Theravance, GlaxoSmithKline sales and marketing update

GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance launched Breo Ellipta fluticasone furoate/vilanterol in the U.S. to treat airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to reduce COPD exacerbations in patients with a history of exacerbations. The product's wholesale acquisition cost is $267.67 per month. Breo Ellipta is a once-daily, fixed-dose combination of the inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone furoate and a long-acting adrenergic receptor beta 2 agonist (LABA) vilanterol administered with the dry powder Ellipta inhaler. The launch triggered a $30 million milestone payment from Theravance to GSK under the partners' 2002 deal to develop compounds to treat asthma and COPD. SkyePharma plc (LSE:SKP, London, U.K.), which licensed its dry powder formulation technologies for inhalation products to GSK, is eligible for low single-digit royalties on Breo Ellipta. The product is approved in Canada for the same indications as in the U.S. and in Japan as Relvar Ellipta to treat bronchial asthma in patients who require combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids plus inhaled LABAs. The product is under review in Europe as Relvar Ellipta to treat asthma and COPD, with a decision expected this quarter (see BioCentury, May 20). ...