Schering-Plough to obtain Asmanex rights

Schering-Plough is due to obtain exclusive worldwide rights to Asmanex (mometasone furoate inhalation powder).

Due to changes in its collaboration with Novartis, the business will now have full development and commercialisation responsibilities of the inhaled corticosteroid, which is intended to help patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The company will also gain the exclusive rights to Foradil (formoterol fumarate) ? Novartis’ long-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist.

Dr Thomas P Koestler, executive vice-president and president of Schering-Plough’s research institute, noted the business has a long history of developing treatments for respiratory diseases.

“This strategic action will allow us to focus our efforts within the asthma and COPD market,” he said.

As a result of the new agreement, Novartis will gain rights to develop and commercialise Schering-Plough’s inhaled corticosteroid mometasone furoate with its investigational beta2-agonist QAB149 (indacaterol).

Earlier this month, Schering-Plough launched a new range of sunscreens containing antioxidants to promoted natural skin repair.

Dr Robert Bianchini from the business said the development of the Coppertone line would also help to neutralise free radicals on the skin surface.