FDA AdCom backs new asthma rescue treatment from AstraZeneca

UK pharma major AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) today reported that the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee has voted overwhelmingly to recommend approval of PT027 (albuterol/budesonide) as a new rescue treatment in the USA for people 18 years of age and older, but was not so supportive for younger age groups.

Investor reaction was tepid, with AstraZeneca’s shares up just 1% at 10,744 pence at best, as the company said it is well-placed to transform current asthma emergency treatment approaches.

The PADAC voted 16 to 1 that the data support a favorable benefit risk assessment for the use of PT027 (albuterol/budesonide) for the treatment of asthma in people aged 18 years and older.