24th Apr 2006 14:00
Bespak PLC24 April 2006 For immediate release 24 April 2006 Bespak plc ('the Company') Bespak and Bang & Olufsen Medicom Collaborate on Next Generation Inhaler New Inhaler features integrated dose counter and easy-to-operate mechanism Bespak plc (LSE: BPK), a leader in specialty medical devices, and Bang & OlufsenMedicom, an innovative drug delivery device solutions provider, are pleased tojointly announce today that they have entered into an exclusive partnership toco-develop and co-market a single increment dose-counting inhaler. This will bethe first integrated dose-counting device to feature an assisted firingmechanism which will aid patient use. The partnership has been formed to develop a next generation "press and breathe"inhaler which will be aimed at the expanding Asthma and COPD (ChronicObstructive Pulmonary Disease) market. Bang & Olufsen's intellectual propertyin the area of design and development will be enhanced by Bespak's in-depthunderstanding of valve technologies and precision of dose delivery, both ofwhich are essential to the development of any reliable dose-counting mechanism.The two companies will share responsibility for the development, manufacture andco-promotion of the device. The functionality of the device has been thoroughly validated and is ready forincorporation into a metered dose inhaler programme immediately. Bespak andBang & Olufsen Medicom are currently seeking alliances with pharmaceuticalcompanies interested in providing new inhaler solutions for patients. Mark Throdahl, Chief Executive Officer of Bespak, said: "Bang & Olufsen Medicomhas a strong design based heritage and an insight into patient compliance. Inparticular, we think their dose-counting mechanism will bring a lot of value tothe collaboration. Together, our joint forces enable us to bring the device tothe market in high volumes within strict quality and design guidelines." Welcoming the news from Bang & Olufsen Medicom, Chief Executive Officer HenrikKagenow, said: "We are excited it will be the first patient compliance device onthe market with a dose counter that meets FDA requirements. We are delighted towork with Bespak, who are recognised leaders in the field of inhalation valvesand bring a wealth of inhaler manufacturing expertise to the partnership." ENDS For further information please call: Bespak plcMark Throdahl - Chief Executive +44 (0) 20 1908 552 600Martin Hopcroft - Group Finance Director Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 20 7466 5000Tim Thompson / Mark Court / Mary-Jane Johnson Notes for Editors: About Bespak plc Bespak, a leader in specialty medical devices, develops delivery systems for thepharmaceutical industry and disposable airway management products for criticalcare settings. Bespak's product range includes metered dose and dry powderinhalers, actuators, inflation valves, disposable face masks, breathing circuitsand laryngeal tubes. The group, which has facilities in King's Lynn and MiltonKeynes in the UK and Indianapolis and Kent, Ohio, in the US, is quoted on theOfficial List of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: BPK). For more information,please visit www.bespak.com. About Bang & Olufsen Medicom Bang & Olufsen Medicom is a leading expert in the design, development and supplyof innovative drug delivery device solutions and sensor based technologies. Thecurrent product range includes; inhalers, tablet reminders and injection penswith a focus on patient compliance. Bang & Olufsen Medicom offers conceptdevelopment, engineering and manufacturing services to clients with options tolicence its intellectual property. For more information you can visit: http://www.medicom.bang-olufsen.com Asthma and COPD The pMDI (pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers) market is believed to have aworldwide volume of 400 million units. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of theairways that is marked by continuous laboured breathing accompanied by wheezing,breathlessness, a sense of constriction in the chest and coughing or gaspingattacks. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often, though not always, causedby smoking. COPD is a pulmonary disease that is characterized by chronic,typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate ofexhalation. The airflow limitation is associated with an abnormal inflammatoryresponse of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. Patient compliance rates in Asthma and COPD are estimated to be in the region of50%, a significant contributor to patient non compliance is said to be bothforgetfulness and the lack of visibility on dose tracking. Image bank To download images of the Inhaler (Assist Actuated InhalerTM) please visit theBang & Olufsen Medicom center: http://mediacenter.bang-olufsen.dk/MediaCenter/mc.nsf simply register the first time you visit. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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