Unique Asthma Product To Debut In Japan

Hokuriku Seiyaku has been granted marketing authorization in Japan for aunique new medication for asthma. The product, called Hokunalin Tape, is a membrane plaster used to deliver the beta agonist drug tulobuterol, and was developed by HS in collaboration with leading Japanese plaster manufacturer Nitto Denko.

The product is administered once a day, and is reported to protect patients from morning asthma attacks, according to BASF subsidiary Knoll AG, which holds a majority stake in HS.

Launch In November? Hokunalin Tape will be launched in Japan at the end of November by HS and marketing partner Maruho. Asthmatics interested in the product elsewhere in the world may have a long wait, however. Knoll notes that "owing to considerable divergence in global drug approval procedures, this product is not likely to be available outside Asia in the near future, especially in Europe and the USA."