Tobramycin inhalation powder regulatory update

The U.K.'s NICE issued a preliminary appraisal recommending TOBI Podhaler from Novartis to treat chronic pulmonary infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients if nebulized tobramycin is considered an appropriate treatment and the pharma provides the inhaled tobramycin powder at an undisclosed discount. TOBI Podhaler, which uses a disposable inhaler device to deliver the tobramycin powder, is approved in the EU for the suppressive treatment of chronic pulmonary infection caused by P. aeruginosa in CF patients aged >=6 years. Comments are due Nov. 13, with a second appraisal committee meeting scheduled for Nov. 27. Final guidance is expected in March 2013. ...