Almirall in talks with potential asthma partners

Spanish pharma company Almirall is in discussions with potential partners for one of its asthma drugs following positive trial results.

Its inhaled long-acting beta-agonist LAS100977 was shown to be fast acting, effective and have with a good safety profile, when combined with a corticosteroid in phase II studies.

The drug is one of the most advanced in Almiral's pipeline and the company has hopes it could become a best-in-class treatment.

Executive director of R&D Per Olof Andersson said the company was encouraged by the latest trial results.

He added: "We look forward to announcing a partnership for the development and commercialisation of this novel drug in 2009."

Another front-runner in Almirall's respiratory pipeline is aclidinium bromide, an inhaled COPD treatment currently in phase III trials.

The Barcelona-based company has an agreement with American company Forest to co-develop and co-market aclidinium bromide in the US.

Trial results in October 2008 showed the long-acting anti-muscarinic agent improved lung function and was well tolerated, without any apparent safety issues.

Almirall says aclidinium bromide may offer COPD patients certain advantages over existing drugs, including speed of onset, and a strong safety profile.

The drug will need to demonstrate significant benefits in order to compete with Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer's blockbuster Spiriva (tiotropium).

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