Novartis’ new COPD drug shows efficacy in clinical trial

Novartis has reported positive clinical trial data for QVA149, the investigational once-daily dual bronchodilator it is developing for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Results from the Spark trial showed that the drug was able to deliver a reduced rate of COPD exacerbations compared to an established therapy option, while also improving lung function and quality of life among patients.

In doing so, the treatment was able to meet its primary efficacy endpoint in the study, which is one of ten phase III trials in the Ignite programme evaluating QVA149 as a COPD therapy.

Eight of these studies – Illuminate, Shine, Bright, Enlighten, Spark, Blaze, Arise and Beacon – have now been completed, with only the Radiate and Lantern trials yet to conclude.

Tim Wright, global head of development at Novartis Pharma, said: "For physicians and their patients, these findings offer hope of a new effective treatment to prevent debilitating COPD exacerbations and improve health-related quality of life."

This comes after the firm received European approval for the COPD therapy Seebri Breezhaler last year.