AstraZeneca Asthma Drug Receives FDA OK

An asthma inhaler already sold overseas received U.S. approval Friday, health officials said.

AstraZeneca PLC's Symbicort received approval for the long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 12 and older, said Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Laura Alvey.

The drug is one of five key products for the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company.

Symbicort combines budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. It is inhaled as an aerosol.

Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid and provides an anti-inflammatory effect, while formoterol is a rapid and long-lasting bronchodilator, according to the company. Symbicort is approved for sale in more than 90 countries.

Symbicort is expected to compete against the asthma drug Advair, made by GlaxoSmithKline PLC.

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