Lupin launches asthma drug delivery device in US

Drug major Lupin has launched a new version of its asthma drug delivery device in the US market under a licensing agreement with the New Jersey-based respiratory research and development company InspiRX Inc.
Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc (LPI), a subsidiary of the company, has launched the all new InspiraChamber anti-static valved holding chamber (VHC) under a strategic licensing agreement with InspiRX Inc, the Mumbai-based firm said in a statement.
The agreement grants Lupin exclusive rights to promote, distribute and market InspiraChamber VHC in the US, it added.
"The launch demonstrates Lupin's commitment to grow its brand franchise in the US and bring meaningful products to patients in the country. The launch also heralds Lupin's entry into the larger US inhalation and related markets," Lupin Ltd CEO, Vinita Gupta said.

The market size for VHC's in the US is estimated to be over USD 100 million while asthma drug sales in the country stands at over USD 20 billion.
The InspiraChamber VHC strengthens Lupin's existing brand portfolio in the US. The product will be marketed along with other Lupin brands, including Suprax, Alinia for Oral suspension, Locoid Lotion and Antara.

"LPI will leverage its 170-strong specialised field sales force promoting its entire product line," the company said.
Developed by InspiRX, the all new InspiraChamber VHC is a device that has been designed to enhance delivery of aerosol therapies.
In 2010, the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 8.4 per cent of Americans had been diagnosed with asthma.

Yesterday Lupin had inked a pact with Poland-based Celon Pharma to jointly develop and market a generic version GlaxoSmithKline's Advair Diskus, a drug used to treat asthma, in global markets.
The company has been ramping up investments in niche and specialty therapies like inhalation and complex injectables as it gears up to grow as a specialty pharmaceutical player in the US and other key markets.
Lupin shares closed at Rs 1,685 apiece, up 1.57 per cent, on the BSE.