Paramyxoviridae Infections

Expanded savings programs build on company’s longstanding commitment to addressing barriers to access and affordability for patients WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AstraZeneca announced it will expand the savings programs for its entire US inhaled respiratory portfolio, helping eligible patients pay no more than $35 per month for their medicine.* Expanding the savings programs will help make its inhalers more affordable to the most vulnerable patients living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including those who are uninsured and underinsured. Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca, said: “AstraZeneca’s expanded savings programs build on our longstanding commitment to addressing barriers to access and affordability for patients living with respiratory diseases to ultimately help patients lead healthier lives. We remain dedicated to addressing the need for affordability of our medicines, but the system is complex and we cannot do it alone. It is critical that Congress bring together key stakeholders to help reform the healthcare system so patients can afford the medicines they need, not just today, but for the future.” Starting June 1, 2024, eligible patients will pay no more than $35 per month for all AstraZeneca US inhaled respiratory medicines, including: AIRSUPRA® (albuterol and budesonide) BEVESPI AEROSPHERE® (glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate) Inhalation Aerosol BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Inhalation Aerosol SYMBICORT® (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol In addition, AstraZeneca substantially reduced the list price of SYMBICORT on January 1, 2024. The Company will continue to provide discounts and rebates off the list price to help patients afford its inhaled respiratory medicines. For more than 50 years, AstraZeneca has served respiratory patients by investing in the research and development of new drug-device combinations, as well as next-generation biologics and novel mechanisms to address the vast unmet needs of these chronic, often debilitating diseases. AstraZeneca remains dedicated to transforming patient outcomes, while ensuring access and affordability of our innovative medicines. *Terms and conditions apply. Government restrictions exclude people enrolled in federal government insurance programs from co-pay support. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AIRSUPRA® (albuterol and budesonide) Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to albuterol, budesonide, or to any of the excipients Deterioration of Asthma: Asthma may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If the patient continues to experience symptoms after using AIRSUPRA or requires more doses of AIRSUPRA than usual, it may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires evaluation of the patient and their treatment regimen Paradoxical Bronchospasm: AIRSUPRA can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. Discontinue AIRSUPRA immediately and institute alternative therapy if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs. It should be recognized that paradoxical bronchospasm, when associated with inhaled formulations, frequently occurs with the first use of a new canister Cardiovascular Effects: AIRSUPRA, like other drugs containing beta2-adrenergic agonists, can produce clinically significant cardiovascular effects in some patients, as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or other symptoms. If such effects occur, AIRSUPRA may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST-segment depression. Therefore, AIRSUPRA, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension Do Not Exceed Recommended Dose: Clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis: Can occur after administration of albuterol sulfate and budesonide, components of AIRSUPRA, as demonstrated by cases of anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, oropharyngeal edema, rash, and urticaria. Discontinue AIRSUPRA if such reactions occur Risk of Sympathomimetic Amines with Certain Coexisting Conditions: AIRSUPRA, like all therapies containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines Hypokalemia: Beta-adrenergic agonist medicines may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation Immunosuppression and Risk of Infections: Due to possible immunosuppression from the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), potential worsening of infections could occur. Use with caution. A more serious or fatal course of chickenpox or measles can occur in susceptible patients Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: Has occurred in patients treated with ICS agents. Monitor patients periodically. Advise patients to rinse his/her mouth with water, if available, without swallowing after inhalation Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression: May occur with very high doses in susceptible individuals. If such changes occur, consider appropriate therapy Reduction in Bone Mineral Density: Decreases in bone mineral density have been observed with long-term administration of ICS. For patients at high risk for decreased bone mineral density, assess initially and periodically thereafter Glaucoma and Cataracts: Have been reported following the long-term administration of ICS, including budesonide, a component of AIRSUPRA Effects on Growth: Orally inhaled corticosteroids, including budesonide, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of AIRSUPRA have not been established in pediatric patients, and AIRSUPRA is not indicated for use in this population Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) are headache, oral candidiasis, cough, and dysphonia Drug Interactions: AIRSUPRA should be administered with caution to patients being treated with: Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (may cause systemic corticosteroid effects) Short-acting bronchodilators (concomitant use of additional beta-agonists with AIRSUPRA should be used judiciously to prevent beta-agonist overdose) Beta-blockers (may block pulmonary effects of beta-agonists and produce severe bronchospasm) Diuretics or non-potassium-sparing diuretics (may potentiate hypokalemia or ECG changes). Consider monitoring potassium levels Digoxin (may decrease serum digoxin levels). Consider monitoring digoxin levels Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or tricyclic antidepressants (Use AIRSUPRA with extreme caution; may potentiate effect of albuterol on the cardiovascular system) Use AIRSUPRA with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as budesonide systemic exposure may increase. Monitor patients with hepatic disease Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE® (glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate) Inhalation Aerosol CONTRAINDICATIONS All long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs), including formoterol fumarate, are contraindicated in patients with asthma without use of an inhaled corticosteroid. BEVESPI is not indicated for the treatment of asthma. BEVESPI is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to glycopyrrolate, formoterol fumarate, or to any component of the product. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS The safety and efficacy of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in patients with asthma have not been established. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is not indicated for the treatment of asthma Use of LABAs as monotherapy (without inhaled corticosteroids [ICS]) for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death. These findings are considered a class effect of LABA monotherapy. When LABAs are used in fixed-dose combination with ICS, data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared to ICS alone. Available data do not suggest an increased risk of death with use of LABAs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) BEVESPI should not be initiated in patients with acutely deteriorating COPD, which may be a life-threatening condition BEVESPI should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms (ie, as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm). Acute symptoms should be treated with an inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) BEVESPI should not be used more often or at higher doses than recommended, or with other LABAs, as an overdose may result If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, discontinue BEVESPI immediately and institute alternative therapy If immediate hypersensitivity reactions occur, in particular, angioedema, urticaria, or skin rash, discontinue BEVESPI at once and consider alternative treatment BEVESPI can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients, as measured by increases in pulse rate, blood pressure, or symptoms. If such effects occur, BEVESPI may need to be discontinued Use with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, ketoacidosis, and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines Be alert to hypokalemia and hyperglycemia Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma or urinary retention may occur. Use with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia, or bladder-neck obstruction, and instruct patients to contact a physician immediately if symptoms occur ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions with BEVESPI (≥2% and more common than placebo) were cough, 4.0% (2.7%) and urinary tract infection, 2.6% (2.3%). DRUG INTERACTIONS Use caution if administering additional adrenergic drugs because the sympathetic effects of formoterol may be potentiated Concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, or diuretics may potentiate any hypokalemic effect of formoterol Use with caution in patients taking non-potassium-sparing diuretics, as the ECG changes and/or hypokalemia may worsen with concomitant beta2-agonists The action of adrenergic agonists on the cardiovascular system may be potentiated by monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval. Therefore, BEVESPI should be used with extreme caution in patients being treated with these agents Use beta-blockers with caution as they not only block the therapeutic effects of beta-agonists, but may produce severe bronchospasm in patients with COPD Avoid co-administration of BEVESPI with other anticholinergic-containing drugs as this may lead to an increase in anticholinergic adverse effects INDICATION BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is a combination of glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic, and formoterol fumarate, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA), indicated for the maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. LIMITATION OF USE Not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or for the treatment of asthma. Please read full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products. BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Inhalation Aerosol BREZTRI is contraindicated in patients who have a hypersensitivity to budesonide, glycopyrrolate, formoterol fumarate, or product excipients BREZTRI is not indicated for treatment of asthma. Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) monotherapy for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death. These findings are considered a class effect of LABA monotherapy. When a LABA is used in fixed-dose combination with ICS, data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared with ICS alone. Available data do not suggest an increased risk of death with use of LABA in patients with COPD BREZTRI should not be initiated in patients with acutely deteriorating COPD, which may be a life-threatening condition BREZTRI is NOT a rescue inhaler. Do NOT use to relieve acute symptoms; treat with an inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist BREZTRI should not be used more often than recommended; at higher doses than recommended; or in combination with LABA-containing medicines, due to risk of overdose. Clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs Oropharyngeal candidiasis has occurred in patients treated with orally inhaled drug products containing budesonide. Advise patients to rinse their mouths with water without swallowing after inhalation Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, have been reported following ICS. Physicians should remain vigilant for the possible development of pneumonia in patients with COPD as the clinical features of pneumonia and exacerbations frequently overlap Due to possible immunosuppression, potential worsening of infections could occur. Use with caution. A more serious or fatal course of chickenpox or measles can occur in susceptible patients Particular care is needed for patients transferred from systemic corticosteroids to ICS because deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in patients during and after transfer. Taper patients slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to BREZTRI Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur with regular or very high dosage in susceptible individuals. If such changes occur, consider appropriate therapy Caution should be exercised when considering the coadministration of BREZTRI with long-term ketoconazole and other known strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors. Adverse effects related to increased systemic exposure to budesonide may occur If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, discontinue BREZTRI immediately and institute alternative therapy Anaphylaxis and other hypersensitivity reactions (eg, angioedema, urticaria or rash) have been reported. Discontinue and consider alternative therapy Use caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, as formoterol fumarate can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by increases in pulse rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, and also cardiac arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia and extrasystoles Decreases in bone mineral density have been observed with long-term administration of ICS. Assess initially and periodically thereafter in patients at high risk for decreased bone mineral content Glaucoma and cataracts may occur with long-term use of ICS. Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma may occur, so use with caution. Consider referral to an ophthalmologist in patients who develop ocular symptoms or use BREZTRI long term. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms occur Worsening of urinary retention may occur. Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms occur Use caution in patients with convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, and ketoacidosis or unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines Be alert to hypokalemia or hyperglycemia Most common adverse reactions in a 52-week trial (incidence ≥ 2%) were upper respiratory tract infection (5.7%), pneumonia (4.6%), back pain (3.1%), oral candidiasis (3.0%), influenza (2.9%), muscle spasms (2.8%), urinary tract infection (2.7%), cough (2.7%), sinusitis (2.6%), and diarrhea (2.1%). In a 24-week trial, adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 2%) were dysphonia (3.3%) and muscle spasms (3.3%) BREZTRI should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, as these may potentiate the effect of formoterol fumarate on the cardiovascular system BREZTRI should be administered with caution to patients being treated with: Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (may cause systemic corticosteroid effects) Adrenergic drugs (may potentiate effects of formoterol fumarate) Xanthine derivatives, steroids, or non-potassium sparing diuretics (may potentiate hypokalemia and/or ECG changes) Beta-blockers (may block bronchodilatory effects of beta-agonists and produce severe bronchospasm) Anticholinergic-containing drugs (may interact additively). Avoid use with BREZTRI Use BREZTRI with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as budesonide and formoterol fumarate systemic exposure may increase. Patients with severe hepatic disease should be closely monitored INDICATION BREZTRI AEROSPHERE is indicated for the maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). LIMITATIONS OF USE Not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or for the treatment of asthma. Please see full BREZTRI Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products. SYMBICORT® (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol Use of long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA) as monotherapy (without inhaled corticosteroids [ICS]) for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death. Available data from controlled clinical trials also suggest that use of LABA as monotherapy increases the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. These findings are considered a class effect of LABA. When LABA are used in fixed dose combination with ICS, data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared to ICS alone SYMBICORT is NOT a rescue medication and does NOT replace fast-acting inhalers to treat acute symptoms SYMBICORT should not be initiated in patients during rapidly deteriorating episodes of asthma or COPD Patients who are receiving SYMBICORT should not use additional formoterol or other LABA for any reason Localized infections of the mouth and pharynx with Candida albicans has occurred in patients treated with SYMBICORT. Patients should rinse the mouth after inhalation of SYMBICORT Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, have been reported following the administration of ICS Due to possible immunosuppression, potential worsening of infections could occur. A more serious or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles can occur in susceptible patients It is possible that systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur, particularly at higher doses. Particular care is needed for patients who are transferred from systemically active corticosteroids to ICS. Deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in asthmatic patients during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less systemically available ICS Caution should be exercised when considering administration of SYMBICORT in patients on long-term ketoconazole and other known potent CYP3A4 inhibitors As with other inhaled medications, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with SYMBICORT Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur, as demonstrated by cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, and bronchospasm Excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation has been associated with central nervous system and cardiovascular effects. SYMBICORT should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension Long-term use of ICS may result in a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). Since patients with COPD often have multiple risk factors for reduced BMD, assessment of BMD is recommended prior to initiating SYMBICORT and periodically thereafter ICS may result in a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients Glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and cataracts have been reported following the administration of ICS, including budesonide, a component of SYMBICORT. Close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or history of increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, or cataracts In rare cases, patients on ICS may present with systemic eosinophilic conditions SYMBICORT should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, ketoacidosis, and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines Beta-adrenergic agonist medications may produce hypokalemia and hyperglycemia in some patients The most common adverse reactions ≥3% reported in asthma clinical trials included nasopharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngolaryngeal pain, sinusitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, influenza, back pain, nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and oral candidiasis The most common adverse reactions ≥3% reported in COPD clinical trials included nasopharyngitis, oral candidiasis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract infection SYMBICORT should be administered with caution to patients being treated with MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of such agents Beta-blockers may not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-agonists, such as formoterol, but may produce severe bronchospasm in patients with asthma ECG changes and/or hypokalemia associated with nonpotassium-sparing diuretics may worsen with concomitant beta-agonists. Use caution with the coadministration of SYMBICORT INDICATIONS SYMBICORT is indicated for the treatment of asthma in patients 6 years and older not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma-control medication such as an ICS or whose disease warrants initiation of treatment with both an ICS and LABA (also see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). SYMBICORT 160/4.5 is indicated for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, and to reduce COPD exacerbations. SYMBICORT is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products. Notes About Asthma Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory respiratory disease with variable symptoms that affects as many as 262 million people worldwide,1 including approximately 25 million in the US.2 Patients with asthma experience recurrent breathlessness and wheezing, which varies over time, and in severity and frequency.3 These patients are at risk of severe exacerbations regardless of their disease severity, adherence to treatment or level of control.4-5 There are an estimated 136 million asthma exacerbations globally per year,6 including approximately 10 million in the US2; these are physically threatening and emotionally significant for many patients7 and can be fatal.3,8 Inflammation is central to both asthma symptoms4 and exacerbations.9 Many patients experiencing asthma symptoms use a SABA (e.g., albuterol) as a rescue medicine10-12; however, taking a SABA alone does not address inflammation, leaving patients at risk of severe exacerbations,13 which can result in impaired quality of life,14 hospitalization15 and frequent oral corticosteroid (OCS) use.15 Treatment of exacerbations with as few as 1-3 short courses of OCS are associated with an increased risk of adverse health conditions including type 2 diabetes, depression/anxiety, renal impairment, cataracts, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia and fracture.16 International recommendations from the GINA no longer recommend SABA alone as the preferred rescue therapy.3 About COPD COPD refers to a group of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.17 Affecting an estimated 16 million Americans, COPD is the third leading cause of death due to chronic disease and the sixth overall leading cause of death in the US.18-19 About AIRSUPRA® AIRSUPRA (albuterol and budesonide), formerly known as PT027, is a first-in-class SABA/ICS rescue treatment for asthma in the US, to be taken as needed. It is an inhaled, fixed-dose combination rescue medication containing albuterol (also known as salbutamol), a SABA, and budesonide, a corticosteroid, and has been developed in a pMDI using AstraZeneca’s Aerosphere delivery technology. The FDA approval of AIRSUPRA was based on MANDALA and DENALI Phase III trials (Approval press release). In MANDALA, AIRSUPRA significantly reduced the risk of severe exacerbations compared to albuterol in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma when used as an as-needed rescue medication in response to symptoms. For patients treated with AIRSUPRA 180 mcg/160 mcg the annualized total systemic corticosteroids dose when compared with albuterol 180 mcg was statistically significantly different, with a reduction in mean annualized dose of 40 mg per patient. In DENALI, AIRSUPRA significantly improved lung function compared to the individual components albuterol and budesonide in patients with mild to moderate asthma. About BEVESPI AEROSPHERE® BEVESPI AEROSPHERE (glycopyrronium and formoterol fumarate) is a fixed-dose dual bronchodilator in a pMDI, combining glycopyrronium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and formoterol fumarate, a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). PMDIs are an important choice for COPD patients where limited lung function, advanced age and reduced dexterity or cognition are significant considerations for patients to achieve therapeutic benefits from their medicines. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is the only LABA/LAMA with Aerosphere delivery technology. Results from an imaging trial have shown that BEVESPI AEROSPHERE effectively delivers medicine to both the large and small airways. About BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® BREZTRI AEROSPHERE (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) is a single-inhaler, fixed-dose triple-combination of formoterol fumarate, a LABA, glycopyrronium bromide, a LAMA, with budesonide, an ICS, and delivered in a pressurized metered-dose inhaler. BREZTRI AEROSPHERE is approved to treat COPD in more than 50 countries worldwide including the US, EU, China and Japan, and is currently being studied in Phase III trials for asthma. About SYMBICORT® Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) is the number one ICS/LABA combination therapy in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. It is a combination formulation containing budesonide, an ICS that treats underlying inflammation, and formoterol, a LABA with a fast onset of action, in a single inhaler. Symbicort was launched in 2000 and is approved in approximately 120 countries to treat asthma and/or COPD either as Symbicort Turbuhaler or Symbicort pMDI (pressurised metered-dose inhaler). About AstraZeneca in Respiratory & Immunology Respiratory & Immunology, part of BioPharmaceuticals, is one of AstraZeneca’s main disease areas and is a key growth driver for the Company. AstraZeneca is an established leader in respiratory care with a 50-year heritage. The Company aims to transform the treatment of asthma and COPD by focusing on earlier biology-led treatment, eliminating preventable asthma attacks, and removing COPD as a top-three leading cause of death. The Company’s early respiratory research is focused on emerging science involving immune mechanisms, lung damage and abnormal cell-repair processes in disease and neuronal dysfunction. With common pathways and underlying disease drivers across respiratory and immunology, AstraZeneca is following the science from chronic lung diseases to immunology-driven disease areas. The Company’s growing presence in immunology is focused on five mid- to late-stage franchises with multi-disease potential, in areas including rheumatology (including systemic lupus erythematosus), dermatology, gastroenterology, and systemic eosinophilic-driven diseases. AstraZeneca’s ambition in Respiratory & Immunology is to achieve disease modification and durable remission for millions of patients worldwide. AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit and follow us on social media @AstraZeneca. About AZ&Me™ AstraZeneca’s patient assistance program, AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program (AZ&Me), is part of the Company’s commitment to addressing barriers to access and affordability to improve medication adherence, enhance patient care, and help patients lead healthier lives. AZ&Me is just one of the ways that AstraZeneca makes its life-changing medicines widely available, accessible, and affordable. For over 40 years, AstraZeneca has offered a patient assistance program through AZ&Me and prior legacy free drug programs, making it one of the longest standing patient assistance programs in the country. Since 2007, over five million people have benefited from this program. In addition to its patient assistance programs, AstraZeneca offers other affordability programs and resources to help increase patients’ access to medicines and reduce their out-of-pocket costs including a co-pay savings program for commercially-insured patients and additional affordability resources. Each of these programs offer financial support to particular patient populations, consistent with applicable legal requirements. The goal of AZ&Me is to help patients who have been prescribed an AstraZeneca medication and are having difficulty affording it. Patients enrolled in AZ&Me receive their AstraZeneca medicine for free. To learn more, visit AZ&Me.com. References The Global Asthma Report 2022. Accessed: March 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most Recent National Asthma Data. Accessed: March 2024. Global Initiative for Asthma. Updated May 2023. Accessed: March 2024. Price D, et al. Asthma control and management in 8,000 European patients: the REcognise Asthma and LInk to Symptoms and Experience (REALISE) survey. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. 2014;24:14009. Papi A, et al. Relationship of inhaled corticosteroid adherence to asthma exacerbations in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2018;6(6): 1989-1998.e3. Data on File. REF-173201. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Sastre J, et al. Insights, attitudes, and perceptions about asthma and its treatment: a multinational survey of patients from Europe and Canada. World Allergy Organ J. 2016;9:13. Fernandes AG, et al. Risk factors for death in patients with severe asthma. J Bras Pneumol. 2014;40(4):364-372. Wark PA, et al. Asthma exacerbations. 3: Pathogenesis. Thorax. 2006;61(10):909-915. Johnson DB, et al. Albuterol. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan 10. Montemayor T, et al. Albuterol: Often Used and Heavily Abused. Respiratory Care. November 2021, 66 (Suppl 10) 3603775. ClinCalc.com. Albuterol Drug Usage Statistics, United States, 2013-2020. Accessed: March 2024. Nwaru BI, et al. Overuse of short-acting β2-agonists in asthma is associated with increased risk of exacerbation and mortality: a nationwide cohort study of the global SABINA programme. Eur Respir J. 2020;55(4):1901872. Lloyd A, et al. The impact of asthma exacerbations on health-related quality of life in moderate to severe asthma patients in the UK. Prim Care Respir J. 2007;16(1):22-27. Bourdin A, et al. ERS/EAACI statement on severe exacerbations in asthma in adults: facts, priorities and key research questions. Eur Respir J. 2019;54(3):1900900. Price DB, et al. Adverse outcomes from initiation of systemic corticosteroids for asthma: long-term observational study. J Asthma Allergy. 2018;11:193-204. GOLD. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of COPD, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2024. [Online]. Accessed: March 2024. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What is COPD? Accessed: March 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Leading Causes of Death. Accessed: March 2024. # US-87197 Last Updated 3/24 View source version on businesswire.com: Contacts Brendan McEvoy +1 302 885 2677 Jillian Gonzales +1 302 885 2677 US Media Mailbox: usmediateam@astrazeneca.com Source: AstraZeneca View this news release online at:

None  Welcome to this week's Chutes & Ladders, our roundup of hirings, firings and retirings throughout the industry. Please send the good word—or the bad—from your shop to Max Bayer or Gabrielle Masson, and we will feature it here at the end of each week. Voyager returns to Biogen’s orbit, plucking another executive Voyager Therapeutics You can always count on Al Sandrock to have his finger on the pulse of Biogen. The 21-year vet of the neuroscience pharma has returned (metaphorically speaking) to his old haunting grounds, leaving with fresh talent. Voyager announced it was hiring Toby Ferguson, M.D., as its chief medical officer, effective March 25. Ferguson was most recently vice president and head of neuromuscular development at Biogen, where he joined in 2013. He started as a medical director and advanced to executive medical director, before taking his current position.  His claim to fame was leading the team that produced SOD1 ALS med Qalsody, which received FDA accelerated approval based on the reduction of a disease biomarker. In light of Amylyx’s recent late-stage failure, Qalsody is arguably the most significant ALS treatment advancement in recent years. Voyager is currently working on a SOD1 gene therapy that’s entering IND-enabling studies.  Before joining Biogen, Ferguson was an assistant professor of neurology at Temple University in Philadelphia. Release Pfizer names new CSO for anti-infectives research unit  Pfizer  Despite Pfizer making its oncology ambitions clear, the New York pharma does in fact have additional assets elsewhere, including anti-infectives. Much of that work centers on COVID treatment Paxlovid, with additional candidates aimed at RSV infection and complicated urinary tract infections.  Now, the company is bolstering that team, hiring Isabel Najera, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer of the anti-infective research unit. She previously was the head of research for infectious disease at Janssen, before the pharma dismantled and divested from the work altogether.  Najera cut her teeth at Roche, where she spent a total of 19 years across a number of different positions. She started in 1999 as a research scientist working on hepatitis C virology and spent the last four years there as the deputy head of discovery and head of clinical microbiology for inflammation, immunology and infectious diseases. Rigel hires ex-Sangamo CMO for the same role  Rigel Pharmaceuticals Lisa Rojkjaer, M.D., is joining Rigel as executive vice president and chief medical officer, the biotech announced this week. She joins from Sangamo where she held the same role. Rojkjaer at Sangamo for less than a year, from May 2023 to March 2024. She spent more than six-and-a-half years at two prior CMO gigs, with Viracta Therapeutics and Nordic Nanovector, respectively. She’s also spent more than six years across two stints at Novartis. Release > FibroGen has tapped Deyaa Adib, M.D., to serve as the oncology company’s SVP and chief medical officer. Before joining FibroGen, Adib was Triumvira Immunologics’ CMO and previously held roles at Rain Therapeutics, Blueprint Medicines, Baxalta, ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Aventis, Sanofi and Astellas Pharma. Release > Jullian Jones, Ph.D., has joined MOMA Therapeutics to serve as the platform company’s chief business officer. Jones comes from Monte Rosa Therapeutics, where she also held the CBO title and oversaw the biotech’s recent partnership with Roche Pharmaceuticals. Release > Capsida Biotherapeutics has promoted Rob Murphy from his role as VP of technical operations to chief manufacturing and quality officer. Murphy joined the biotech in 2020 and helped design, build and staff Capsida’s state-of-the-art gene therapy manufacturing site. Release > Apellis Pharmaceuticals is appointing Philip Ferrone, M.D., to serve as the company’s chief medical retina adviser, effective March 18. Ferrone currently is, and will continue to be, the director of clinical research at Vitreoretinal Consultants in New York. Release > Tim Clackson, Ph.D., is taking the top spot at IDRx, replacing founding CEO and co-founder Ben Auspitz, while Brad Dahms will step on as chief financial officer and chief business officer. Clackson and Dahms both join IDRx from Theseus Pharmaceuticals, where they served as CEO and CFO, respectively. Release > GSK’s head of biologics and devices manufacturing Bill Dawson has been appointed the new chair of the Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership, an organization representing medicines manufacturers in the U.K. Dawson has been with GSK for nearly 8 years, and worked at Novartis before that, according to his LinkedIn. Release > Corinne Le Goff has resigned from her position as IMUNON’s president and CEO, exiting to pursue another business opportunity. Executive Chair Michael Tardugno, who served as CEO before Le Goff, will assume daily leadership responsibilities until a successor is selected. Release > VC 4BIO Capital has promoted Natalie Johnston, Ph.D., to principal, while appointing Abbas Hussain and Leszek Lisowski, Ph.D., to its advisory board. Previously, Johnston served as an investment associate for 4BIO, while Hussain most recently worked at Vifor Pharma and Lisowski helped establish two gene therapy companies: Exigen Biotherapeutics and Sendatu Therapeutics. Release > Y-mAbs Therapeutics EVP, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer Bo Kruse is resigning, effective as of the day a successor is appointed or July 31, 2024. Kruse has been with the company for nearly nine years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Release > Endeavor BioMedicines is bringing on two new leaders, appointing Enoch Kariuki as president and Vishaal Turakhia as chief financial officer. Kariuki most recently served as CEO of Lengo Therapeutics (acquired by Blueprint Medicines), while Turakhia was previously managing director at Piper Sandler’s healthcare investment banking group. Release > Joseph Bertelsen is joining U.K.-based biotech Nuclera as chief commercial officer. He previously worked at the Institute for Protein Innovation, a research site in Massachusetts, where he was the director of commercialization. Release

ReOpen was the first ever large placebo-controlled clinical trial program to demonstrate statistically significant reduction of symptoms in chronic sinusitis patients without nasal polyps Clinical trial program also showed reduction in sinus inflammation and in acute exacerbations, which frequently result in use of antibiotics XHANCE uses the proprietary Exhalation Delivery System to enable deposition of a proven steroid in target areas of inflammation deep in the nose not typically reached by standard nasal sprays Chronic sinusitis affects approximately 30 million adults in the U.S. YARDLEY, Pa., March 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Optinose (NASDAQ:OPTN), a pharmaceutical company focused on patients treated by ear, nose and throat (ENT) and allergy specialists, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved XHANCE® (fluticasone propionate) nasal spray for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps in patients 18 years of age and older. Chronic sinusitis (also called “chronic rhinosinusitis” or “CRS”) is one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting approximately 30 million adults in the United States. Research shows that the disease impairs quality of life to a similar degree as other serious chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sciatica, or migraine. Chronic sinusitis is also one of the most common diagnoses in adult outpatient medicine. Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed in approximately 10 million outpatient visits, of which approximately 70% result in antibiotic prescriptions, and leads to more than 600,000 surgeries annually. Although there are FDA–approved medications to treat nasal polyps, including XHANCE, no medication had ever been approved for the more than two-thirds of chronic sinusitis patients who do not have nasal polyps – until today.1 “The FDA approval of XHANCE for the treatment of CRS without nasal polyps is an important milestone,” said Rick Chandra, M.D., Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Endowed Director, Roland “Ron” Eavey, MD, SM Endowed Directorship in Leadership and Education, Service Chief, Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery, Vanderbilt University. “Until today, we have been forced to use unproven therapies to try and alleviate the symptoms that these patients suffer. While we often resort to using nasal steroid sprays in this patient population, they have never been shown to be effective in large placebo-controlled clinical studies. XHANCE, which uses the Exhalation Delivery System to enable delivery of an established topical steroid to the areas of the nasal cavity and sinuses we know to be extensively inflamed, is now proven to be effective in treating our CRS patients both with and without nasal polyps.” “People who don’t suffer from chronic sinusitis may not appreciate how burdensome the condition can be. More than 80% of patients with chronic sinusitis report frustration with symptom relief when using a standard-delivery nasal steroid sprays, and patients commonly use multiple unproven over the counter medications in an effort to find symptom relief.” said Ramy Mahmoud, MD, MPH, CEO of Optinose. “Although chronic sinusitis is one of the most common diagnoses in outpatient physician visits, and surgery is available, there has never been a prescription medication approved by the FDA as safe and effective to treat the millions of patients without nasal polyps suffering from this debilitating disease. We are thrilled to now be able to offer new hope to these patients and believe XHANCE has the potential to become part of the standard of care for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.” The approval was based on data from the ReOpen program evaluating XHANCE for treatment of adults with chronic sinusitis. A drug-device combination product, XHANCE uniquely combines a widely used nasal steroid with the Exhalation Delivery System™, an innovative delivery system designed to target the sites where inflammation occurs, especially difficult-to-access sinuses and sinonasal drainage tracts not typically reached by standard-delivery nasal sprays. The safety pro tolerability of XHANCE for patients in the ReOpen trials was generally consistent with its currently labeled safety profile. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 3%) in the ReOpen program were epistaxis, headache, and nasopharyngitis. About Optinose Optinose is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on serving the needs of patients cared for by ear, nose and throat (ENT) and allergy specialists. To learn more, please visit or follow us on X and LinkedIn. About XHANCE XHANCE® is a drug-device combination product that uses the Exhalation Delivery System™ (also referred to as the EDS®) designed to deliver a topical steroid to the high and deep regions of the nasal cavity where sinuses ventilate and drain. XHANCE is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (with and without nasal polyps) in patients 18 years of age or older. About the ReOpen Program The ReOpen program comprised two global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of one or two sprays of XHANCE in each nostril twice daily, over 24 weeks, in patients suffering from chronic sinusitis. In ReOpen1, the first of the two trials, 332 chronic sinusitis patients either with or without concurrent nasal polyps were treated. In ReOpen2, 222 chronic sinusitis patients who did not have polyps in the nasal cavity were treated. The co-primary endpoints were change from baseline in symptoms, as measured by composite symptom score (nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, and nasal discharge) at the end of week 4, and change in inflammation inside the sinus cavities, as measured by CT scans (change in the average of the percentages of volume occupied by disease in the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses) at week 24. The ReOpen trial program is a landmark research program that included the first ever large, placebo-controlled trials we are aware of to demonstrate that any nasal medication produces significant improvement in both symptoms and inflammation inside the sinuses for patients with chronic sinusitis, regardless of whether or not nasal polyps are present, and to show reduction in the number of acute exacerbations.1 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to any ingredient in XHANCE. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: Local nasal adverse reactions, including epistaxis, erosion, ulceration, septal perforation, Candida albicans infection, and impaired wound healing, can occur. Monitor patients periodically for signs of possible changes on the nasal mucosa. Avoid use in patients with recent nasal ulcerations, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma until healing has occurred. Glaucoma and cataracts may occur with long-term use. Consider referral to an ophthalmologist in patients who develop ocular symptoms or use XHANCE long-term. Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, contact dermatitis, rash, hypotension, and bronchospasm) have been reported after administration of fluticasone propionate. Discontinue XHANCE if such reactions occur. Immunosuppression and infections can occur, including potential increased susceptibility to or worsening of infections (e.g., existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection; ocular herpes simplex). Use with caution in patients with these infections. More serious or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles can occur in susceptible patients. Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur with very high dosages or at the regular dosage in susceptible individuals. If such changes occur, discontinue XHANCE slowly. Assess for decrease in bone mineral density initially and periodically thereafter. ADVERSE REACTIONS: Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps: The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3%) are epistaxis, headache, and nasopharyngitis. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3%) are epistaxis, nasal septal ulceration, nasopharyngitis, nasal mucosal erythema, nasal mucosal ulcerations, nasal congestion, acute sinusitis, nasal septal erythema, headache, and pharyngitis. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole): Use not recommended. May increase risk of systemic corticosteroid effects. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS: Hepatic impairment. Monitor patients for signs of increased drug exposure. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Instructions for Use References James N. Palmer, Nithin D. Adappa, Rakesh K. Chandra, Greg E. Davis, Mahboobeh Mahdavinia, John Messina, Randall A. Ow, Zara M. Patel, Anju T. Peters, Harry Sacks, Rodney J. Schlosser, Raj Sindwani, Zachary M. Soler, Andrew A. White, Sarah K. Wise, Ramy A. Mahmoud, Efficacy of EDS-FLU for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Two Randomized Controlled Trials (ReOpen1 and ReOpen2), The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 2024,, ISSN 2213-2198, ( ) Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that are not historical facts are hereby identified as forward-looking statements for this purpose and include, among others, statements relating to the benefits of XHANCE for the treatment of chronic sinusitis (also called chronic rhinosinusitis) with and without nasal polyps; the benefits of the approval of XHANCE for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps; the potential for XHANCE to become part of the standard of care for the treatment of chronic sinusitis; the benefits of the Exhalation Delivery System; and other statements regarding the Company's future operations, prospects, objectives, and other future events. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially and adversely from those indicated by such forward-looking statements including, among others: physician and patient acceptance of XHANCE for its new indication (treatment of adults with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps); the Company’s ability to maintain adequate third party reimbursement for XHANCE (including its new indication); potential for varying interpretation of clinical trial results of XHANCE for the treatment of chronic sinusitis; ; the prevalence of chronic sinusitis and market opportunities for XHANCE may be smaller than the Company expects; and the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission - which are available at . As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Optinose Investor Contact Jonathan Neely jonathan.neely@optinose.com 267.521.0531