22 MARKET NEWS First approval for formoterol 'Turbuhaler' formulation

Astra's 'Turbuhaler' formulation of formoterol ['Oxis Turbuhaler'] was granted approval for the treatment of asthma in its first market, Sweden, in mid-October, according to Marketletter. The company plans to launch the drug early in 1997; other European launches will follow later in the year. Development in Japan and the US appears to be somewhat slower.

Big things expected This is Astra's biggest launch since omeprazole

and this formulation of formoterol may become the company's third best-selling drug, reports Marketletter. Astra hopes to position the product as a complement to its inhaled budesonide product, 'Pulmicort Turbuhaler'. I Sl approval for O~s Turbuhaler; Astra's future 3rd biggest drug? Marketletter 23: 20, 21 Oct 1996 .........

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