GlaxoSmithKline reports positive data from Relvar Ellipta COPD study

GlaxoSmithKline has announced new clinical trial data showing the benefits of its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) therapy Relvar Ellipta.

Positive results from the Salford Lung Study showed Relvar Ellipta achieved a superior reduction in exacerbations versus usual care in patients with COPD in an everyday clinical practice setting.

Usual care included long-acting muscarinic antagonists, long-acting beta2-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids administered as a monotherapy or in dual or triple combinations.

Analyses remain ongoing, with final results to be published at a later date. A second Salford Lung Study is currently being conducted in asthma patients, the results of which are expected in 2017.

Patrick Vallance, president of pharmaceutical research and development at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "Innovation often means you have to ask challenging questions to make significant advances, and I believe this is what we have achieved in these positive results announced today."

This comes after the company reported positive clinical data showing the efficacy of Anoro Ellipta in COPD patients who have remained symptomatic on tiotropium earlier this month.