Respiratory

Swedish biotech Amniotics is developing a broad pipeline of unique stem cell therapeutics based on technology that is broadly applicable to major disease markets which should eventually draw the attention of big pharma players, its CEO tells Scrip.

Buying the UK inhalation specialist Vectura will be key to the transformation of Philip Morris International as it looks to reduce its reliance on smoking products, CEO Jacek Olczak has declared.

Swedish biotech Cyxone’s CEO tells Scrip about its aims to become a cutting-edge developer of disease-modifying treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, but says the Scandinavian industry needs a ‘mindset change’.

Lupin’s plans for a US generic to GSK’s Advair Diskus have turned awry as its contract with Celon Pharma is close to being terminated. The company has focused on other respiratory drugs like generic ProAir and Fostair even as the revenue potential for Advair has been shrinking post Mylan’s launch.

Cash-rich private equity firms are eyeing opportunities in healthcare, especially among listed companies with sluggish share prices. The Carlyle Group could be getting a bargain if it seals a deal for the Chippenham-based inhalation specialist.

Chiesi may not be a big pharma giant but it is very good at spotting early-stage innovative projects and partnering with the likes of Moderna, Protalix and Bioasis to tackle respiratory and rare diseases, CEO Ugo Di Francesco tells Scrip.

SaNOtize is in partnering talks with large firms in India to manufacture and distribute its nitric oxide nasal spray for COVID-19. The Canadian company believes the product, which already has an interim approval in Israel, could potentially reduce viral load of SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as influenza and other respiratory viruses.

UK studies indicate the potential of inhaled budesonide in improving COVID-19 recovery time in specific groups, with some leading Indian physicians suggesting that the widely available asthma/COPD therapy should be selectively evaluated in the Indian context as well.

The German group is investing heavily in R&D and the continued strong performance of products like Spiriva and Pradaxa is helping to pay for future innovation.

Company develops selective JAK inhibitors for IBD and pulmonary disease that are intended to clear the body before systemic side effects can occur. It also has a drug candidate for NOH that analysts think is underappreciated.

Smoking, pollution, pandemics and now sandstorms - China faces a rising respiratory disease burden as companies aim to tackle it with new products.

Early results from its novel antiviral are encouraging, but demonstrating life-saving qualities in a short window of time will be tricky.