SAN DIEGO, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Dura)
(Nasdaq: DURA) today announced that it has been issued U.S. Patent 6,116,237
on methods of dry powder inhalation. The patent claims include appropriate
inhaler design criteria, in conjunction with a wide range of drug particle and
aerodynamic sizes, which result in improved inhalation systems for both
topical and systemic drug delivery. The patent describes inhaler resistances
that are considered advantageous to permit patients to effectively operate dry
powder inhalers with a variety of drug particle sizes over a range of flow
rates from 15 -- 60 liters per minute. This patent should provide extensive
protection to Dura and its collaborators while adding to Dura's current
portfolio of sixteen issued patents.
Application of these inhaler design parameters to insulin and other
systemically targeted macromolecules favors improved lung deposition because
it is designed to allow the patient to achieve efficient inhaler performance
using slow deep inspiration. Topically delivered drugs such as vaccines,
antibiotics and respiratory compounds could benefit from the technology as
larger particle aerodynamic sizes can now be more efficiently targeted to the
upper airways. The issued patent is not specific to a drug, formulation or
inhaler and can be used with or without energy-assisted mechanisms to aid in
powder dispersion, such as Dura's Spiros(R) blisterdisk system and its
motorless Spiros(R) S2 system. Dura is currently developing a method of
inhaled insulin delivery using the motorized Spiros(R) blisterdisk drug
delivery system in collaboration with Eli Lilly & Company (NYSE: LLY). Dura
also intends, through the use of collaborative relationships, to develop the
Spiros(R) motorized blisterdisk and Spiros(R) S2 pulmonary drug delivery
systems. The Spiros(R) S2 technology has potential for use worldwide with a
broad variety of molecules, including proteins and peptides.
"We are very excited about the dry powder inhalation methods patent as it
broadly covers useful inhaler operating ranges for particle size, resistance
and flow rate," said Lloyd E. Flanders, Ph.D., Dura's Senior Vice President,
Technology Operations. "This patent substantially expands the intellectual
property position for our inhaler technologies and methods of dry powder
inhalation as it goes beyond our specific systems and may be applicable to a
wide range of inhalers. We believe this patent encompasses many of the
concepts and fundamental knowledge necessary to achieve enhanced pulmonary
delivery of pharmaceutical products."
Dura is a San Diego based specialty pharmaceutical company that markets
and sells prescription products that treat infectious diseases, respiratory
conditions and dermatological conditions. Dura focuses on products and
transactions that leverage its sales and marketing organization. Through the
use of collaborative relationships, Dura intends to develop the Spiros(R)
blisterdisk and Spiros(R) S2 pulmonary drug delivery systems for the local and
systemic delivery of a wide range of medications. On September 11, 2000, Dura
and Elan Corporation, plc (NYSE: ELN) announced the signing of a definitive
merger agreement for Elan to acquire Dura. The merger agreement is pending
regulatory and Dura stockholder approval.
Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the
matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements
including targets, estimates, plans, expectations, goals and projections,
which involve risks and uncertainties, including Dura's ability to complete
its merger with Elan, Dura's ability to execute its refocused strategy, risks
associated with the creation and successful operation of a to-be-formed
dermatology division, the effectiveness of Dura's sales forces in promoting
its products, Dura's success in acquiring additional products, risks
associated with the successful development and commercialization of the
inhaled insulin product candidate and Dura's Spiros(R) S2 technology, 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, including future growth in product sales and earnings. Any
forward-looking statements represent Dura's judgment as of the time and date
of this release. Dura disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update
any such 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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CONTACT:
Michael T. Borer, Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
858-457-2553
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