Glenmark launches Tavulus® for COPD treatment in Spain, becoming one of the first companies to launch a bioequivalent version of the dry powder inhaler

• Tiotropium Bromide dry powder inhaler (DPI) is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Tiotropium DPI had a market size of US$ 433 Mn in the EU in the 12-month period ended March 2021 (IQVIA data)
• Tavulus® is Glenmark's bioequivalent version of Boehringer Ingelheim's Spiriva® Handihaler®
• The launch is part of a wider Glenmark's strategic exclusive in-licensing arrangement to market Tiotropium DPI in Western Europe and the UK

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, a research-led, global integrated pharmaceutical company today announced the launch of a bioequivalent version of Tiotropium Bromide dry powder inhaler (DPI) under the brand name Tavulus® in Spain, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the lungs, damaging the lung tissue and narrowing the airways, all of which make breathing difficult. Studies show that close to 2.5 million people suffer from COPD in Spain.^[i] 

Tavulus® is expected to provide relief to a large patient population in the country. It is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps to open the airways and makes it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs. It also works to prevent sudden, short-term worsening of COPD symptoms.

Commenting on the launch, Vice President - Business Development of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Dr. Jiří Havránek, says, "The goal of COPD treatment has always been to provide quick symptomatic relief to patients, and reduce the risk of exacerbations. Since its launch, we have seen the multiple therapeutic benefits of Tavulus® in other markets, and we are pleased to extend these benefits to patients in Spain. This inhalation therapy has been shown to significantly aid in the daily management of COPD. We hope that it improves both COPD symptoms and quality of life in those who are most affected."

In November 2017, a Glenmark European subsidiary entered into a strategic, exclusive in-licensing arrangement for marketing generic Tiotropium Bromide DPI in Western Europe and the UK. Glenmark is planning subsequent launches of the product across these markets under the brand name Tiogiva® in UK, Ireland, Sweden, Finland and Norway; Tavulus® in Denmark and Netherlands; and Tiotropium Glenmark® in Germany.

About Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited (Glenmark) is a global research-led pharmaceutical company with presence across generics, specialty and OTC businesses and with operations in over 50 countries. Glenmark's key therapy focus areas globally are respiratory, dermatology and oncology. It ranks among the world's top 50 Generics and Biosimilars companies (Top 50 Company Rankings, 2020, from Informa's Generics Bulletin). The company has been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), under the category of emerging markets for the third consecutive year in a row. DJSI is one of the world's most respected and widely accepted sustainability benchmarks globally with only the top ranked companies in terms of Corporate Sustainability within each industry being featured in the index. For more information, visit www.glenmarkpharma.com

For more information, please contact         
Udaykumar Murthy
Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communications 
+91 9960377617
[email protected] 

References:
[i] Ancochea J et al. Arch Bronconeumol. 2009; 45-47