An innovative new asthma treatment from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. recently gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, permitting the breath-activated inhaler to enter the market as a prophylactic maintenance medication.
QVAR RediHaler (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) inhalation aerosol is appropriate for patients 4 years of age and up. Company spokespersons noted that the treatment is not indicated for acute bronchospasm episodes.
Teva anticipates QVAR RediHaler becoming available by prescription in early 2018 in two dosages: 40 mcg and 80 mcg. The product works differently from traditional metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), simplifying the procedure without any shaking or priming. Additionally, it works alone without need for extra equipment such as a spacer.
Research has shown that approximately three-quarters of patients experience difficulty with MDI inhaler usage, according to Dr. Warner Carr of Allergy and Asthma Associates of Southern California Medical Group in Mission Viejo, California.
“From a clinical perspective, QVAR RediHaler is a much-needed treatment option for these patients who may be experiencing continued difficulty with hand-breath coordination,” Carr said.
Dr. Tushar Shah, who serves as head of late stage development at Teva Pharmaceuticals, concurred with the need for the technology, emphasizing the importance of developing new approaches for previously proven medicines.
“The FDA approval … brings to market inhaler technology aimed at enabling patients to more accurately administer the medication and ensuring they are receiving a proper dose with each inhalation,” Shah said.
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