Schering-Plough Corporation announced an agreement with Novartis Pharma AG to jointly develop and market worldwide, a new combination product for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asmanex (mometasone furoate), an orally inhaled corticosteroid, will be combined with Foradil (formoterol fumarate), a selective, long-acting beta2-agonist, in a single inhalation device. Terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

Combination products containing inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2-agonists represent the fastest-growing segment of the worldwide asthma market (according to IMS data).

"The development of an Asmanex/Foradil combination product would significantly strengthen Schering-Plough's worldwide respiratory portfolio," said Thomas C. Lauda, executive vice president, Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals. "This alliance brings together the strong respiratory development and marketing expertise of two global pharmaceutical companies with the goal of delivering a product that meets the needs of asthma patients worldwide," he said.

"Combining the therapeutic benefits of Asmanex and Foradil in a single device could significantly enhance the ability of doctors to control the symptoms of asthma and COPD," said Thomas Ebeling, CEO of Novartis Pharma. "This agreement with Schering-Plough is one more example of Novartis' commitment to the development of new products for patients suffering from respiratory diseases."

Asmanex Twisthaler (mometasone furoate Dry Powder Inhaler) is currently approved in 30 countries as therapy in the control and management of mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma in patients 12 years of age and older. Schering-Plough has launched Asmanex Twisthaler in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and Ireland, and expects to launch the product in other European Union (EU) markets over the coming months. Additional marketing applications for Asmanex Twisthaler are currently undergoing regulatory review in other countries, including the United States.

Foradil is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD, and the acute prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is widely used in 87 countries around the world.

In November 2002, Schering-Plough and Novartis announced an agreement giving Schering-Plough exclusive U.S. distribution and marketing rights to Novartis' Foradil Aerolizer (formoterol fumarate inhalation powder). Schering-Plough's respiratory portfolio also includes Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate), an inhaled nasal steroid for allergies, and Clarinex (desloratadine) 5 mg Tablets, a once-daily nonsedating antihistamine.