Synairgen : Positive Phase II asthma clinical trial data

April 19, 2012 - Synairgen plc (LSE: SNG), announces positive data from its Phase II clinical trial. This pioneering trial investigated the potential for SNG001 (inhaled interferon beta) to protect asthmatics from respiratory virus infections (principally the common cold) that can spread to the lung, which are a major cause of worsening asthma symptoms. It is estimated that viral infection is associated with up to eight out of ten asthma-related emergency department visits.

There are 5.4 million asthmatics in the UK (Asthma UK) and 25.7 million in the USA (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

The study investigated SNG001 in a population of 134 adult asthma patients, representing 'mild-moderate' through to 'severe' asthmatics, who caught a cold. Patients with 'difficult to treat' asthma, being approximately half of the patients in the trial, benefitted significantly from SNG001 treatment. This category of patient is estimated to represent between 10% and 20% of all adult asthma sufferers... [PDF] Synairgen's Press Release -

Almirall and Menarini : licence agreement and commercial alliance for Aclidinium in the majority of European member states and a number of non-EU countries

26 March 2012 - Almirall and Menarini sign a licence agreement and commercial alliance for Aclidinium in the majority of European member states and a number of non-EU countries -

• Partnership fulfills Almirall's key criteria: territorial complementarity, non-competing portfolio assets, strong primary care capabilities and proven track record 
• Aclidinium, a new therapeutic option, is awaiting regulatory feedback in the US and Europe, while partnerships have already been established in the US, Japan and Korea 
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects nearly 44 million people in Europe1 and is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) a global epidemic 

Almirall and Menarini announce an agreement by which Almirall grants Menarini marketing rights for Aclidinium in most EU and other European countries for the treatment of COPD. The agreement includes both aclidinium monotherapy and its combination with formoterol.

Menarini will have joint commercialisation rights across the majority of EU member states (excluding the UK, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries where Almirall retains sole marketing rights for the product) as well as Russia, Turkey and other CIS countries.

In the territories for which Menarini holds rights to market aclidinium, it currently has a commercial infrastructure of over 5,000 sales representatives. These strong commercial capabilities and excellent track record in partnering have been key for Almirall in selecting Menarini. The commercial capabilities of Menarini are especially strong in Germany, Italy and France as well as Turkey, Central and Eastern Europe... Almirall's Press Release - Menarini's Press Release -