Lupin announced that its UK subsidiary, Lupin Healthcare (UK) has received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to market Luforbec (beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) 100/6 μg pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), the first branded generic of Fostair (beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) 100/6 μg pMDI.

Luforbec 100/6 μg pMDI is indicated for regular treatment of asthma and for the symptomatic treatment of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (FEV1 <50% predicted normal*).

In the twelve months to February 2021, the NHS spent over ￡179 million on Fostair 100/6 μg pMDI and the availability of Luforbec 100/6 μg pMDI offers significant savings potential for the NHS, upon launch, informed a company statement.

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.