Singapore: AstraZeneca has completed its acquisition of Pearl Therapeutics, a privately held company based in Redwood City, California, focused on the development of inhaled small-molecule therapeutics for respiratory disease.

Upon completion of the merger, AstraZeneca acquired 100 percent of Pearl's shares.

The acquisition gives AstraZeneca access to a potential new treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), currently in late-stage development, and inhaler and formulation technology that provides a platform for future combination products.