Schering develops once-daily combination asthma therapy with Novartis

Schering-Plough and Novartis are to develop and commercialise a once-daily inhaled fixed-dose combination therapy for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Schering-Plough's once daily inhaled corticosteroid mometasone, the active ingredient in Asmanex, and Novartis' once daily beta2-agonist indacaterol (QAB149) will be combined in a single inhalation device. The combined product offers patient benefits such as enhanced disease control and convenience, say the companies.

Asmanex is the only inhaled asthma controller therapy approved in the US for once-daily initiation and management of asthma in patients previously treated with bronchodilators alone or inhaled corticosteroids.

"Asthma and COPD patients often have to use more than one treatment and are looking for new, effective and easier ways to control their symptoms," said Robert Spiegel, chief medical officer and senior vice-president, Schering-Plough Research Institute. "The combination of mometasone and indacaterol has the potential to enhance current therapy and help improve the quality of life for patients."

Combination products containing inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2-agonists are the fastest-growing segment of the worldwide asthma market. Under the agreement, the parties will share development costs, and there will be no initial payments by either party. The companies will co-promote the combination therapy worldwide.

The plans include using Schering-Plough's Twisthaler delivery device, which operates without a propellant, thus eliminating the need for hand-breath coordination. The Twisthaler device also includes a numeric dose counter that provides patients with a visual indication of the remaining doses.

Schering-Plough will receive royalties and other compensation for the inhaler if the combination therapy is commercialised in this device.