Generic asthma inhaler to offer NHS significant savings
pharmafile | August 25, 2021 | News story | Research and Development |
Luforbec 100/6 pMDI, the first branded generic alternative to Fostair 100/6 pMDI, to treat adult asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has launched in the UK.
In the 12 months to May 2021, the NHS spent over £177 million on Fostair 100/6 pMDI. Luforbec will offer a cost saving of £8.80 per prescription.
Luforbec has the same licensed indications as Fostair® 100/6 pMDI, the same active ingredients, an extrafine formulation, and similar device characteristics.
Ben Ellis, General Manager, Lupin Healthcare UK, said: “Lupin is dedicated to serving both patients and healthcare providers with high quality medicines that address patient needs and deliver value.
“We are extremely pleased Luforbec is now available in the UK offering a treatment alternative for healthcare professionals at a reduced cost.”
Darush Attar-Zadeh, Respiratory Lead Pharmacist, North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group (Barnet Borough), said: “Considering the prevalence of asthma and COPD in the UK and the number of patients for whom a pMDI is the most appropriate inhaler, I welcome the availability of an alternative pMDI option licensed with a spacer for my patients.”
Respiratory diseases affect one in five people. It is the third biggest cause of death in the UK and is a clinical priority for the NHS.
In the UK, around 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma, which is equivalent to one in every 12 adults.
An estimated 1.2 million people are also living with COPD and this number is only set to increase.
Asthma and COPD place a heavy cost burden on the NHS, estimated at £3 billion and £1.9 billion per year, respectively.
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