Dive Brief:
- Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) is investing $1.26 million in expanding its manufacturing plant in Dortmund, Germany, in order to increase production of Respimat inhalers, the conduits for delivery of BI's Stiverdi (olodaterol) Respimat.
- BI announced last week that it was cutting 600 jobs in Germany as part of its goal to save $580 million in expenses.
- The Respimat inhaler, which is soft-mist inhalation spray device, delivers a long-acting muscle relaxant. It is designed to support delivery of drugs to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Dive Insight:
Dortmund is an important manufacturing site for BI and Respimat is an important delivery device. In addition to the administration of Striverdi, Respimat is also used to deliver Spiriva (tiotropium)—a therapy that was approved in the US on September 26—and Combivent (ipratropium).
Respimat inhalers are a breakthrough, designed to replace old-school delivery methods such as metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). It seems that uptake of the Respimat inhalation device is strong—and BI is determined to meet demand.