Dry powder development: Vectura’s BI alternative backed by Pulmatrix
VR410 (tiotropium bromide) – previously known as PUR0200 – is a generic alternative to Boehringer Ingelheim’s COPD treatment Spiriva HandiHaler. Vectura is developing it under an exclusive license with clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm Pulmatrix.
Under the agreement, Vectura can develop Pulmatrix’s once-daily, inhalable formulation in combination with one or more other active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Vectura said this will enable the development of future additional combination assets in the US long-acting bronchodilators (LABA) and long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LABA) markets.
In addition, Pulmatrix will help transfer development and manufacturing activities to Vectura, from where the technology can be licensed to other firms.
“Vectura plans to license VR410 and future VR410 assets to partners with capacity to fund the remaining development and commercialisation activities,” a Vectura spokesperson told us.
The spokesperson did not disclose which Vectura facility is responsible for VR410’s development.
Inhaler tech abroad
Earlier this year, Pulmatrix announced it was extending its IP portfolio following the receipt of a European patent for its particle-based drug delivery technology, iSperse.
The technology – covered under patent EP 2410981 B1 – is used to formulate small molecule drugs for inhaled delivery.
