Altana Calls Trumps
Executive Summary
The success of gastrointestinal drug pantoprazole has turned mid-sized Altana into one of Europe's fastest growing pharmaceutical companies. By re-investing the proceeds from pantoprazole into its own R&D, Altana now has two late-stage follow-ons--ciclesonide and roflumilast--with similar potential to pantoprazole. Rather than simply out-licensing these compounds to larger players, Altana wants a more active role alongside its partners in marketing and selling its own drugs, hoping thereby to establish itself internationally.
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Pfizer Trims Altana From Pipeline
On July 1 Pfizer Inc. announced it was discontinuing development of Phase III COPD drug roflumilast (Daxas) and of Phase IIb HIV/AIDS drug capravirine, due to disappointing clinical results. The roflumilast decision highlights Pfizer's changing requirements and circumstances, as well as originator Altana's dependence on the compound.
Pfizer Trims Altana From Pipeline
On July 1 Pfizer Inc. announced it was discontinuing development of Phase III COPD drug roflumilast (Daxas) and of Phase IIb HIV/AIDS drug capravirine, due to disappointing clinical results. The roflumilast decision highlights Pfizer's changing requirements and circumstances, as well as originator Altana's dependence on the compound.
Altana Signs Up Pharmacia
Despite having little or no presence in the respiratory market, Pharmacia fought off Novartis, Roche and Aventis to win worldwide marketing right to Altana's roflumilast for COPD and asthma--a drug that could become a blockbuster. Altana reckons that Pharmacia, with no similar products of its own that might compete for attention, is strongly committed to roflumilast's success.