Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. announced that the UK launch of Clenil and Modulite and (beclometasone dipropionate [BDP]) a CFC-free pMDI for asthma. Trinity-Chiesi Pharmaceutical will launch the product.

In England, over 7 million prescriptions are written every year for CFC, containing BDP products and Clenila and Modulite will be the second CFC free BDP inhaler and the only one that will have a dose-for-dose equivalence to the current CFC products. This innovation will provide a seamless transition for patients to switch to this new product without having to change their usual dose.

Modulite is a Chiesi proprietary platform technology which is based on the use of ozone-friendly HFA propellants. The application of Modulite to BDP allowed, the preparation of a robust solution formulation having, as its main advantage, uniformity of delivered dose and fine particle distribution of the inhalation cloud. The product is approved and marketed throughout the EU and eastern European countries. Other Chiesi Modulite HFA products include Formoterol Modulite HFA and Budesonide Modulite HFA.

The respiratory area is Chiesi's largest therapeutic franchise and contributed 35 per cent of the company's total turnover in 2005. The respiratory portfolio consists of patented molecules, proprietary technology, pMDIs, DPIs and Unit Dose Vials (UDVs) for nebulization. Chiesi manufactures and supplies products from its Parma facility for partners GSK, and Novartis as well as its own affiliates.

Chiesi Farmaceutici is a European pharmaceutical group which is headquartered in Parma, Italy. Group turnover is expected to reach 600 million Euro in 2006.