Activaero, focusing on novel, pharmacoeconomically meaningful treatment solutions for severe lung diseases, has entered a research collaboration with Chiesi Farmaceutici.

The companies will jointly evaluate the potential of a novel drug device combination product using Activaero's proprietary FAVORITE inhalation approach and Chiesi's pharmaceutical agent to create a highly mobile treatment solution for Cystic Fibrosis. Chiesi obtained approval and markets directly or through partners its proprietary inhaled tobramycin solution (Bramitob/Bethkis) in several countries worldwide, including the U.S.

Gerhard Scheuch, founder and chief executive officer of Activaero, said, "We are optimistic that this program can provide an improved treatment solution for Cystic Fibrosis, a detrimental disease with a high unmet medical need."

Activaero will provide Chiesi with its flow and volume regulated inhalation technology FAVORITE incorporated in a customized device solution. The solution allows for optimum drug distribution across the entire lung importantly including the small airways. This most distal region of the lung is typically not accessible with standard nebulizer systems in Cystic Fibrosis patients due to the obstructions caused by scarred tissue and mucus. The first part of the research work is planned to be completed by the end of 2013. Financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed.

"The FAVORITE inhalation approach is highly promising to achieve optimal lung deposition rates with lower drug doses and, ultimately, a better therapeutic outcome in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis,” said Paolo Chiesi, vice president and R&D director of the Chiesi Group.