Orion Corporation is developing a budesonide-formoterol formulation that combines budesonide as an anti-inflammatory agent and formoterol as a long-acting bronchodilator to broaden the range of the inhalable Easyhaler® drugs product family. Study results received early in 2012 were promising, but yet insufficient for submission of an application for marketing authorisation. The Company will continue development of the product in 2012.
The studies showed that the combined formulation developed by Orion used with Easyhaler device has consistent dose delivery. However, equivalence with the reference product, which is required under the guideline of the European Medicines Agency, was not reached in the studies.
Encouraged by the progress achieved in the research programme, Orion continues development of the budesonide-formoterol combined formulation as originally planned and will commence new studies on the product from which conclusions can be drawn in the first half of 2013.
In addition, Orion has another Easyhaler research programme in progress to develop a fluticasone-salmeterol combined formulation. In this combined formulation fluticasone acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and salmeterol acts as a long-acting bronchodilator.
Orion Corporation
Timo Lappalainen Olli Huotari
President and CEO Senior Vice President, Corporate Functions
Contact person:
Reijo Salonen, Senior Vice President, Pharmaceuticals Research and Development, phone +358 50 966 3647
Publisher:
Orion Corporation
www.orion.fi/en
Orion is an innovative European R&D-based pharmaceutical and diagnostic company with a special emphasis on developing medicinal treatments and diagnostic tests for global markets. Orion develops, manufactures and markets human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients and diagnostic tests. Orion's pharmaceutical R&D focuses on the following core therapy areas: central nervous system drugs, oncology and critical care drugs, and Easyhaler® pulmonary drugs.
The Group's net sales in 2010 amounted to EUR 850 million. The Company invested EUR 86 million in research and development. At the end of 2010, the Group had about 3,100 employees, of whom 2,500 worked in Finland and the rest in other countries. Orion's A and B shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.