Just Approved and Launched
February 2023
Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) and AstraZeneca today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) for self-administration in a pre-filled, single-use pen for patients aged 12 years and older with severe asthma.
December 2021
Amgen announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Amgen and AstraZeneca’s Tezspire™ (tezepelumab-ekko) for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with severe asthma.
October 2021
CareDx, Inc. – a leading precision medicine company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of clinically differentiated, high-value healthcare solutions for transplant patients and caregivers – today congratulated OrganX on the completion of a landmark longitudinal study that shows AlloSure is more accurate than current standards of care, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or donor specific antibody (DSA) testing, in detecting allograft rejection.
September 2021
Positive high-level results from the MANDALA and DENALI Phase III trials of PT027 (albuterol/budesonide), at both 180/160mcg and 180/80mcg doses, met all primary endpoints demonstrating statistically significant benefits in patients with asthma versus individual components albuterol, also known as salbutamol (180mcg) and budesonide (160mcg).
August 2021
The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved UPTRAVI® (selexipag) injection for intravenous (IV) use for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group I) in adult patients with WHO functional class (FC)
II–III, who are temporarily unable to take oral therapy.
April 2021
Pharmaxis Ltd announced that Chiesi USA, Inc., has launched Bronchitol® (mannitol), an add-on maintenance therapy to improve pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients aged 18 years and older in the United States. Bronchitol, developed by Pharmaxis, is the first dry powder inhaled mucoactive agent providing a compact, portable treatment option for CF patients.
January 2021
December 2020
Pharmaceutical research company Pharmaxis Ltd announced the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Bronchitol® (mannitol) as add-on maintenance therapy to improve pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients 18 years of age and older. The product, developed by Pharmaxis in Australia, has been steered through final stages of FDA approval by US licensee Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA (Chiesi).
November 2020
European Commission Grants Marketing Authorization for ARIKAYCE® Liposomal 590 mg Nebuliser Dispersion for the Treatment of NTM Lung Infections Caused by MAC in Adult Non-CF Patients with Limited Treatment Options
Insmed Incorporated, a global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to transform the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases, today announced that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization for ARIKAYCE® Liposomal 590 mg Nebuliser Dispersion for the treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in adults with limited treatment options who do not have cystic fibrosis. Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Pulmatrix Announces Commercial Launch of FEND, an OTC Nasal Hygiene Product Proven to Reduce Airborne Respiratory Droplets, with Partner Sensory Cloud
Pulmatrix, Inc. a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative inhaled therapies for serious pulmonary and non-pulmonary disease using its patented iSPERSE™ technology, today announced marketing and distribution partner Sensory Cloud's commercial launch of FEND, a hypertonic calcium chloride salt solution with nasal mister. FEND is a potentially important new hygiene option beyond masks to combat the ongoing COVD-19 pandemic. Pulmatrix licensed the rights to the Company's NasoCalm proprietary formulations (PUR003 and PUR006) to Sensory Cloud, now integral to the product FEND, with Sensory Cloud to market and distribute FEND, and Pulmatrix to receive escalating royalties, upon commencement of sales.
Regeneron's Inmazeb Becomes First Ebola Treatment Approved by FDA
Although Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has been in the news lately for its antibody cocktail against COVID-19 that was used to treat President Trump, it’s not the only arrow in the company’s quiver. Today it announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Inmazeb, a three-antibody cocktail to treat Ebola infections in adults and children. It has also been approved for newborns of mothers who have tested positive for Ebola.
October 2020
Shionogi Announces FDA Approval of FETROJA® (Cefiderocol) for the Treatment of Hospital-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia and Ventilator-Associated Bacterial Pneumonia
Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (hereafter “Shionogi”) announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for FETROJA® (cefiderocol) for the treatment of patients 18 years of age or older with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP) caused by the following susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms: Acinetobacter baumannii complex, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens.
FDA Approves KALYDECO® (ivacaftor) as First and Only CFTR Modulator to Treat Eligible Infants With CF as Early as Four Months of Age
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved KALYDECO® (ivacaftor) for use in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages four months to less than six months old who have at least one mutation in their cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that is responsive to KALYDECO based on clinical and/or in vitro assay data. KALYDECO is already approved in the U.S. and EU for the treatment of CF in patients ages six months and older.
FDA approves Nucala as the first and only biologic treatment for Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES)
GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Nucala (mepolizumab) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) for ≥ six months without an identifiable non-hematologic secondary cause. The approval makes Nucala the first and only targeted biologic treatment to be approved for patients with this eosinophil-driven disease in the US.
September 2020
New asthma indication for Trelegy Ellipta introduces an important option for patients to the current treatment paradigm
GlaxoSmithKline plc and Innoviva, Inc. announced the US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new indication for Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / umeclidinium / vilanterol ‘FF/UMEC/VI’) for the treatment of asthma in patients aged 18 years and older adding to its current license for use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
August 2020
AstraZeneca’s Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate) has been approved in the US for the maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was based on positive results from the Phase III ETHOS trial in which Breztri Aerosphere, a triple-combination therapy, showed a statistically significant reduction in the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations compared with dual-combination therapies Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate) and PT009 (budesonide/formoterol fumarate). The approval was also supported by efficacy and safety data from the Phase III KRONOS trial. Read more!
Teva Respiratory, LLC., a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced the launch of ProAir® Digihaler® (albuterol sulfate 117 mcg) Inhalation Powder, the first and only digital rescue inhaler indicated in patients four years or older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm who have reversible obstructive airway disease, and for prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). The device features built-in Bluetooth® Wireless Technology sensors, which connect to a companion mobile app and provide inhaler event information. Read more!
June/July 2020
Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Tecentriq ® (atezolizumab) as a first-line (initial) treatment for adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 stained ≥ 50% of tumor cells [TC ≥ 50%] or PD-L1 stained tumor-infiltrating [IC] covering ≥ 10% of the tumor area [IC ≥ 10%]), as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
May 2020
Boehringer Ingelheim recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ofev® (nintedanib) as the first treatment for people with chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype. Read the full press release.
Teva Respiratory, LLC, an affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced recently that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ArmonAir® Digihaler™ (fluticasone propionate) Inhalation Powder, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) delivered via Teva’s Digihaler™ device, which contains built-in sensors and connects to a companion mobile application that provides information on inhaler use to people with asthma. Read the full press release.
December 2019
Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tecentriq ® (atezolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy (Abraxane ® [paclitaxel protein-bound; nab-paclitaxel] and carboplatin) for the initial (first-line) treatment of adults with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
October 2019
AstraZeneca recently announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the self-administration of Fasenra (benralizumab) in a pre-filled, single-use auto-injector (the Fasenra Pen).
The approval is supported by data from the Phase III GRECO trial and the Phase I AMES trial. The safety and tolerability of Fasenra in these trials were consistent with the established profile of the medicine.
GlaxoSmithKline announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Nucala (mepolizumab) for use in children as young as six years old who are living with severe eosinophilic asthma. Nucala is the only targeted biologic to be approved for the condition in the six to 11-year age group in the US.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ofev® (nintedanib) as the first and only medicine to slow the rate of decline in pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).
September 2019
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to entrectinib (Rozlytrek, Genentech/Roche) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with a variety of tumors that are positive for fusions in the neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) gene. Additionally, the drug was similarly approved for the treatment of metastatic, ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Read more!
Non-profit drug developer, TB Alliance, and pharmaceutical company, Mylan N.V. recently announced a global collaboration to make the experimental drug pretomanid accessible for use in two investigational drug regimens for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
Read more!
August 2019
GlaxoSmithKline (LSE/NYSE: GSK) recently announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new methods for administering Nucala (mepolizumab), an autoinjector and a pre-filled safety syringe, for patients or caregivers to administer once every four weeks, after a healthcare professional decides it is appropriate. This is the first anti-IL5 biologic to be licensed in the US for at-home administration, and the first respiratory biologic to be approved for administration via an autoinjector. Read the full press release.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dupixent® (dupilumab) for use with other medicines to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) in adults whose disease is not controlled. CRSwNP can be a debilitating condition, with many patients opting for systemic steroids or nasal surgery, which often cannot control this disease. Moreover, CRSwNP often occurs in combination with severe asthma. Read the full press release.
June/July 2019
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq:VRTX) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved KALYDECO® (ivacaftor) for use in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages six months to less than 12 months who have at least one mutation in their cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that is responsive to KALYDECO based on clinical and/or in vitro assay data. KALYDECO is already approved in the U.S., Canada and EU for the treatment of CF in patients ages 12 months and older.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a device, called Xvivo Perfusion System with Steen Solution Perfusate, that can temporarily ventilate, oxygenate, and pump (perfuse) preservation solution through lungs that were initially thought to be unacceptable for transplant. The device allows the transplant team to perform a more careful assessment of lung function to get a better sense of how the organs are working when they are perfused with a solution outside the body to better determine whether the lungs can then be viable for transplant.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four generic versions of Gilead Sciences' Letairis (ambrisentan), an endothelin receptor antagonist indicated for treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved SYMDEKO® (tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) for use in children with cystic fibrosis ages 6 through 11 years who have two copies of the F508del-CFTR mutation or who have at least one mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that is responsive to SYMDEKO. It was previously approved by the FDA for use in patients with cystic fibrosis 12 years and older with two copies of the F508del mutation or one copy of a responsive mutation in the U.S. An additional dosage strength of SYMDEKO tablets is now available (tezacaftor 50 mg/ivacaftor 75 mg and ivacaftor 75 mg) in connection with this approval.
Veracyte, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCYT), a leading genomic diagnostics company, announced that it has begun making its next-generation Percepta® Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) available to physicians, providing them with expanded lung cancer risk information that can further guide next steps for patients with suspicious lung nodules, as compared to the original Percepta test. The RNA whole-transcriptome sequencing-based test is Veracyte’s first commercial product to emerge since entering into the long-term strategic lung-cancer collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC*, which was announced in January 2019.
May 2019
Spry Health, a leader in health management technologies and remote patient monitoring, announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to market the company’s Loop System. Loop is the first clinical-grade wearable that measures pulse oximetry, respiration rate and heart rate. With this FDA clearance, clinicians will now have a tool to remotely monitor their patients with chronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allowing them to detect early signs of deterioration before symptoms are noticeable.
April 2019
Veracyte, Inc. recently announced that it has received a final Medicare local coverage determination (LCD) for the Envisia™ Genomic Classifier. The policy was issued through the Palmetto GBA MolDx program and will become effective April 1, 2019, making the Envisia classifier covered for the nation’s 55 million Medicare patients. The Envisia classifier is the first commercially available test of its kind to improve diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is Veracyte’s third genomic test to receive a Medicare-covered designation since the company’s founding in 2008.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sunosi™ (solriamfetol) to improve wakefulness in adult patients with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Once-daily Sunosi is approved with doses of 75 mg and 150 mg for patients with narcolepsy and doses of 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg for patients with OSA. Sunosi is the first dual-acting dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (DNRI) approved to treat excessive daytime sleepiness in adults living with narcolepsy or OSA.
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISRG), a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the Ion™ endoluminal system to enable minimally invasive biopsy in the peripheral lung.
Just Approved and Launched
March 2019
GSK recently announced plans to make available an authorized generic (AG) of ADVAIR DISKUS (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder) in all three approved strengths. The authorized generic will be manufactured by GSK and distributed by Prasco LLC. The authorized generic contains the same medicines in the same DISKUS device familiar to patients with the same instructions for use as ADVAIR DISKUS.
Click here for ADVAIR DISKUS prescribing information.
On Feb. 12, 2019 Mylan N.V. announced the launch of the first FDA-approved therapeutically equivalent, substitutable generic of ADVAIR DISKUS®, Wixela™ Inhub™ (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder, USP), approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) pathway. Wixela Inhub is indicated for certain patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Just Approved and Launched
January 2019
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first generic of Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) for the twice-daily treatment of asthma in patients aged four years and older and maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and reducing exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mylan obtained approval to market its generic inhaler in three strengths: fluticasone propionate 100 mcg/ salmeterol 50 mcg, fluticasone propionate 250 mcg/ salmeterol 50 mcg and fluticasone propionate 500 mcg/ salmeterol 50 mcg.
Just Approved and Launched
December 2018
Theravance Biopharma, Inc. and Mylan N.V. recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the New Drug Application (NDA) for YUPELRITM (revefenacin) inhalation solution for the maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). YUPELRI, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), is the first and only once-daily, nebulized bronchodilator approved for the treatment of COPD in the US. The companies expect YUPELRI to be available to COPD patients in the US before the end of the year. COPD is the third leading cause of death and the fourth leading cause of hospital readmissions in the US, affecting approximately 16 million Americans.
Pfizer Inc. recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved LORBRENA® [lor-BREN-ah] (lorlatinib), a third-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for patients with ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has progressed on crizotinib and at least one other ALK inhibitor for metastatic disease; or whose disease has progressed on alectinib or ceritinib as the first ALK inhibitor therapy for metastatic disease. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. This represents the third FDA approval Pfizer has received for an oncology treatment, including two lung cancer medicines, within two months.
Just Approved and Launched
November 2018
Insmed Incorporated, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the unmet needs of patients with rare diseases, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval of ARIKAYCE® (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension) for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen for adult patients who have limited or no alternative treatment options. ARIKAYCE is the first and only therapy approved in the U.S. specifically for patients with MAC lung disease, a chronic and debilitating condition that can significantly increase patient morbidity and mortality.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sanofi announced recently that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Dupixent® (dupilumab) as an add-on maintenance therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma aged 12 years and older with an eosinophilic phenotype or with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma.
Just Approved and Launched
October 2018
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced on Oct 2, 2018 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved NUZYRA™ (omadacycline) for the treatment of adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) and acute skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). NUZYRA, a modernized tetracycline, is a once-daily IV and oral antibiotic that exhibits activity across a spectrum of bacteria, including Gram-positive, Gram-negative, atypicals, and drug resistant strains. The Company plans on making NUZYRA available in the first quarter 2019.
Just Approved and Launched
September 2018
On September 28, 2018, Novartis announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 75 mg/0.5 mL and 150 mg/1 mL single-dose prefilled syringes (PFS) for Xolair® (omalizumab) as an additional formulation for both allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) indications2. The new Xolair PFS formulation is expected to be available by the end of this year for the first time in the US. Xolair is currently available in a 150 mg single-dose vial with lyophilized, sterile powder for reconstitution.
Read the full press release here.
Pfizer Inc. announced on September 27, 2018 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved VIZIMPRO® [vih-ZIM-pro] (dacomitinib), a kinase inhibitor for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test.
Read the full press release here.
Just Approved and Launched
August 2018
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic version of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr (epinephrine) auto-injector for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including those that are life-threatening (anaphylaxis), in adults and pediatric patients who weigh more than 33 pounds. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA gained approval to market its generic epinephrine auto-injector in 0.3 mg and 0.15 mg strengths.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company recently announced that Opdivo (nivolumab) received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first and only Immuno-Oncology treatment option for patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) whose cancer has progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy and at least one other line of therapy.1 Approval for this indication has been granted under accelerated approval based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.1
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced in August that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ORKAMBI® (lumacaftor/ivacaftor) to include use in children ages 2 through 5 years with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have two copies of the F508del-CFTR mutation, making it the first medicine approved to treat the underlying cause of CF in this population. ORKAMBI oral granules are available in two dosage strengths (lumacaftor 100mg/ivacaftor 125mg and lumacaftor 150mg/ivacaftor 188mg) for weight-based dosing. ORKAMBI oral granules should be available for fulfillment within 2 to 4 weeks.
Just Approved and Launched
June/July, 2018
GlaxoSmithKline plc and Innoviva, Inc. recently announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an expanded indication for Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol ‘FF/UMEC/VI’), which means this medicine can now be used by US physicians to treat a broader population of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with airflow limitation or who have experienced an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms.
The new indication is for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. It is also indicated to reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations. It is not indicated for relief of acute bronchospasm or for the treatment of asthma.
Full US Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, is available.
Pulmonx® Corp. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve System for treating severe emphysema patients. The Zephyr Valve is the first minimally-invasive device approved in the United States for treating patients with severe emphysema, a progressive and life-threatening form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The approval is based on positive clinical data from the pivotal LIBERATE Study and two other multicenter randomized control trials. In the LIBERATE study, patients treated with Zephyr Valves were able to breathe easier, be more active and energetic, be less short of breath, and enjoy a significantly improved quality of life compared to patients who received medical management alone.
As stated in the Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data, the FDA granted the Zephyr Valve an expedited review because it “represents a breakthrough technology as the device offers bronchoscopic lung volume reduction without surgery and its associated risks. This device offers significant clinically meaningful advantage over the current standard of care and therefore its availability is also in the best interest of patients.”
Click here for more product information.
Just Approved and Launched
March 1, 2018
Teva Pharmaceuticals recently announced that QVAR® RediHaler™ (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol is now available to patients by prescription. QVAR® RediHaler™ is the first and only breath-actuated aerosol inhaled corticosteroid for the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients ages 4 and older. Important Limitation of Use: QVAR RediHaler Inhalation Aerosol is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
Effective immediately, QVAR® will be discontinued. This discontinuation may affect your patients’ current treatment plans, so you will need to provide guidance on how they can make the change from QVAR® to QVAR® RediHaler™. Teva expects that QVAR® RediHaler™ will have the same best-in-class commercial coverage as QVAR® and similar Medicare Part D coverage. Medicaid coverage will vary by state.
QVAR® RediHaler™ contains the exact same medication as QVAR® (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol, but utilizes innovative breath-actuated inhaler technology to deliver it via a spacer-free design (do not use with a spacer) and does not require priming or shaking2.
See full prescribing information here.
Just Approved and Launched
Feb. 2, 2018
AstraZeneca and its global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, announced that the EC has approved FASENRA® (benralizumab) as an add-on maintenance treatment in adult patients with severe eosinophilic asthma inadequately controlled despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta-agonists. The drug received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration late last year, scroll down and read more in our December 2017 Just Approved and Launched.
Click here for detailed product information.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted extension of the Marketing Authorization for ORKAMBI®, the first medicine to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in people with two copies of the F508del mutation, to include children ages 6 through 11. ORKAMBI is a combination of lumacaftor, which is designed to increase the amount of mature protein at the cell surface by targeting the processing and trafficking defect of the F508del-CFTR protein, and ivacaftor, which is designed to enhance the function of the CFTR protein once it reaches the cell surface. ORKAMBI is available as tablets and is typically taken twice per day.
Click here for more product information.
In January, Altus Capital Partners, Inc., an investment firm focused on the North American manufacturing sector, announced the successful conclusion of the tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of MGC Diagnostics Corporation, a global medical technology company dedicated to cardiorespiratory health solutions, at a price of $11.03 per share. Through its Medical Graphics Corporation and Medisoft SA subsidiaries, MGC develops, manufactures and markets non-invasive diagnostic systems. This is Altus’ second acquisition in 2017, after partnering with management to acquire Max Environmental Technologies, Inc., an integrated environmental solutions company, in February 2017.
Just Approved and Launched
Jan. 10, 2018
Important Label Changes ICS/LABA – read more
GlaxoSmithKline achieves approval for Nucala (mepolizumab) for the treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) for adults in the U.S. The disease was previously known as Churg-Strauss syndrome. This is the first targeted treatment approved for this rare eosinophil-driven disease, following FDA Priority Review. GSK submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for mepolizumab, an interleukin-5 (IL-5) antagonist, in June 2017. EGPA is a chronic rare disease that is caused by inflammation in the walls of small-to-medium sized blood vessels; approximately 5000 patients with the disease in the U.S.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health approved the Benson Medical Instruments CCS-200 Plus Spirometer for the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP). The CWHSP testing of U.S coal miners includes respiratory health screening through questionnaires, spirometry testing, and chest radiology when they enter the coal mining workforce and periodically throughout their tenure. Further benefits of the device include: advanced reporting and analysis, and multi-year record keeping for each subject.
Just Approved and Launched
Dec. 8, 2017
AstraZeneca and its global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved FASENRA™ (benralizumab) for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 12 years and older, and with an eosinophilic phenotype (about 50 percent of patients with asthma). FASENRA is the only respiratory biologic that provides direct, rapid and near-complete depletionof eosinophils within 24 hours.
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of Seebri™ Neohaler® (glycopyrrolate) Inhalation Powder for the 15.6 mcg twice-daily, long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in people with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. As a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), SEEBRI NEOHALER falls within a class of medication recommended by the 2017 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report as first-line, standard-of-care maintenance therapy for symptomatic patients with COPD.*
Additionally, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved LONHALA™ MAGNAIR™ (glycopyrrolate) Inhalation Solution for the twice-daily, long-term maintenance treatment of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. LONHALA MAGNAIR is the first and only nebulized long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) for COPD. It is delivered via an innovative closed-system nebulizer that is virtually silent, portable, and designed to administer medication in 2-3 minutes with proper assembly and cleaning. The MAGNAIR Nebulizer System allows patients to breathe normally while using the device. Standard jet nebulizers commonly take up to 20 minutes to administer medicine.
*GOLD does not endorse any specific treatments. Read the 2017 report in the AJRCCM.
Just Approved and Launched
Nov. 1, 2017
In September, the FDA approved Johnson & Johnson’s Tracleer (bosentan) in a 32-mg tablet "to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension in children ages three and older." J&J acquired the treatment in its acquisition of Actelion.
Just Approved and Launched
Oct. 3, 2017
GlaxoSmithKline and Innoviva, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved once-daily, single inhaler triple therapy fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI), under the brand name Trelegy Ellipta, for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, who are on a fixed-dose combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol for airflow obstruction and reducing exacerbations in whom additional treatment of airflow obstruction is desired or for patients who are already receiving umeclidinium and a fixed-dose combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol. Trelegy Ellipta is not indicated for relief of acute bronchospasm or the treatment of asthma.
Just Approved and Launched
Aug. 5, 2017
Teva announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved QVAR® RediHaler™ (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) inhalation aerosol for the maintenance treatment of asthma as a prophylactic therapy in patients four years of age and older. QVAR® RediHaler™ is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. It differs from conventional metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) as it delivers medication via a breath-actuated MDI, eliminating the need for hand-breath coordination during inhalation. QVAR® RediHaler™ administers the same active drug ingredient found in QVAR®(beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol, with a different mode of delivery.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the combination of dabrafenib (Tafinlar®) and trametinib (Mekinist®) ̶ both owned by Novartis ̶ for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has an alteration in the BRAV gene called the V600E mutation. Dabrafenib and trametinib block different growth-promoting signals in the MAPK pathway that are activated by the V600E BRAF mutation ̶ dabrafenib inhibits the BRAF protein, whereas trametinib is a MEK inhibitor. This is the first approval specifically for patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved KALYDECO® (ivacaftor) for use in more than 600 people with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages 2 and older who have one of five residual function mutations that result in a splicing defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This approval was based on Phase 3 clinical data for KALYDECO® in these mutations, and follows the FDA’s approval of KALYDECO in May 2017 for 23 other residual function mutations, which was based on analyses of in vitro data. Both approvals are supported by more than five years of real-world clinical experience that demonstrate KALYDECO’s established safety and efficacy profile.
Just Approved and Launched
May 1, 2017
On April 20, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., announced the simultaneous launch of AirDuo™ RespiClick® (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) inhalation powder and its authorized generic for the treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older who are uncontrolled on an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or whose disease severity clearly warrants the use of an ICS/long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) combination. The launch seeks to offer greater access to lower-cost asthma inhaler technology, and Teva expects that sales of the authorized generic will represent most of the sales of the two products. AirDuo™ RespiClick® was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2017 in three doses: 55/14 mcg, 113/14 mcg and 232/14 mcg administered as one inhalation twice daily.
On April 29, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., announced the launch of Utibron™ Neohaler® (indacaterol/glycopyrrolate) inhalation powder, a combination bronchodilator approved in the U.S. for the long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. The UTIBRON NEOHALER is not indicated to treat asthma or for the relief of sudden symptoms of COPD. An important feature of the NEOHALER device is that it offers several feedback mechanisms that allow patients to see whether or not the capsule is empty and provide dose confirmation. It is the latest product available in an important class of combination bronchodilators that are recommended as maintenance treatment for those suffering from COPD by the 2017 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Report.
Just Approved and Launched
March 2, 2017
On Feb. 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved SPIRIVA RESPIMAT for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma in people aged six years and older. The FDA approved the Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) under a priority review designation, and the FDA also granted pediatric exclusivity to SPIRIVA RESPIMAT in light of the clinical trials conducted by Boehringer Ingelheim. SPIRIVA RESPIMAT, which is delivered as two puffs once a day of 1.25 mcg per puff, is part of a class of medicines called long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and is the only one of its kind approved for asthma. This FDA approval is based on efficacy and safety data from the Phase II and Phase III UniTinA-asthma® clinical development program, which included more than 150 sites globally with more than 6,000 patients, including 804 children (aged 6‒11 years).
Just Approved and Launched
Dec. 16, 2016
On Dec. 2, GlaxoSmithKline and Innoviva, Inc. announced the filing by GSK of a regulatory submission with the European Medicines Agency for once-daily, closed triple combination therapy fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI 100/62.5/25 mcg) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This follows the announcement of the submission of a New Drug Application for FF/UMEC/VI in the United States in November 2016. The EU regulatory submission of closed triple therapy comprises a Marketing Authorisation Application for a maintenance treatment to relieve symptoms of adult patients with COPD. It is based on data from the closed triple combination therapy development programme including data from the phase III FULFIL study, as well as data from studies with FF, UMEC and VI either alone or in combination.
Just Approved and Launched
Nov. 10, 2016
Oct. 18, 2016 – Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TECENTRIQ ® (atezolizumab) for the treatment of people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, and have progressed on an appropriate FDA-approved targeted therapy if their tumor has EGFR or ALK gene abnormalities. This approval is based on results from the randomized Phase III OAK and Phase II POPLAR studies. The largest study, OAK, showed that TECENTRIQ helped people in the overall study population live a median of 13.8 months, 4.2 months longer than those treated with docetaxel chemotherapy.
Oct. 24, 2016 – Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), the company’s anti-PD-1 (programmed death receptor-1) therapy, for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression (tumor proportion score [TPS] of 50 percent or more) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. With this new indication, KEYTRUDA is now the only anti-PD-1 therapy to be approved in the first-line treatment setting for these patients.
Just Approved and Launched
Sept. 12, 2016
On Aug. 15, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the advanced EDWARDS INTUITY Elite valve system, a rapid deployment device that enables surgeons to streamline concomitant procedures.
FDA approval was supported by data from the TRANSFORM clinical trial, which treated 839 patients in 29 centers in the United States.
Just Approved and Launched
Aug. 7, 2016
On July 6, the FDA approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to extend the allergic asthma indication for Genentech’s Xolair® (omalizumab) to pediatric patients, ages six to 11 years. Xolair® — which has been used to treat more than 200,000 allergic asthma patients since its approval in 2003 for individuals 12 years and older — is now indicated for pediatric patients with severe to persistent asthma who have a positive skin test or in vitro reactivity to a perennial aeroallergen, and whose symptoms are inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids.
Asthma is one of the most common long-term diseases in children, affecting approximately 6.3 million people under 18, or one in 12 children in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that between 70 and 80 percent of school-aged children with asthma also have allergies, which are among the most common triggers for asthma.
Just Approved and Launched
May 6, 2016
Todd Austin, Executive Vice President, Global Marketing and Corporate Strategy at MGC Diagnostics®, has provided funding to establish the Dr. Robert Crapo Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award for Pulmonary Diagnostics. MGC Diagnostics and Medisoft are global medical technology companies dedicated to cardiorespiratory health solutions. The Dr. Robert Crapo Memorial Lifetime Achievement award recognizes an established or senior investigator with recognized and distinguished scientific achievement in the field of pulmonary function testing or exercise physiology. The first annual award will be presented at the ATS 2016 International Conference during the RSF Assembly Meeting.
AstraZeneca announced that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved BEVESPI AEROSPHERE™ (glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate) inhalation aerosol indicated for the long-term, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is not indicated to treat asthma or for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ProAir RespiClick® (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Powder for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in children 4 to 11 years of age with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). ProAir RespiClick® was approved by the FDA for use in patients 12 years of age and older in March 2015 and remains the only breath-activated, multi-dose, dry powder, short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) inhaler available in the U.S.
Just Approved and Launched
April 7, 2016
PneumaCare Ltd (Cambridge, UK) announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Thora-3DI™ imaging device. Thora-3DI™ is a non-invasive, non-contact device that uses a patented technology known as structured light Plethysmography (SLP) to measure breathing through detection of movement of the chest and abdomen. The technology can be used to accurately measure respiratory status in patients with a wide range of respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and lung failure, and to assess patients before and after surgery.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved CINQAIR® (reslizumab) Injection, an interleukin 5 antagonist monoclonal antibody (IgG4 kappa) indicated for add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 18 years and older, and with an eosinophilic phenotype. CINQAIR® is administered by intravenous (IV) infusion at a weight-based dose of 3 mg/kg once every four weeks. The treatment is expected to become commercially available to patients, by prescription, during the second quarter of 2016.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a sNDA for STIOLTO RESPIMAT that adds data showing improvement in health-related quality of life among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to the product labelling. These data, which are from the OTEMTO® 1&2 clinical studies, show a clinically meaningful improvement in health-related quality of life, as measured by the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), which is a disease-specific patient-reported instrument that evaluates symptoms, activities, and the impact of the disease on daily life.
Just Approved and Launched
Feb. 10, 2016
The European Commission approved once-daily osimertinib tablets (Tagrisso, AstraZeneca) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is positive for the epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation. Diagnostic testing is required to establish the presence of the mutation.
SPIRIVA® RESPIMAT® (tiotropium bromide) inhalation spray is now available in the U.S. for maintenance treatment of asthma. The drug can help the nearly 22 million American adults and adolescents living with asthma whose symptoms may have a negative impact on their ability to perform daily activities.
Just Approved and Launched
Jan. 6, 2016
The FDA recently approved Uptravi, developed by Actelion Pharmaceuticals. Uptravi is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group I) to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization for PAH.
Just Approved and Launched
Dec. 16, 2015
Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) developed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals for prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after hip replacement surgery received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Just Approved and Launched
Nov. 25, 2015
KALYDECO® (ivacaftor) developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals for people with cystic fibrosis was approved by the European Union. Ivacaftor is the first medicine to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in people with specific mutations in the CFTR gene.
Just Approved and Launched
Nov. 18, 2015
The FDA recently approved the Utibron Neohaler (indacaterol/glycopyrrolate), manufactured by Novartis, for the long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
The FDA recently approved Nucala (mepolizumab) for the treatment of eosinophilic asthma, a form of severe asthma. Manufactured by GSK, the medicine is the first and only approved, biologic therapy specifically developed for people with severe asthma with eosinophilic inflammation.
FDA granted early approval to Tagrisso, also known as AZD9291 and developed by AstraZeneca, which is for a sub-set of lung cancer patients whose diseases worsened after other treatment therapies. The FDA approved a new mutation diagnostic test made by Roche, which Tagrisso is designed to target.
Just Approved and Launched: Iressa
July 15, 2015
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Iressa, manufactured by AstraZeneca, as a first-line treatment for patients with late-stage non-small cell lung cancer and a mutated epidermal growth factor receptor gene. Learn more.
Just Approved and Launched
July 8, 2015
The FDA recently approved Stiolto Respimat Inhalation Spray, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as a long-term, once-daily treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. It was not approved for the treatment of asthma or acute deterioration of COPD.
Just Approved and Launched
June 1, 2015
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved Breo Ellipta for the once-daily treatment of asthma in patients older than 18. The drug was previously approved by the FDA to treat airflow obstruction and reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD.
The FDA also recently approved Avelox for the treatment of both pneumonic plague and septicemic plague. The drug also was approved for the prevention of plague in adults.
Inspire Medical Systems’ Upper Airway Stimulation, a sleep apnea device, has been approved by the Government Services Administration for use at U.S. military treatment facilities and Veteran Administration hospitals. The device was previously approved by the FDA for civilian use.
European Union health officials have approved Zykadia, which is manufactured by Novartis, for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with a specific mutation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein. The drug was previously approved by the FDA in April 2014.
Just Approved and Launched
April 1, 2015
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Opdivo, also known as nivolumab, as a second-line treatment for squamous cell cancer, making it the first immune-based lung cancer treatment, according to the New York Times. The drug was originally approved in 2014 to treat advanced melanoma.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also recently approved Kalydeco for the treatment of pediatric cystic fibrosis in children ages 2-5 with some underlying gene mutations, according to the Boston Business Journal. The drug was previously approved by the FDA in 2012 for patients over the age of 6 with the gene mutations.
Just Approved and Launched
March 2, 2015
SPIRIVA® RESPIMAT® (tiotropium bromide) Inhalation Spray, which was approved in late 2014 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is now available. Spiriva Respimat was approved for long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and to reduce exacerbations in COPD patients.
Just Approved and Launched
Feb. 2, 2015
GlaxoSmithKline plc announced in January the availability of two of its recently approved products for the treatment of asthma and COPD to retail pharmacies in the U.S. Arnuity™ Ellipta (fluticasone furoate inhalation powder) is a once-daily inhaled corticosteroid medicine for the maintenance treatment of asthma. It is indicated for once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients aged 12 years and older. Incruse® Ellipta® (umeclidinium bromide), is an anticholinergic indicated for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in January for a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for the use of KALYDECO® (ivacaftor) in people with cystic fibrosis ages 6 and older who have the R117H mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. KALYDECO is now approved for use in the U.S. in people ages 6 and older with CF with one of the following ten mutations: R117H, G551D, G178R, S549N, S549R, G551S, G1244E, S1251N, S1255P, or G1349D.
Just Approved and Launched
Dec. 1, 2014
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Spiriva® Respimat® (tiotropium bromide) inhalation spray for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema and to reduce exacerbations in COPD patients. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. anticipates SPIRIVA RESPIMAT to be available in January 2015.
Just Approved and Launched
Nov. 3, 2014
Two drugs were approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Esbriet (pirfenidone) and Ofev (nintedanib). The Oct. 15 announcement follows separate clinical trials in which the decline in forced vital capacity was significantly reduced in patients who took either pirfenidone or nintedanib, respectively, compared to patients receiving placebo, the FDA notes. Esbriet is manufactured for InterMune, Inc., Brisbane, CA. Ofev is distributed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT.
The FDA has approved Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide) inhalation spray for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema and to reduce exacerbations in COPD patients. Boehringer Ingelheim anticipates SPIRIVA RESPIMAT to be available in January 2015.
Just Approved and Launched
Sept. 2, 2014
The FDA has approved a Supplemental New Drug Aplication for the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer prescription blood thinner Eliquis (apixaban) for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Eliquis had been approved in March to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people who have atrial fibrillation, and in June, the European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommended the approval of its use for DVT and PE.
The FDA has accepted to review Boehringer Ingelheim’s New Drug Application for the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of tiotropium and olodaterol delivered via the Respimat inhaler for the proposed indication of long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
Just Approved and Launched
Aug. 1, 2014
ResMed, which manufactures and distributes medical equipment for treating, diagnosing, and managing sleep-disordered breathing and other respiratory disorders, has added the AirFit F10 compact full face mask and AirFit N10 compact nasal mask to its AirFit™ line. The circular diffused venting of the AirFit F10 “directs exhaled air more evenly and makes it less likely to rebound off surrounding objects or bed partners, creating a more peaceful sleeping environment.” The AirFit N10 weighs less than 3 ounces and has an under-eye frame that provides a clear line of sight.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for QVAR® (beclomethasonedipropionate HFA) with a dose counter for the ongoing treatment of asthma as a preventative therapy in patients five years of age and older. The dose counter is designed to help asthma patients, as well as their caregivers, keep track of the number of doses remaining in the canister. The new product will be commercially available later this year.
