Nycomed has announced the submission of a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for Daxas® as a once-daily oral treatment for patients with COPD associated with chronic bronchitis. The MAA submission is based on encouraging results from four Phase III trials of Daxas (roflumilast) in the treatment of symptomatic COPD. Two pivotal 12-month studies met their primary endpoints, showing effects on exacerbation rates and pulmonary function (FEV1). Two supporting six-month studies also confirmed the efficacy of Daxas when used with standard bronchodilator treatments. Full data from all four studies are to be published during 2009.
Nycomed is also preparing for the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Daxas as a once-daily oral treatment for patients with COPD associated with chronic bronchitis.
Commenting on the announcement, Håkan Björklund, Chief Executive Officer of Nycomed, said: "With its novel mode of action, Daxas represents a potentially important new approach in the management of COPD - a disease which is predicted to become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. The Daxas submission, subject to acceptance and approval by the EMEA, represents a significant milestone for Nycomed. Our search for a US partner is on track, and we will submit a regulatory filing to the FDA soon."
COPD remains a significant area of unmet medical need. It is a progressive and irreversible lung disease resulting in difficulty in breathing. The disease is characterised by severe episodes of worsening, called exacerbations. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, 80 million people have moderate to severe COPD worldwide. More than three million people died of COPD in 2005, which corresponds to 5% of all deaths globally. The WHO predicts that total deaths from COPD could increase by more than 30% in the next 10 years unless urgent action is taken to reduce the underlying risk factors, especially smoking.
About Daxas
Nycomed's Daxas is an orally administered phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme inhibitor targeting cells and mediators in the body believed to be important in the COPD disease process. Daxas is expected to act on the underlying mechanism of COPD and related inflammatory diseases. It could significantly improve the way these conditions are managed, reducing exacerbations requiring medical intervention, including hospitalisation. If approved, Daxas, a once-a-day tablet, will be the first drug in its class. It will also be the first new approach to the management of COPD in a generation. Current treatment for COPD patients
includes the use of inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.
About Nycomed
Nycomed is a privately owned global pharmaceutical company with a differentiated portfolio focused on branded medicines in gastroenterology, respiratory and inflammatory diseases, pain, osteoporosis and tissue management. An extensive range of OTC products completes the portfolio. Its R&D is built to be open for partnerships as in-licensing is a cornerstone of the company's growth strategy. Nycomed employs 12,000 associates worldwide, and its products are available in more than 100 countries. It has strong platforms in Europe and in fast-growing markets such as Russia/CIS and Latin America. While the US and Japan are commercialised through best-in-class partners, Nycomed will further strengthen its position in key Asian markets. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the company generated in 2008 total sales of € 3,4 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of € 1,2 billion. For more information visit www.nycomed.com.