Relvar Ellipta cuts exacerbations in real-world COPD study

GlaxoSmithKline plc(LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) and partner Innoviva Inc. (NASDAQ:INVA) said Relvar Ellipta fluticasone furoate/vilanterol met the primary endpoint in the Phase IIIb Salford Lung Study, a real-world outcomes trial, to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The therapy, which is approved in the U.S. and EU to treat COPD and asthma, led to a significant, 8.4% reduction in the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations at 12 months vs. "existing COPD usual care" (p=0.025).

GSK markets the therapy in the U.S. as Breo Ellipta. It is a fixed-dose combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) administered via the Ellipta inhaler. GSK began the Salford Lung Study in 2012 to evaluate adherence and outcomes with the therapy (see BioCentury, Dec. 16, 2013). ...