MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. has released Seebri Neohaler Inhalation Powder (glycopyrrolate 15.6 mcg), a treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to U.S. pharmacies.

Sunovion said Thursday that it entered into an exclusive license agreement with Novartis for the U.S. commercialization rights to Seebri Neohaler, as well as Utibron Neohaler and Arcapta Neohaler, in late December. Novartis had received Food and Drug Administration approval for Seebri Neohaler in October 2015.

A long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) taken twice daily, Seebri Neohaler is indicated for the long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in people with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.

“As a part of our commitment to millions of people living with COPD in the United States, Sunovion is pleased to introduce Seebri Neohaler as a new treatment option,” commented David Frawley, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Sunovion. “Seebri Neohaler, a handheld, dry powder inhaler, is an important part of Sunovion’s COPD portfolio that includes a broad range of medications and delivery methods that can address individual patient needs.”

About 15.7 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with COPD, which is responsible for over 120,000 deaths per year, making it the nation’s third-leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimated that several million more adults have undiagnosed COPD.

“COPD is a serious, progressive respiratory disease that should have a personalized approach to choosing a therapy and delivery method, and there remains a need for additional treatment options for newly diagnosed patients as well as those managing uncontrolled symptoms,” stated Edward Kerwin, medical director of the Clinical Research Institute of Southern Oregon. “Seebri Neohaler is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist delivered through a small, handheld inhaler that provides important audiovisual feedback to patients, caregivers and health care providers.”