Almirall and Forest report positive aclidinium bromide data

Almirall and Forest Laboratories have published positive clinical trial data for aclidinium bromide, their new treatment for moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The drug has been trialled in a six-month phase III study called Attain, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of the inhalation-administered treatment compared to placebo among 828 patients.

It was able to meet its primary and secondary efficacy endpoints by delivering clinically significant improvements in bronchodilation and COPD symptoms when compared to the control group.

Regulatory submissions for aclidinium bromide are now being planned in the EU and US in mid-2011.

Jorge Gallardo, chairman and chief executive officer at Almirall, said: "We are very pleased with these results which demonstrate that aclidinium provided consistent bronchodilation and symptom control in COPD for patients suffering from this debilitating disease."

In November 2010, Almirall presented positive trial data for linaclotide, the irritable bowel syndrome treatment it is developing in association with Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.