AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN) (AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN)) looks set to launch the US’s first rescue medication for asthma sufferers that also reduces the underlying inflammation associated with ‘exacerbations’ of the condition.
A specialist panel of the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) voted 16 to one that PT027 had a beneficial impact on adults.
However, in adolescents and children, the experts from the Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee found no such evidence in the data.
The new inhaler is being developed jointly by AZ and UK group Avillion.
Mene Pangalos, AZ’s head of biopharmaceuticals research, said: "We are pleased that the Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee has recognised the potential for PT027 to deliver important benefits for people with asthma, as a first-in-class treatment option in the US.
“We look forward to working with our partner Avillion and the FDA to progress the application and discuss the next steps, including for adolescents and children."