| | INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS (Form: 10-K, Received: 03/23/1998 15:51:37) |
 | | In addition to Pfizer, Baxter and Lilly, the Company is engaged in early stage feasibility and preclinical research and development collaborations with Centeon L.L.C. (a joint venture of Hoechst AG and Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc.) on alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor for genetic emphysema and Genzyme Corporation on gene vectors for lung diseases. |
 | | In addition to developing a pulmonary delivery system for macromolecules, Inhale is investigating opportunities of leveraging its technology for small molecules where there is a clear, demonstrable need for an alternative drug delivery system and where the Company's existing technology can be applied without significant modification. |
 | | The initial screening determinant for the feasibility of pulmonary delivery of any systemic macromolecule drug is pulmonary bioavailability, which measures the percentage of the drug absorbed into the bloodstream when delivered directly to the lungs. |
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