Business Wire

NY-PHILIP-MORRIS-INTL

9.8.2021 12:06:05 CEST | Business Wire | Press release

Share
Philip Morris International Acquires Inhaled Drug Specialist OtiTopic; Growing Pipeline of “Beyond Nicotine” Inhaled Therapeutic Products

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE: PM) today announced its acquisition of OtiTopic, a U.S. respiratory drug development company with a late-stage inhalable acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) treatment for acute myocardial infarction. If approved, the treatment can address the significant unmet medical need of the over 83 million people, in the U.S. alone, at intermediate to high risk for myocardial infarction.

“The acquisition of OtiTopic is an exciting step in PMI’s Beyond Nicotine ambitions,” said Jacek Olczak, CEO, PMI. “We have world-class expertise in the research, development, and commercialization of aerosolization and inhalable devices to help speed the delivery of this exciting product to market.”

This acquisition is part of PMI’s strategic plan to leverage its expertise, scientific know-how, and capabilities in inhalation to grow a pipeline of inhaled therapeutics and respiratory drug delivery Beyond Nicotine. Following the completion of clinical trials and pending approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), PMI can leverage its expertise and the capabilities of other companies in the Beyond Nicotine portfolio to bring ASPRIHALE® to market.

ASPRIHALE® a patented, dry powder inhalation of ASA delivered through a unique self-administered aerosol is expected to move from clinical trials to filing with FDA for approval in 2022. Early clinical trials have shown that the product system catalyzed peak plasma concentration and the desired pharmacodynamic effect, i.e., inhibition of platelet aggregation in two minutes compared with 20 minutes for coated chewable aspirin. This speed is unprecedented and has significant potential implications for improving the survival of patients at risk of heart attacks.

OtiTopic will complete its assessment program and filing with the FDA using FDA’s 505 (b)(2) pathway, a pathway designed for drugs already available on the market but requesting approval either for a new indication, dosage form or regimen, strength, combination with other products, or other unique traits. This pathway will allow PMI to build on existing data available for ASA reference products and focus on delivering the evidence that the inhalable form, ASPRIHALE®, outperforms the current standard of care—oral delivery—of ASA.

“In the United States alone, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. With its inhalable version of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), OtiTopic has developed an asset that promises to have a much faster onset of effect compared to oral ASA,” said Jorge Insuasty, chief life sciences officer, PMI. “With its acquisition of OtiTopic, PMI looks forward to completing the planned ASPRIHALE® registration program and bringing this important treatment to market to address a significant unmet medical need in a clinical condition where every second counts.”

“This transaction aligns well with OtiTopic’s goals of unlocking what we believe to be a significant opportunity in inhaled therapeutics science,” said Kambiz Yadidi, CEO, OtiTopic. “We are entering this transaction to accelerate ASPRIHALE®’s FDA filing, with the goal of delivering innovative therapies for people with intermediate to high risk for myocardial infarction.”

PMI’s Beyond Nicotine vision is part of a larger transformation that puts health, science, technology, and sustainability at the heart of PMI’s future, delivering products and solutions that aim to improve people’s lives and deliver a net positive impact on society. Building on the company’s investment and expertise in aerosol chemistry and physics, device technology, clinical research, and best-in-class preclinical safety and inhalation models, PMI is developing a pipeline focused on inhaled therapeutics for medical and wellness applications.

To date, PMI has invested more than $8 billion in building a world-class research and development capability, including pre-clinical systems toxicology and clinical capabilities, behavioral research, and post-market studies. The company has also met the strictest of regulatory requirements, including in the U.S., where the Food and Drug Administration authorized a version of our lead smoke-free tobacco product as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product in 2020.

OtiTopic was founded in 2012 as an innovative pharmaceutical start-up company and holds several key patents, differentiated intellectual property, and has confirmed a 505(b)2 pathway through constructive interactions with the FDA.

PMI expects the impact of the acquisition of OtiTopic on its full-year 2021 adjusted diluted EPS to be immaterial.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical, including statements regarding the acquisition of OtiTopic, and any other statements regarding events or developments that we believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future, may be “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.

There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: (1) the possibility that the integration of OtiTopic and its operations with those of PMI may be more difficult and/or take longer than anticipated, and may not accelerate PMI’s desired entry into additional smoke-free and beyond nicotine platforms as quickly as anticipated; (2) the possibility that ASPRIHALE® may not receive FDA approval when anticipated, if at all; (3) the ability of PMI to retain key personnel of OtiTopic; and (4) other factors that may affect future results of the combined company described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in PMI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, PMI’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and other filings of PMI with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and PMI does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Philip Morris International: Delivering a Smoke-Free Future

Philip Morris International (PMI) is leading a transformation in the tobacco industry to create a smoke-free future and ultimately replace cigarettes with smoke-free products to the benefit of adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, society, the company, its shareholders and its other stakeholders. PMI is a leading international tobacco company engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, as well as smoke-free products, associated electronic devices and accessories, and other nicotine-containing products in markets outside the U.S. In addition, PMI ships versions of its IQOS Platform 1 device and consumables to Altria Group, Inc. for sale under license in the U.S., where these products have received marketing authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway; the FDA has also authorized the marketing of a version of IQOS and its consumables as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP), finding that an exposure modification order for these products is appropriate to promote the public health. PMI is building a future on a new category of smoke-free products that, while not risk-free, are a much better choice than continuing to smoke. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in product development, state-of-the-art facilities and scientific substantiation, PMI aims to ensure that its smoke-free products meet adult consumer preferences and rigorous regulatory requirements. PMI’s smoke-free product portfolio includes heat-not-burn and nicotine-containing vapor products. As of June 30, 2021, PMI’s smoke-free products are available for sale in 67 markets in key cities or nationwide, and PMI estimates that approximately 14.7 million adults around the world have already switched to IQOS and stopped smoking. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com .

# # #

About Business Wire

Business Wire
Business Wire
101 California Street, 20th Floor
CA 94111 San Francisco

http://businesswire.com

Subscribe to releases from Business Wire

Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Latest releases from Business Wire

Andersen Consulting styrker rådgivning inden for bygningsaktiver gennem samarbejde med Grinity20.2.2026 23:18:00 CET | Pressemeddelelse

Andersen Consulting har indgået en samarbejdsaftale med Grinity, et rådgivningsfirma med speciale i bygningsaktiver, der leverer tekniske, miljømæssige og bæredygtige udviklingstjenester til bygge- og ejendomsmarkederne. Med sæde i Tjekkiet og Slovakiet og mere end 130 specialister betjener Grinity private og offentlige kunder inden for kommerciel udvikling, industri, teknologi, bilindustri og bæredygtighed. Virksomheden tilbyder tværfaglig ekspertise inden for projekt- og omkostningsstyring, teknisk rådgivning, transaktionsydelser, ESG-rådgivning og energioptimering af bygninger. "Bæredygtighed er blevet en strategisk nødvendighed, men kunderne har også brug for en integreret ydelse på tværs af omfang, omkostninger, tidsplan, risiko og kvalitet," udtalte Pavel Čermák, administrerende direktør for Grinity. "Ved at kombinere vores ekspertise inden for projekt- og omkostningsstyring, teknisk rådgivning og energioptimering med Andersens globale platform kan vi levere omfattende, fremadsku

Telekom Srbija Group Announces Platinum Sponsorship of EXPO 2027 Belgrade20.2.2026 12:32:00 CET | Press release

Telekom Srbija to power EXPO 2027 and unveil dedicated pavilion showcasing its technology ecosystem Telekom Srbija Group today announced its Platinum Sponsorship of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued leadership in digital innovation and infrastructure across the region. As a Platinum Sponsor, Telekom Srbija will play a central role in delivering the digital backbone of EXPO 2027, powering connectivity and enabling the state-of-the-art technological infrastructure that will support one of the largest international events ever hosted in Serbia. EXPO 2027 represents a defining moment for Belgrade, Serbia, and the wider region. For Telekom Srbija, the partnership is both a strategic commitment and a landmark opportunity to demonstrate the full strength of its technological ecosystem on a global stage. Telekom Srbija will also host its own pavilion at EXPO 2027, creating an immersive space to showcase its technologies, innovation platforms and future-fa

Axelspace Secures Japan Ministry of Defense Satellite Constellation Project20.2.2026 12:01:00 CET | Press release

As an optical imagery provider, Axelspace has entered into a contract for the acquisition of image data Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), a leading developer and operator of microsatellites dedicated to realizing its vision of “Space within Your Reach,” announced that, for the purpose of carrying out the Ministry of Defense’s satellite constellation project, it has entered into a contract with Tri-Sat Constellation Co., Ltd. and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Co., Ltd. for acquisition of optical imagery data. Tri-Sat Constellation Co., Ltd. is a special purpose company (SPC) established by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260220758297/en/ An imagery of satellite constellation © the Ministry of Defense The Ministry of Defense’s satellite constellation project was awarded to a consortium comprising Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, S

Sai Life Sciences to Recruit 700+ Professionals in FY2720.2.2026 10:09:00 CET | Press release

Sai Life Sciences Limited (BSE: 544306 | NSE: SAILIFE), one of India’s leading integrated contract research, development and manufacturing organizations (CRDMOs), today announced plans to hire 700+ scientific, technical, and management professionals during 2026–27 as it scales capabilities to meet growing global demand for end-to-end drug discovery, development and manufacturing services. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260220711675/en/ Integrated R&D Campus, Sai Life Sciences, Hyderabad, India The recruitment will span roles across medicinal chemistry, biology, DMPK, process and analytical development, formulation development, process engineering, technology transfer, quality, peptides, business development, program management, and manufacturing, among others. A specific area of focus through this recruitment drive will be on attracting high-calibre scientists from leading institutions in India and globally,

Balmain Beauty Introduces Destin de Balmain: A New Prestige Fragrance20.2.2026 08:30:00 CET | Press release

Balmain Beauty unveils Destin de Balmain, its debut prestige fragrance. The new feminine fragrance is a bold, floral fruity eau de parfum that captures the unstoppable energy of the Balmain woman: independent, youthful, and unapologetic. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260219851364/en/ Destin de Balmain (Photo Credit: Balmain Beauty) THE STORY: LIVE YOUR DESTINY Destin de Balmain is destiny you hold in your hands, a journey of optimism and infinite possibilities. The refillable fragrance unites those who express themselves without rules or expectations. Inspired by the Parisian House’s savoir-faire and modern pulse, the daring fragrance celebrates choosing your path and living your destiny. “Destin de Balmain features a joyful, optimistic spark of ripe strawberry,” said Quentin Bisch, Perfumer. “The fruit’s juicy vivacity brings bright, elevated sweetness to the composition. Notes of peony further convey the f

In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.

Visit our pressroom
World GlobeA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.HiddenA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.Eye