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| | | ![]() France And Ireland Grant World's First Approval For Non-CFC Inhaler MIAMI, FL -- November 19, 1997 -- Norton Healthcare Ltd., has received marketing clearance in France and Ireland for the world's first chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for beclomethasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid indicated for the control of symptoms associated with chronic bronchial asthma. This environmentally-friendly MDI uses a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) in place of a CFC propellant. CFCs contribute to ozone depletion and are the subject of a treaty calling for their eventual ban. Norton Healthcare has applications for this product pending at the Medicine Control Agency in the United Kingdom and expects to file additional applications in other world markets. Norton Healthcare intends to commercialize the HFA beclomethasone dipropionate MDI in Ireland directly and is currently negotiating with a marketing partner to distribute the product in France. The use of HFAs in pharmaceutical aerosols is the subject of various patents held by third parties throughout the world. In the U.K., Norton Healthcare successfully invalidated certain patents held by 3M Company and 3M has filed an appeal which is pending. Norton Healthcare intends to challenge other patents which purport to cover the use of HFAs in pharmaceutical aerosols.
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