New Technology Designed to Enable Motorless Inhalers With Broad
Applicability for Local and Systemic Delivery of Inhaled Drugs
SAN DIEGO, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Dura)
(Nasdaq: DURA) today announced the invention of a new technology for
dispersing powder formulations of drugs to create aerosols for inhalation.
The new powder dispersion technology is an expansion of Dura's proprietary
Spiros(R) pulmonary delivery technology, which uses electro-mechanical energy
to disperse powders. As with the Spiros(R) technology, the new technology is
designed to deliver a uniform drug dose with low inspiratory effort, without
the need for a battery-powered motor. Dura has applied for broad patent
coverage on the core powder dispersion technology and on the design and
function of the advanced inhalers that incorporate the invention. The new
inhalers are designed to deliver small and large molecules to the lungs for
topical and systemic applications.
"The requirement for the patient to inspire vigorously to add enough
energy to obtain an optimal drug dose is a major limitation of currently
marketed dry powder inhalers," stated David S. Kabakoff, Ph.D. President, Dura
Technologies. "With the Spiros(R) technology, Dura introduced a solution to
this long-standing problem. Over the past several years, our aerosol
scientists and engineers have conducted intensive studies to understand the
efficiency of the Spiros(R) system. Insight from these studies has led to a
novel powder dispersion technology designed to achieve efficient delivery at
low inspiratory flow rates (15-30 liters/minute) without the
electro-mechanical components of Spiros(R). This invention has enabled the
development of smaller, lighter and lower cost inhalers that incorporate
Dura's existing, multi-dose powder storage systems, as well as new unit dose
systems. Development of new inhalation products using the existing cassette
or blisterdisk powder storage systems will benefit from Dura's extensive
technical experience and commercial scale manufacturing capacity."
"We are very excited about the potential for this breakthrough inhaler
technology and the rapid progress achieved by our technical team," continued
Dr. Kabakoff. "We believe that this new platform will lead to expansion of
our own portfolio of inhalation products and to broader technological options
for potential partners."
The development of the new inhalers and technology is ongoing with a goal
for Dura to initiate a human clinical study to confirm the in vivo performance
of the technology in late 2000.
For more information about business development opportunities with Dura's
inhalation delivery technology, including existing Spiros(R) systems and the
new inhaler systems, please contact Diane S. Goostree, Vice President of
Business Development at (858) 457-2553. For more information about Dura's
inhalation systems, please visit our website at http://www.durapharm.com.
Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a San Diego based specialty pharmaceutical
company that develops, markets and sells prescription products that treat
respiratory conditions and infectious diseases. Dura focuses on acquiring
products and late-stage product development candidates that leverage the
relationships its sales and marketing organization has established with target
physician groups. Dura is developing Spiros(R), a proprietary pulmonary drug
delivery system, for local and systemic delivery of a range of medications,
including steroid drugs for asthma treatment. Dura is also collaborating with
Eli Lilly & Company to develop inhaled insulin for the treatment of diabetes.
Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the
matters discussed in this press release regarding Dura or its business may
contain forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties,
including the timely initiation and successful completion of the clinical
trial programs for the Spiros(R) products, the ability to obtain adequate
funding to complete the clinical trial programs for the Spiros(R) products,
the timely FDA approval of the Spiros(R) products, if at all, the dependence
on third parties for manufacturing and development, the competitiveness of the
pharmaceutical industry, and other risks detailed from time to time in Dura's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may
differ materially from those projected. Any forward-looking statements
represent Dura's judgment as of the date of this release. Dura disclaims,
however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Further information about Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. can be found at
http://www.durapharm.com.
News releases from Dura Pharmaceuticals are available at no charge on
Dura's web site at http://www.durapharm.com and through PR Newswire's On-Call fax
service by calling (800) 758-5804, extension 197051.
SOURCE Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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http://www.durapharm.com
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http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/197051.html or fax,
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CONTACT:
Michael T. Borer, Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
858-457-2553
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