GSK drug ‘reduces lung function decline’

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the publication of new study results showing the administration of Seretide/Advair (salmeterol/fluticasone propionate 50/500mcg) can reduce the decline in lung function experienced by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

The company said this was the first study to show the positive impact of the treatment on this key indicator for disease progression in COPD.

GSK said these results show the compound can reduce the excess decline in lung function measured by forced expiratory volume in one second by over 50 per cent.

The results of this post-hoc analysis of the Torch study of over 6,000 COPD patients were published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

COPD is responsible for more than three million deaths worldwide every year.

Darrell Baker, senior vice-president of the respiratory medicines development centre at GSK, said: “It is good news for patients that treatment with Seretide/Advair has for the first time been shown to help slow the progression of their disease, in addition to improving their lung function and reducing exacerbations.”

He added long term studies give doctors and researchers information about the mechanisms and management of COPD, while the company remains dedicated to further research to boost understanding of the condition.

In June 2008, GSK announced the publication of positive one-year results for Seretide/Advair Diskus in African-American asthma patients.