Novartis Submits COPD Drug NVA237 for Japanese Approval

Novartis has submitted NVA237, a new treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for approval in Japan.

Basel-based pharmaceutical company Novartis has submitted NVA237, a new treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for approval in Japan.

The drug, which was submitted for European approval in September 2011 under the brand name Seebri Breezhaler, is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist designed to be taken once-daily.

Novartis originally licensed the drug from Japanese pharmaceutical company Sosei and UK-based Vectura in April 2005.

Eisai is to be a co-promoter of the drug if Novartis receives Japanese approval.