Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has launched a generic inhaler used to treat bronchospasm, the company said.

A Food and Drug Administration panel has recommended that the agency approve an experimental drug for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease made by GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance, the two companies said.

Several stores in the Giant Food Stores chain will collect used respiratory inhalers under a program sponsored by drug maker GlaxoSmithKline, the supermarket chain said.

GlaxoSmithKline is offering a recycling program for empty inhalers at retail pharmacies in 31 cities, the drug maker said Wednesday.

Taken together, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema — affect nearly 50 million Americans, or about 15% of the total U.S. population, according to statistics from such organizations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Melville, N.Y.-based Ascent Consumer Products late last month introduced a new delivery form to the nasal saline category — a dry salt inhaler branded InHalo — as a new solution to help break up mucous and promote nasal and bronchial drainage at the ECRM Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS conference held here.

Sen. Charles Schumer on Tuesday announced that the Food and Drug Administration has agreed to conduct a full review of the safety and legality of the new caffeine inhaler AeroShot, distributed by Breathable Foods, which hit stores in New York and Boston this past month.

One of the main plotlines of the big story called the drug industry over the past several years has been the patent cliff, the steady loss of patent protection on blockbuster primary care drugs and subsequent generic competition that has forced many drug companies to find new revenue streams.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new product for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, the drug maker said.

InhalerWear on Tuesday announced its launch of a neoprene cover for inhalers that will help make carrying around an inhaler “trendy and cool” to children and teenagers. The new inhaler can be clipped to a backpack, purse or belt loop.

HealthOneMed has launched a device that combines the abilities of pillboxes, reminders, dispensers and medication alerts into one.