Respiratory
Asthma and allergies are widespread diseases. An estimated 60 million people suffer from asthma in the seven largest markets, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK, and the US, and forecasts indicate that 180 million people may suffer from allergic rhinitis in 2012.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is another widespread condition commonly associated with asthma and allergies. In 2011 an estimated 60 million people in just those seven mentioned markets suffered from COPD.
Meda’s largest products in Specialty Products include four in the respiratory therapy area: Astepro (seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis), Astelin (seasonal allergic and non-allergic rhinitis), and Novopulmon and Formatris (asthma, COPD and chronic bronchitis).
Other Meda products in this area, include Allergospasmin (reproterol, sodium cromoglycate), a combination drug for treatment of exercise-induced asthma and mild asthma due to allergies and other complaints; Ventilastin (salbutamol), a bronchodilator that alleviates asthma and COPD symptoms; and Optivar (azelastine) for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.
Key Products in Respiratory
Astepro
Astepro contains the active ingredient azelastine and is a nasal spray approved for treatment of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Astepro is a new, improved formulation of Astelin. It is better tolerated, more effective and acts faster. The American FDA approved Astepro once-daily in Q3 2009. Launch on the US market began in October 2009, and the product was very well received. Astepro is currently in the registration phase in Europe.
Astelin
Astelin contains the active ingredient azelastine and is a nasal spray approved for treatment of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. In the US market, Astepro has replaced Astelin to a large degree. In Europe, Meda markets Astelin under brands such as Allergodil and Rhinolast.
Novopulmon
Novopulmon is used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic bronchitis. Novopulmon contains the active ingredient budesonide and uses the Novolizer inhalation system.
Novolizer is an advanced, refillable, multidose dry powder inhaler (MDPI).
The patented system is driven solely by inhalation. Unlike other systems, Novolizer sends several signals to indicate correct inhalation and assure proper drug delivery.
The Novolizer system is available with various active ingredients for complete asthma therapy. Besides budesonide, Meda also markets Novolizer with formoterol and salbutamol. Novopulmon is available in 200μg and 400μg, of which the 200μg dose is registered and launched on most major European markets, and has a market leading position in Germany.
Formatris
The active ingredient in Formatris is formoterol, a bronchodilator or long-acting beta agonist, which is used for the treatment of asthma and COPD.
Like Novopulmon, Formatris is delivered via Novolizer, a dry powder inhaler. Formatris is available in two strengths—6 and 12 μg—depending on the market.
