Philip Morris Buys OtiTopic, Furthers ‘Beyond Nicotine’ Strategy

The transaction gives Philip Morris access to OtiTopic’s lead candidate, Asprihale, a dry powder formulation of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), as an inhalable treatment for acute myocardial infarction.

In early trials, the inhaled drug stopped platelets from clumping in the blood in two minutes vs. 20 minutes for coated aspirin tablets, Philip Morris said, adding that the “unprecedented” speed of response could significantly boost patient survival.

The OtiTopic purchase marks just the latest acquisition in what Philip Morris calls its Beyond Nicotine strategy as it seeks to become a majority smoke-free business by 2025. Financial terms of the OtiTopic purchase were not disclosed.