Altana to extend Ciclesonide

Altana Pharma AG is to extend its Ciclesonide platform after drug-approval of its nasal spray product used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Ciclesonide is the active substance in an inhaled corticosteroid that is currently available in the UK and is used for the treatment of persistent asthma. The drug has now been approved for marketing as Omnaris by the US Food and Drug Administration, which Altana believes will extend the platform.

Omnaris is a Ciclesonide nasal spray fused for the treatment of nasal symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. The product is now planned to be marketed next year.

Dr Hans-Joachim Lohrisch, member of the board of Altana AG, commented: “Omnaris will extend our Ciclesonide product platform by an important new therapeutic from Altana Pharma’s own research.”

“With the approval of Omnaris we offer patients with allergic rhinitis an innovative treatment option,” he added.

Corticosteroid is approved in 39 countries across the globe for the treatment of persistent asthma. Altana states that the Ciclesonide platform will also now include a fixed combination product featuring a long-acting beta-agonist, which is currently in phase II clinical development.

Altana Pharma AG focuses on innovative pharmaceutical products in OTC medication and therapeutics. The company says its most important area of business deals with prescription drugs for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases.