FDA Approves Pulmozyme with eRapid Nebulizer; CF Patients See 2 - 3 Minute Treatment Times

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The eRapid Nebulizer System (eRapid) from PARI has been approved as the first electronic nebulizer by the Food and Drug Administration to deliver Genentech's Pulmozyme for cystic fibrosis treatment.  A huge improvement for cystic fibrosis patients, eRapid is able to reduce average treatment times with Pulmozyme from 6-8 minutes down to 2-3 minutes.  Both adult and pediatric patients showed a strong preference for eRapid over conventional nebulizers in a clinical study.

"We have been pleased with eRapid's fast treatment times in the lab and are excited that patients now have access to a much faster Pulmozyme therapy.  As the first electronic nebulizer to deliver Pulmozyme, eRapid is a true breakthrough for cystic fibrosis patients who take the therapy daily, often for years," said Lisa Cambridge, director of Medical Science and Pharmaceutical Alliances at PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.

"PARI was motivated to introduce eRapid to the US market based on encouragement from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and their input to have a general-use, electronic nebulizer that could improve therapy adherence. For many years, eRapid has been successfully distributed in Europe (as eFlow Rapid) with favorable feedback from patients with CF. In the Pulmozyme clinical trial, there was a 10:1 preference for eRapid in the pediatric group and a 20:1 preference in the adult group.  That confirmed our decision to bring eRapid to the US," added Geoff A. Hunziker, president of PARI USA.

eRapid is available today by prescription through a select group of specialty pharmacies.  Visit www.pari.com or call 1-800-FAST-NEB to learn more.

"After the successful results of a Phase IV study, we are confident that physicians will see that both pediatric and adult patients favor eRapid based on reduced treatment times, quiet operation, and its small, portable size.  We were also happy to see that patients were more satisfied with treatment and eRapid had a positive influence on adherence – good for their overall cystic fibrosis management," added Lisa Cambridge.

Pulmozyme is indicated for daily administration along with standard therapies for the management of cystic fibrosis to improve pulmonary function.  For more information, visit www.pulmozyme.com.

About eRapid Nebulizer System
eRapid is an electronic nebulizer that enables quick and efficient inhalation that can greatly reduce a patient's treatment burden.  For more information on eRapid, please visit www.pari.com.

About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening disease affecting 30,000 American patients, involves a genetic mutation that results in poorly hydrated, thickened mucus secretions in the lungs, as well as severely impaired mucociliary clearance.

About PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.
PARI is a leading, worldwide developer and manufacturer of fast and efficient aerosol delivery systems for patients with asthma, chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, RSV, VAP, and HAP.  PARI's worldwide vision is to improve the lives of those affected by respiratory diseases and those who care for them. PARI is considered the gold standard for aerosol delivery for nebulizer therapies.  Featured products include the PARI LC PLUS Reusable Nebulizer, Vortex Holding Chamber, and the drug-specific eFlow Technology platform.

SOURCE PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.

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