Daiichi Sankyo reports positive phase III data for Inavir

Daiichi Sankyo has reported new clinical data that supports the safety and efficacy of its Inavir Dry Powder Inhaler product.

Results from the phase III trial show that the antiviral agent was able to significantly reduce the incidence of influenza infection among household contacts compared to placebo.

This meant that the drug was able to meet its primary efficacy endpoint in the study, full details of which will be submitted to a scientific journal or academic society at a later date.

The firm now intends to seek approval for a prophylaxis indication for Inavir, which was originally developed by Biota and is currently being commercialised by Daiichi Sankyo in the Japanese market.

Both organisations are also exploring potential options for the development and sale of the laninamivir-based therapy outside of Japan.

Daiichi Sankyo was originally founded in 2005 and now operates divisions across the world, employing around 32,000 people internationally.