkyePharma PLC (LSE: SKP) (Nasdaq: SKYE - news) announced today that a new formulation of Foradil®, utilising SkyePharma's patented multi-dose dry powder inhaler (MDPI), has begun clinical trials. A milestone payment by Novartis to SkyePharma has been triggered by the start of these trials.
Foradil (formoterol fumarate) is the fast-onset, long-acting bronchodilator (beta-agonist) for the treatment of asthma which takes effect within 1-3 minutes, and for which bronchodilation lasts 12 hours. These properties differentiate formoterol from all other beta-agonists by providing the patient with protection from the first dose and throughout the day. It is currently marketed in over 60 countries in a single-dose powder inhalation device, the Aerolizer®.
Novartis views its collaborative agreement for the development of a novel MDPI for Foradil with SkyePharma as an important milestone in providing a comprehensive choice of inhalation devices for meeting the needs of all patients.
Jerry Karabelas, chief executive officer of Novartis Pharma AG, said: ''Foradil is an important growth product for Novartis. The clinical benefits in asthma and the promise for use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are important profile advantages for Foradil. To enhance the convenience for patients taking Foradil, we have entered into this agreement with SkyePharma. The MDPI builds on the key features of the Aerolizer inhaler, such as accurate dose delivery and verification for the patient, and adds multiple dosing, a convenience feature for patients.''
Michael Ashton, chief executive of SkyePharma said: ''The selection of our Multidose Dry Powder Inhaler for the delivery of Foradil is an important validation of SkyePharma's expertise in working with complex products. The significant progress made to date with Foradil is an important step towards providing improved convenience for millions of asthma sufferers. |
