Bayer HealthCare commences phase III ciprofloxacin DPI trials

Bayer HealthCare has announced the commencement of a phase III clinical trial programme for an innovative drug-device combination therapy for non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis.

The Respire programme will assess the efficacy of ciprofloxacin dry powder for inhalation (DPI) via a pair of multinational, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-centre studies.

According to the manufacturer, the new treatment is capable of reducing the number of exacerbations suffered by patients and improve their quality of life.

Non-CF bronchiectasis can create a vicious cycle of recurrent microbial infections and persistent inflammation, leading to further damage of airway walls, while also predisposing the lungs to new infections.

Kemal Malik, head of global development and member of the Bayer executive committee, said: "Within Bayer HealthCare we are committed to researching areas of high unmet need and conducting a large non-CF bronchiectasis programme illustrates this."

Earlier this week, the company announced plans to publish new clinical trial data on its multipurpose oral anticoagulant Xarelto at the forthcoming European Society of Cardiology Congress 2012.