GlaxoSmithKline reports positive study data for COPD therapy Anoro Ellipta

GlaxoSmithKline and Innoviva have announced new clinical trial data demonstrating the benefits offered by their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) therapy Anoro Ellipta.

Results from the DB2116960 trial have been presented at the American Thoracic Society 2016 International Conference, showing the efficacy and safety of Anoro Ellipta in moderate COPD patients who continued to have symptoms while on tiotropium monotherapy.

Subjects who were switched from tiotropium 18mcg to Anoro Ellipta 62.5/25mcg, experienced a statistically significant improvement in terms of lung function after 12 weeks compared to those who remained on tiotropium for the duration of the study.

Professor Neil Barnes, global respiratory franchise medical head at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "This efficacy data demonstrates the improvement in lung function that can be achieved in patients with moderate COPD when changing treatment from monotherapy with tiotropium 18mcg to dual bronchodilation with Anoro Ellipta."

In Europe, Anoro is indicated as a once-daily, maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with COPD.

The disease is thought to affect 329 million people worldwide and represents an important area of focus for GlaxoSmithKline.