Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Pharmaceuticals
June 20, 2014

Meptin®, a Fast-acting Bronchodilator to Treat Asthma and COPD, Will Become Available in Japan on July 2 in a New Form as Meptin® Swinghaler® 10μg 100Puffs

  • Meptin achieves rapid onset of action, targeting beta 2 adrenergic receptors and thereby causing smooth muscle relaxation and dilation of bronchial passages in the lungs. Meptin is widely used for asthma attacks and has a market share in Japan exceeding 50%. The new Meptin® Swinghaler® fits in the palm of the hand and enables fast inhalation by patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • In Japan, there are an estimated 1.05 million asthma patients and approximately 2,000 deaths per year related to asthma, many among the elderly. During mild asthma attacks, it is crucial that pediatric and elderly patients be able to simply, rapidly and reliably use an inhaler, therefore Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Otsuka Techno Corporation jointly developed a newly-designed dry-powder inhaler named Swinghaler.
  • With the launch of Meptin Swinghaler, Meptin is now available in 12 dosage forms suited for the age and disease status of individual asthma and COPD patients. The product is marketed in twelve countries and regions.

Otsuka has announced that Meptin Swinghaler, an improved inhaler containing 100 puffs of a 10-microgram dose of Meptin dry powder, will be launched in Japan on July 2. Meptin Swinghaler, a successor to the Meptin Clickhaler introduced in 2005, offers improved features such as greater compactness for use anywhere, moisture-proof, one-click closure and a dose counter indicating the number of remaining doses.