2001
Meridica/SkyePharma announces appointment of 'Preferred Manufacturer' for Xcelovent™, the new breath-actuated inhaler
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06 September 2001
Meridica Ltd - the new drug delivery company formed by PA Consulting Group - and SkyePharma Plc (Nasdaq: SKYE / LSE: SKP) today announced the signing of an agreement appointing Betts UK Limited of Colchester as the 'Preferred Manufacturer' for the production of Xcelovent™, Meridica's new breath-actuated inhaler. Xcelovent™ will enable the optimised delivery of ozone-friendly formulations of Formoterol and Budesonide, two key drugs used in modern treatment regimens for chronic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Xcelovent™ has rapidly progressed from the drawing board to moulded devices suitable for clinical trials in approximately 15 months, an industry record by far. A major contribution to the success of the project to date has been the co-operation and excellence in project management of all the partners involved. SkyePharma, which developed the drug formulations, and Meridica, which developed the device, were the initial collaborators, but a key factor in the project plan was to ensure that the device was designed for reliable and consistent manufacture from the beginning.
Betts UK was chosen from a number of device manufacturers as the third partner in the project because of its track record, and its ability to meet the exacting requirements in the manufacture of complex drug delivery devices for the pharmaceutical industry. Betts' key tasks have included defining and resolving the key issues of large-scale production, the design of assembly tools and production techniques for manufacture, and cost reduction of the product. Betts has been working with the Meridica and SkyePharma team for almost a year inputting into the design for manufacture of Xcelovent™ from a very early stage in the device design programme, and its contribution has been invaluable.
The project is now at the stage of producing devices for use in a clinical Lung Deposition Study in asthmatic patients. Meridica and SkyePharma are actively seeking licensees for Formoterol and Budesonide, and Betts will be carrying out the manufacture of devices both for further clinical trials and eventual production for the marketplace.
Ian Smith, President of Meridica said:
'The contribution of Betts in the industrialisation of Xcelovent™ over the last 12 months has been significant. We now have a high quality drug delivery system that can be manufactured efficiently at high volumes using state of the art manufacturing processes and quality systems.'
Rosemary Mason, Managing Director of Betts UK Limited, commented:
'We are very pleased to have been chosen as the preferred manufacturing partner for Xcelovent™, a device which we believe will offer benefit to patients suffering from chronic asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The speed of development of this complex product shows the benefit of early involvement of all parties in the design and prototype phases.'
Michael Ashton, Chief Executive Officer of SkyePharma, commented:
'The appointment of Betts is a significant step towards the availability of this highly innovative device. We are now in an excellent position to move forward with the execution of our commercial plans.'
For more details about the Meridica/SkyePharma collaboration on HFA-Budesonide and HFA-Formoterol in the Xcelovent™ device, visit our Web site www.betterasthmamanagement.com
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For more information, please contact:
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| David Edwards |
| PA Conuslting Group |
| Cambridge Technology Centre Melbourn |
| Royston |
| SG8 6DP |
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Tel: +44 1763 261 222 |
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E-mail:
david.edwards@meridica.com |
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Notes to editors
1. SkyePharma PLC, one of the World's leading drug delivery companies, develops and manufactures advanced drug-delivery solutions. Its five platform technologies; oral controlled release, inhalation, injectable, topical delivery and solubilization technology give SkyePharma a presence in over 95% of the fast growing drug delivery market. SkyePharma has the facilities and expertise to develop products from feasibility stage to commercial launch.
Through its wide range of innovative technologies and services, SkyePharma offers its clients a one-stop shop. Additionally, SkyePharma uses its delivery technology to build a pipeline of internally developed pharmaceutical products. SkyePharma is headquartered in London with major R&D and production centres in San Diego USA, Muttenz Switzerland and Lyon France.
2. Meridica's vision is to become the leading source of creative drug delivery systems and drug products for the pharmaceutical sector, based on the excellence and quality of its products. It will enable the full exploitation of the 'biotechnological' advances made in the last decade, and build a position as the leading industry provider of cutting-edge solutions to delivery systems.
Although Meridica Limited is a wholly-owned PA Group company, it operates as a separate and independent entity with its own board, senior management team, finances and development organisation.
3. Betts UK Ltd is a leading producer of precision injection mouldings and laminate tubes. Within the pharmaceutical sector, Betts has served the industry for over 25 years and has a clear understanding of legislative and industry standards.
Betts provides an extensive and experienced product development capability supporting device development with rapid prototyping and concept refinement, pilot tooling and production for clinical trials. Coupled with a wealth of experience in automated assembly and clean room manufacturing, Betts is the largest manufacturer of pMDI actuators in Europe.
Headquartered in Colchester, UK Betts has nine manufacturing sites in seven countries around the World.
4. PA Consulting Group is a leading management, systems and technology consulting firm, with a unique combination of these capabilities. Established almost 60 years ago, and operating worldwide from over 40 offices in more than 20 countries, PA draws on the knowledge and experience of around 4,000 people, whose skills span the initial generation of ideas and insights all the way through to detailed implementation.
PA builds strategies for the creation and capture of shareholder and customer value, and helps clients accelerate business growth through innovation and the application of technology. PA works with clients to improve performance, mobilize human resources and deliver change effectively, including managing major projects, and designing and implementing enterprise-wide systems and full e-business solutions.
PA focuses on creating benefits for clients rather than merely proposing them, and this focus is supported by an outstanding implementation track record in every major industry and for governments around the world. PA also develops leading-edge technology both for its clients and within its own portfolio of venture companies in areas ranging from software to wireless technology to life sciences.
PA distinguishes itself from its competitors through the range and quality of its people, the depth of its industry insight, its development and use of technology, and also its independence and culture of respect, collaboration and flexibility in working with clients.
We are proud that our clients say 'PA makes it happen'
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