LONDON, February 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Italy-based Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA is the recipient of the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award in the European respiratory diseases market. The company is recognised for its innovative Modulite(R) technology platform and its best-in-class combination of exceptional R&D, clear product roadmaps and high-end strategic partnerships and collaborations.
“The company’s innovative Modulite(R) technology comes at a time when the European government has ended the use of chlorofluorohydrocarbons (CFC)-based inhalers,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Sylvia Miriam Findlay. “Chiesi Farmaceutici’s proprietary drug delivery technology produces CFC free metered dose inhalers (Modulite) while reducing the problems generated when replacing CFCs with HFAs”.
The varied physical solubility of active compounds in propellants poses problems to the stability of the suspension formulation, resulting in diminished aerosol performance. The technology innovation of Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA effectively addresses these drawbacks.
“The Modulite technology offers solution formulations comprising the active drug, the HFA propellant, a co-solvent and, optionally, a non-volatile compound capable of modulating the aerodynamic diameter of the particles (MMAD) and the related portion which reaches the broncho-pulmonary tract (FPD),” explains Ms. Findlay. “The flexibility of the technology offers the possibility of modifying the dimensions of the particles resulting in optimal MMAD and FPD values for each product.”
A major advantage of this technology is that various drugs such as short/long acting beta agonists, corticosteroids, anticholinergics and even combination drugs can be used. The Modulite solution’s stability, together with the reproducible emission of the dose lasting for the entire lifetime of the inhaler, underlines its high quality. This technology is likely to be used to enhance the efficacy of currently available metered dose inhalers or to produce new formulations with improved efficiency and absorption capabilities.
The clinical profile of the Modulite solution formulations is similar to that of CFC solution formulations. In addition, the inhaler’s exterior profile is similar to other metered dose inhalers, making the transition to Modulite easier for patients.
A key issue for companies targeting replacement markets with disruptive products is the fact that the adoption curve could vary significantly over time. “Recognising this, Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA has worked towards assuring customers of the solution’s value by collaborating with a major pharmaceutical participant,” says Ms. Findlay. “The company has also undertaken various developmental programmes to reformulate the portfolio of CFC products including beclomethasone dipropionate, budesonide, ipratropium bromide, formoterol, as well as New Chemical Entities.”
A private company, fully owned by the Chiesi family, Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA has been consistently growing both in terms of turnover and international presence. It retains strong R&D and commercial ties with major companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, 3M, Almirall, Astra Zeneca, UCB, Norgine, Nycomed, Vernalis, Tanabe Seyaku and Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
The Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Innovation is given to the company that has demonstrated technological superiority within its industry. This Award recognises the ability of the company to successfully develop and introduce new technology, formulate a well-designed product family, and make significant product performance contributions to the industry.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.
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About Chiesi Farmaceutici
Chiesi Farmaceutici is a European pharmaceutical group with its headquarters in Parma, Italy. The group’s turnover is expected to reach 600 million Euro in 2006. Chiesi has marketing and sales organizations in all major European markets and distributes its products in over 50 countries worldwide through its affiliates and partners. The group employs more than 2800 people of whom approximately 300 are involved in research, The Group’s R&D facilities are in Italy, France and the US.
For further information, please contact: Massimo Zaninelli Human Resources & Organization Corporate Communication Manager Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. Via Palermo, 26/A 43100 Parma -Italy T: +39-(0)521-279084 e-mail: m.zaninelli@chiesigroup.com Sandra Holze Promotions Co-ordinator, Best Practices Frost & Sullivan T: +44-(0)20-7915-7866 e-mail:sandra.holze@frost.com
Frost & Sullivan
CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Massimo Zaninelli, HumanResources & Organization Corporate, Communication Manager, ChiesiFarmaceutici S.p.A., Via Palermo, 26/A, 43100 Parma ¿Italy, T:+39-(0)521-279084, e-mail: m.zaninelli@chiesigroup.com. Sandra Holze,Promotions Co-ordinator, Best Practices, Frost & Sullivan, T:+44-(0)20-7915-7866, e-mail:sandra.holze@frost.com
