Indacaterol Novartis/skyePharma

In collaboration with SkyePharma, Novartis is developing a multidose dry powder inhaler formulation of indacaterol, a long-acting beta2 agonist and bronchodilator, for the potential treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In January 2006, Novartis expected phase III clinical trials to start in early 2006, with submission planned for 2007.