Glenmark Launches Tiogiva, Generic Dry Powder Inhaler, in UK

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has launched Tiogiva, a tiotropium bromide dry powder inhaler (DPI) for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the U.K.

Tiogiva is the bioequivalent generic version of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Spiriva Handihaler, which means the therapy works the same way and is considered as effective and safe as the brand name version. 

In 2018, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe, a subsidiary of Glenmark, entered into an exclusive in-licensing agreement to market generic tiotropium bromide DPI in the U.K. and Western Europe. 

Now, the company is planning to launch the medicine in Ireland, Sweden, Norway, and Finland as Tiogiva, in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Spain, as Tavulus, and as Tiotropium Glenmark in Germany.

“We are glad to introduce Tiogiva, one of the first bioequivalent drugs to be launched in Europe for treatment of COPD,” Achin Gupta, executive vice president and business head of EMEA-L at Glenmark, said in a press release.

“Respiratory medicine is a key area of focus for Glenmark, and the launch of this product will enable us to improve access to COPD treatment by providing an effective and high-quality treatment option to patients in U.K. and Western Europe,” Gupta added.

COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease, in which airways become blocked, leading to wheezing and shortness of breath. While the causes of the disease are not fully known, it is thought that long-term exposure to substances that irritate the lungs, such as cigarette smoke, damages the lungs and airways. Symptoms arise when significant lung damage has already occurred and tend to worsen over time.

Tiogiva’s active ingredient, tiotropium bromide, is a bronchodilator — an agent that relaxes airway muscles so they can widen. Due to its bronchodilator properties, tiotropium can ease several COPD symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.

The medication exerts these effects by blocking muscarinic receptors, which are located on smooth muscle cells and are involved in smooth muscle contraction. 

Tiogiva is the second inhalation product in-licensed by Glenmark for the European market. Previously, the company in-licensed Stalpex (fluticasone/salmeterol) dry powder inhaler for COPD and asthma, a chronic inflammatory lung disease with symptoms similar to COPD.