Clinical trials of a new treatment for asthma that uses an innovative inhaler system developed by Chippenham-based specialist pharma group Vectura have started.
The move follows successful pre-clinical tests for the product, known at this stage as VR942, which has been developed with Belgian biopharma giant UCB. 
The two firms have been collaborating on the pioneering treatment since September 2013. It will be trialed by healthy volunteers and patients with asthma but could also be used to treat other severe inflammatory respiratory conditions.
Vectura specialises in developing products that treat airways-related diseases and the new product leverages its dry powder inhaler/formulation and clinical/regulatory experience with UCB’s biologics and immunology expertise.
Financial terms of the collaboration have not been disclosed.
Vectura chief executive Dr Chris Blackwell said: “The start of clinical evaluation of this innovative and differentiated candidate is a very positive step and we look forward to further progress in the future. This achievement is underpinned by an excellent collaborative relationship, combining the development strengths of Vectura and UCB.”
