The AD237 is being billed as a lifesaver for patients suffering from failing lungsCHIPPENHAM NEWS: A LIFESAVING drug and device that fights 'smokers lung' has netted its Chippenham inventors almost £100m.

Boffins at Vectura, of Prospect West, Chippenham have won a deal to put their AD 237 product onto the market with pharmaceutical giants Novartis.

The drug will provide vital help for the millions of people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can cause bronchitis and emphysema.

The £200m contract, shared with partners Arakis Ltd, means the AD 237, which uses Vectura's technology to get the drug into the lungs through an inhaler, will now be licensed and marketed around the world in what is believed to be the biggest biotech deal Britain has ever seen.

Dr Chris Blackwell, Vectura's chief executive, said: "Potentially the earlier you identify the progress of the disease the more likely you will stabilise the patient.

"It's impossible to say how many lives will be saved but we are just very keen to get this quality product onto the market as soon as possible so patients can benefit from it.

"We believe that AD 237 will play a major role in the expansion of the COPD market, which is underserved today but set for dramatic growth over the coming decade."

Patients would use AD 237 once a day to help keep their lungs open and allow them to breathe. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the world's fourth biggest killer.

Vectura employ over 100 workers and the multi-million pound deal means the firm is keen to boost its presence in Chippenham.

Last year experts successfully tested an anti-impotence drug, which sends messages directly to the brain and is set to rival market leader Viagra.