Theravance Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: TBPH) has announced the recruitment of the first patient in a fourth phase YUPELRI (revefenacin) inhalation solution.
YUPELRI has potential as a foundation for handheld treatments
YUPELRI is a first and only once-a-day nebulized bronchodilator authorized in the US for maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment. According to international COPD treatment recommendations, it is long-acting muscarinic antagonistic (LAMA), which is a foundation of maintenance treatment for COPD.
According to market research, there is an ongoing community of COPD patients in the United States who require or prefer nebulized maintenance therapy. In addition, Revefenacin’s stability in both monitored dose spray and dry powder inhaler (“MDI/DPI”) forms suggests it could be used as a foundation for new handheld combination treatments.
This study aims to acquire a larger share of YUPELRI’s potential market and increase the company’s competitive edge.
Chief Executive Officer, Rick E Winningham, stated, “YUPELRI, discovered and developed by Theravance, is one of the key pillars of value creation for the go-forward organization. We, and our partner Viatris, believe we have just scratched the surface of YUPELRI’s contribution to the COPD community. The enrollment of the first patient in the Phase 4 PIFR-2 study demonstrates, through continued investment in controlled clinical studies, our commitment to provide healthcare professionals with the evidence needed to design personalized treatment plans in order to make better informed decisions for their COPD patients.”
Theravance Biopharma and Viatris partner to co-market YUPELRI
The company and Viatris Inc. and its affiliates have formed a strategic partnership to develop and market nebulized revefenacin solutions for COPD and other respiratory illnesses. YUPELRI is co-marketed by Theravance Biopharma and Viatris in the United States. Their combined total infrastructure is aimed at health care providers who treat COPD patients who are candidates for YUPELRI. The company is entitled to a portion of earnings and losses generated in the United States (35% to Theravance Biopharma; 65% to Viatris) in connection with the marketing of YUPELRI and low double-digit tiered royalties on non-US net sales.
