AstraZeneca submits supplementary application for asthma treatment

Global pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca today submitted a supplementary application for its Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) treatment.

The inhalation aerosol is used for the long-term treatment and maintenance of asthma and is currently approved for use in patients 12 years old and over.

However, AstraZeneca’s new application, if successful, would see the drug available for use in paediatric patients between six and 11 years old.

A study accompanying the application consists of placebo-controlled or active phase III trials designed to assess the efficacy of Symbicort.

And lead investigator Dr Jeffrey Leflein of Michigan’s Allergy & Immunology Associates said it could help the “millions” of children affected by asthma.

“Symbicort could potentially offer another treatment option for the long-term maintenance of asthma in young children whose condition is not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone,” he added.

Other AstraZeneca products recently approved include Seroquel, which can be used to treat bipolar disorder.