Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Inhaled Antipsychotic May Pose Fatal Lung Risks, FDA Review

Alexza Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALXA)’s inhaled antipsychotic drug may put some patients at risk for respiratory failure, according to U.S. regulators considering whether to approve the treatment for sale. While Adasuve is effective as a fast-acting treatment for agitation among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it can cause bronchial spasms that may be fatal in people with conditions such as asthma, Food and Drug Administration staff said today in a report. Outside advisers to the agency plan to meet Dec. 12 to evaluate the findings.