Activaero has entered into research collaboration with Italian pharmaceutical firm Chiesi Farmaceutici to develop an effective solution to treat patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Under the deal, Activaero will offer its flow and volume regulated inhalation technology (FAVORITE) incorporated in a customized device solution to Chiesi.
The deal will also see both companies jointly evaluate the potential of a novel drug device combination product using FAVORITE inhalation approach and Chiesi's pharmaceutical agent to develop the treatment solution.
The solution is expected to offer optimum drug distribution across the complete lung, particularly the small airways, which are not accessible with standard nebulizer systems due to obstructions caused by scarred tissue and mucus in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients.
The first part of the research work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013.
The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Chiesi vice-president and R&D director Paolo Chiesi said: "The FAVORITE inhalation approach is highly promising to achieve optimal lung deposition rates with lower drug doses and, ultimately, a better therapeutic outcome in the treatment of cystic fibrosis."
Chiesi has already secured approval and markets its proprietary inhaled tobramycin solution (Bramitob/Bethkis, 300mg/4ml UDV) directly or via partners in many countries worldwide, including the US.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic disorders amongst caucasians and is inherited recessively with an improved but still rather low life expectancy with a median age of currently 33.4 years.
