New Influenza Drug Inavir(R) TwinCaps(R) Launched in Japan

LOURES, Portugal, October 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Hovione has been advised by Daiichi Sankyo Company Ltd that Inavir(R) has been launched in Japan.

Inavir(R) is an inhalation powder which is delivered by the TwinCaps(R) inhaler to treat influenza. TwinCaps(R) was specifically designed by Hovione for this indication and is licensed to Daiichi Sankyo and to Biota Holdings Ltd.

Daiichi Sankyo has demonstrated that one 40mg dose of Inavir(R) active ingredient, laninamivir octanoate, is as effective as oseltamivir, a drug which needs to be taken over the course of 5 days. Daiichi Sankyo has announced it plans to supply the Japanese market with 4 million packs by end of March 2011, of which 2 million will be supplied by end of December 2010. The reimbursement price of the pack for adult treatment has been set at JPY 4161 (approx. EUR36; US$50).

TwinCaps(R) has been designed for extreme ease of use and very low cost. Daiichi Sankyo and Biota are responsible for licensing Ianinamivir.

About Hovione

Hovione is a leading developer of inhaled drug products, with experience in anti-virals and proteins delivered by inhalation, as well as inhaler development. It is an international company with 51 years' experience in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient integrated development and compliant manufacture, from molecule to unit dose. In the inhalation area, Hovione is the only independent company offering such a broad range of services.

    For more information about Hovione:

    please visit the Hovione site at http://www.hovione.com
    or contact Corporate Communications
    Isabel Pina
    +351-21-982-9362
    e-mail: ipina@hovione.com

SOURCE Hovione