good update22 Oct 2009 09:44
Vectura encouraged by COPD treatment progress
Respiratory drug developer Vectura says progress with its NVA237 and QVA149 treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is encouraging.
Phase III trials of NVA237, which started in June, are proceeding to plan.
Initiation of Phase III studies with QVA149 is now expected during 2010. Receipt of an associated milestone payment of $7.5m is expected during the 2011 year.
QVA149 incorporates indacaterol, which Novartis announced on 25 September was recommended for approval in the EU to treat patients with COPD.
Novartis also received a Complete Response letter from the US FDA on 16 October requesting additional information on the dosing proposed for indacaterol.
Vectura chief executive Chris Blackwell said, 'Progress with Phase III studies evaluating NVA237, and the rapid review and recommendation for approval of indacaterol in Europe, are both encouraging with regard to the development of QVA149.'