Britannia and airPharma sign accord

USA-based airPharma and the UK's Britannia Pharmaceuticals have signed a global licensing deal under which the former will develop AP0016, a dry powder formulation of the latter's synthetic surfactant, Pumactant.

Under the terms of the agreement, airPharma will commence a clinical program to evaluate the drug's efficacy for seasonal allergic asthma, followed by additional respiratory indications such as perennial allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The US firm will also be responsible for regulatory and marketing initiatives for AP0016 worldwide, except for the UK and Ireland, which will remain under Britannia's management. No financial details of the accord were disclosed.