The collaboration also includes development work on a small-molecule for chronic bronchitis for which Inspire has completed a Phase I study. The companies will begin Phase II development plans in Q1 2000. They have the substantial experience and resources of a large company as well as the flexibility and drive of a small one. Our cultures and desire to advance products rapidly and efficiently match up well. This collaboration complements and strengthens our position in this therapeutic area.
Chronic bronchitis is a lung disease caused primarily by smoking and pollution.
There are more than 13 million patients diagnosed with chronic bronchitis in the US alone and it is the fourth leading cause of death. It involves excessive retention of mucus as well as inflamed airways leading to impaired mucociliary clearance causing patients to experience frequent respiratory infections. Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal inherited disease in Caucasians. Life expectancy of cystic fibrosis patients averages 30 years, though this has increased in recent years due to treatments such as Genentech's Pulmozyme. There are more than 30,000 patients in the US with cystic fibrosis, a disorder in which a genetic mutation in airway cells causes dehydrated secretions and production of thickened mucus and impaired mucociliary clearance.