BRIEF‪—Novartis files for EU approval for QVM149

Swiss pharma giant Novartis has filed for European regulatory approval for QVM149, a potential new inhaled combination therapy for asthma.

The therapy contains indacaterol acetate, glycopyrronium bromide and mometasone furoate (IND/GLY/MF), delivered with the dose-confirming Breezhaler inhalation device.

The action triggered a milestone payment of $2.5 million to licensor Sosei Heptares. Glycopyrronium bromide and certain intellectual property relating to its use and formulation were out-licensed to Novartis in 2005.