Sosei Group Corp. confirms that Novartis Pharma K.K. launched once-daily Ultibro Inhalation Capsules (“Ultibro”; glycopyrronium/indacaterol), for relief of various symptoms due to airway obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ultibro was developed by Novartis under the name of QVA149. Dual bronchodilation with Ultibro is expected to set a new standard of care in COPD by combining the proven efficacy benefits and safety profiles of two established Novartis COPD treatments, the LABA, Onbrez Inhalation Capsules (indacaterol), and the LAMA, Seebri Inhalation Capsules (glycopyrronium bromide).
All Novartis inhaled COPD portfolio products are developed for delivery via a single-dose dry powder inhaler (SDDPI) called the Breezhaler inhalation device which has low air flow resistance, making it suitable for patients with airflow limitation. The Breezhaler device allows patients to hear, feel and see that they have taken the full dose correctly.
Ultibro was approved in Japan and EU (under the brand name Ultibro Breezhaler) in September, and has since been launched in Germany and Netherlands. U.S. submission is anticipated in the second half of 2014.
Seebri, Onbrez and Breezhaler are registered trademarks of Novartis AG.
Date: November 20, 2013
Source: Sosei Group Corp.
