First clinical study for Meridica's Xcelovair inhaler

Meridica, the UK drug delivery company based in Cambridge, is to start the first clinical study for Xcelovair, its a multi-unit dose dry powder inhaler (DPI), which has been developed for use in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

The Meridica-sponsored clinical study is a multi-dose 2-way crossover UK study of formoterol in subjects with mild to moderate asthma. The objective of the study is to compare the bronchodilator effect and safety and adverse event profile of delivering formoterol using the Xcelovair DPI against a comparator.

The study is the first in a series planned to achieve product licenses throughout Europe. Chiltern International, a global clinical research organisation, is carrying out the clinical trial on behalf of Meridica. The trial is expected to be completed during the last quarter of 2004 and Meridica intends to publish the results in due course.

'This first clinical study using Xcelovair is an event of major significance for Meridica as it represents a landmark in the company's progress,' said Meridica ceo Dr Ian J Smith, 'To reach this milestone with a new DPI in only three years from our first development brainstorm session is outstanding and we are justifiably proud of our achievement.'

Xcelovair was the subject of a licensing agreement with Pfizer in October 2003 for its inhaled compounds for the treatment of respiratory diseases.