Respiratory

Astepro contains the active ingredient azelastine and is a nasal spray for treatment of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. Astepro is a new, improved formulation of Astelin, which is better tolerated and more effective. Astepro once-daily is the first nasal antihistamine approved as once-daily for patients with seasonal allergies. The launch of Astepro once-daily in the US began in 2009. Registration is underway in other key markets.

Meda is developing Dymista, a novel formulation of azelastine and fluticasone for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Azelastine is an antihistamine and fluticasone a corticosteroid; both are indicated for nasal treatment of allergic rhinitis. On their own, the ingredients are market leaders in the US in the intranasal antihistamine and corticosteroid treatment markets, respectively.

The aim is that, in the future, Dymista will give patients with allergic rhinitis more effective treatment than current therapies. In one single product, patients will receive the benefit of a steroid (to treat the inflammation) and an antihistamine (for rapid effect and relief of nasal congestion). Regulatory submissions have been filed during 2011 both in Europe and the US.

OX-NLA is a patented nasal spray formulation that contains the active ingredient cetirizine (an antihistamine). The liposomes in OX-NLA give the product unique characteristics. OX-NLA is documented for treatment of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

Dexpirronium is intended for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common disease that inhibits respiratory tract air flow. The active ingredient dexpirronium is an anticholinergenic agent that dilates the airways. Meda has a portfolio of patents and patent applications that cover use of dexpirronium for COPD. The project is in phase I.