Novartis launches COPD inhalers in China

Novartis (NYSE:NVS) has launched its Ultibro Breezhaler and Seebri Breezhaler in China for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Ultibro Breezhaler system is a once-daily fixed-dose combination of indacaterol and glycopyrronium bromide. Seebri Breezhaler is a fixed-dose formulation of glycopyrronium bromide.

The inhaled therapies are approved in more than 90 countries, including the U.S. the E.U. and Japan.

Sosei Group (TSE:4656) and Vectura inked a development deal with Novartis for the technology in April 2005. Both companies are eligible for royalties on global product sales, according to Sosei.

“We are delighted that Novartis has launched Ultibro Breezhaler and Seebri Breezhaler in China,” Shinichi Tamura, chairman, president & CEO of Sosei Heptares, said in prepared remarks. “In a large, nationally representative sample of adults aged 40 years or older, the estimated overall prevalence of COPD in China in 2014–2015 was 13.6%, indicating that this disease has become a major public-health problem. Strategies aimed at prevention and treatment of COPD are needed urgently.”

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