Reformulating an asthma drug for inhalation

Australian drug development company Invion (ASX:IVX) will partner with Hovione Scientia, an expert in inhalation development and manufacturing, on the development of inhaled INV104 (zafirlukast) as a potential new treatment for asthma.

INV104 is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) which works by blocking the action of leukotrienes in the lungs, thereby preventing inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Oral versions of the drug are available but come with a side effect warning.

According to a study published in the journal CHEST, INV104 has a good safety and efficacy profile when delivered by inhalation at <1% of the oral dose. With this in mind, Invion and Hovione will collaborate to develop a dry powder formulation of INV104 delivered by Hovione’s inhaler.

“We are reformulating this compound for inhalation and remain confident that delivering this compound directly into the lung ... will provide superior benefit and bypass any problems associated with systemic delivery,” said Invion CEO and Managing Director Dr Greg Collier.

Hovione will provide expertise on chemistry, particle engineering, formulation, device and GMP manufacturing to develop and manufacture the Zafirlukast Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI). The company will secure the exclusive rights to manufacture commercial supplies of Zafirlukast DPI and will be paid an annual royalty by Invion on total net sales.

Invion has received agreement from the US FDA to proceed in an accelerated development of the formulation and device, having overcome a major impediment by successfully producing a formulation of INV104 devoid of banned propellants. The collaboration with Hovione has made progress towards a stable formulation, paving the way for the development of INV104 as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for use in moderate to severe asthmatics.

Invion (ASX:IVX) shares were trading 8.33% higher at $0.026 as of around noon on Monday.

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