Asthma
DURECT filed an Investigational New Drug application to investigate the delivery of cromolyn sodium for the treatment of asthma. The IND was filed as part of an ongoing program to develop a product for the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies) utilizing one of the Company's proprietary biodegradable drug delivery platforms. Cromolyn sodium, a non-steroidal anti-allergy medication, is an FDA-approved drug for the management of mild-to-moderate persistent asthma and is recommended for early intervention and daily anti-inflammatory therapy. Cromolyn sodium has an excellent safety profile, and its position in asthma therapy is well-established.
Asthma is a serious, chronic, potentially life-threatening condition that affects approximately 15-17 million people in the U.S. Allergic rhinitis is the fifth most common chronic disease in the U.S., and affects as many as 40 million people in the U.S. Sales of asthma and allergic rhinitis treatments exceeded $5 billion in 2000.
Asthma and allergy are rapidly growing markets that are in need of a safe and effective therapeutic alternative with a longer duration of therapy. The development of a biodegradable drug delivery product may have a significant impact on patient compliance, and we hope will expand the current therapeutic options for patient care.
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