9th Feb 2015 09:56
LONDON (Alliance News) - GlaxoSmithKline PLC said Monday that along with Theravance Inc it has started a second phase III study into the triple combination of fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium and vilanterol for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The study will assess whether or not the combination, delivered in Glaxo's Ellipta inhaler, can improve lung function and quality of life compared with the combined treatment of budesonide and formoterol.
It will also investigate the rate of exacerbations and safety profile of the combination. The first phase III study started in July, and is assessing the triple combination compared to a combined fluticasone furoate and vilanterol treatment, and compared to a umeclidinium and vilanterol combination.
"Triple combination therapy is already a reality for one in three patients with COPD and is often dispensed in different inhalers with differing doses. By providing all three medicine components in a single inhaler we hope to offer more convenient dosing to patients, reduce the risk of exacerbation compared to dual therapy and, as a result, contribute to the improved management of their disease," said Dave Allen, head of Glaxo's respiratory therapy area unit research and development.
Shares in Glaxo are trading down 0.7% at 1,506.50 pence Monday morning.
By Hana Stewart-Smith; [email protected]; @HanaSSAllNews
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