Vectura confirms launch of Seebri Neohaler in the US

FTSE 250 inhaler maker Vectura said on Thursday that Sunovion, the US licensee of the group's partner Novartis, has launched the twice-daily long acting muscarinic inhibitor Seebri Neohaler in the US.

Sunovion entered into an exclusive license agreement with Novartis for the US commercialisation rights to three of Novartis' chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatments, including Seebri Neohaler and Utibron Neohaler, on 21 December 2016 and in April 2017, Sunovion confirmed it had launched the dual long acting bronchodilator and muscarinic combination therapy Utibron Neohaler in the US.

Vectura is eligible to receive royalties from Novartis on net sales of the product and certain milestones based on global calendar year combined net sales of Utibron Neohaler, Seebri Neohaler, Ultibro Breezhaler and Seebri Breezhaler.

Chief executive officer James Ward-Lilley said: “Following the launch of Utibron in April we are pleased with the confirmation of launch of Seebri in the US. Whilst the commercial priority for 2017 has been securing market access and product listings we remain confident that Sunovion will be effective in the commercialisation of these products given its strong US respiratory track record and look forward to this being reflected in strong revenue growth in the US for these two products."

At 1400 BST, the shares were down 0.5% to 99.85p.