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, with once-daily dosing, has the potential to offer patient benefits including enhanced disease control and convenience.
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 development plans for the combination therapy are foreseen to include using Schering-Plough’s Twisthaler delivery device, among other inhalers. Schering-Plough will receive royalties and other compensation for the Twisthaler device if the combination therapy is commercialized in this device.
The joint development and commercialization of mometasone and indacaterol is the latest example of a long-term collaboration between the two companies. In April 2003, Schering-Plough and Novartis announced an agreement for the joint worldwide development and marketing of a new combination treatment of the active ingredients in Schering-Plough’s Asmanex and Novartis’ Foradil (formoterol fumarate). This combination therapy is entering phase III development for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“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 Dr Robert Spiegel, chief medical officer and senior vice president of 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.”