Medeva Granted License To Market Asthma Treatment In UK

The UK Medicines Control Agency has granted Medeva PLC a license to market its dry powder inhaler product, Asmabec Clickhaler (beclomethasonedepropionate), a steroid treatment for the prevention of asthma attacks. Medeva is now in a position to submit a license application for Asmabec Clickhaler for the Continental European markets under the European Mutual Recognition Procedure.

Dr. Bill Bogie, CEO of Medeva, said that therapeutically, the Asmabec version of the company's Clickhaler brand will complement the Asmasal Clickhaler (salbutamol/albuterol), a bronchodilator for the relief of asthma attacks, which was launched in late 1997. "The two in combination offer a potentially significant market opportunity for Medeva in Europe," Bogie said.

Asmabec Clickhaler is a dry powder inhaler, one of a new generation of delivery systems that dispenses altogether with the need for a propellant. With a two-step "operate and then breathe" action, Asmabec Clickhaler also overcomes the coordination problem found with traditional metered-doseinhaler (MDI) products, which require simultaneous operation and inhalation.

For more information: Alexandra Hockenhull, Medeva PLC, London, telephone: 011-441-71-839-3888.