Nektar Therapeutics Announces That U.S. FDA Has Granted Orphan Drug Designation To The First Amphotericin B Inhalation Powder To Prevent Pulmonary Fungal Infections In Immunosuppressed Patients

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 14, 2006--Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq:NKTR) announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to the first amphotericin B inhalation powder for prevention of pulmonary fungal infections in patients at risk for aspergillosis due to immunosuppressive therapy. Using a small proprietary pocket size inhaler, the company has conducted two Phase I trials and has long-term toxicity studies underway to support the planned pivotal trials early next year.