GlaxoSmithKline reports positive data from Relovair trials

GlaxoSmithKline has completed a phase III registration programme for Relovair, a new respiratory disease treatment developed alongside Theravance.

Initial outcomes have been reported from all studies conducted among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and all but one of the drug's pivotal asthma trials.

In both patient groups, statistically significant improvements were shown to be provided by Relovair, a once-daily inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist combination treatment, containing fluticasone furoate and vilanterol.

GlaxoSmithKline intends to use this data to support regulatory applications for the as-yet unapproved therapy for both COPD and asthma in Europe.

Darrell Baker, senior vice-president and respiratory portfolio optimisation leader at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "We are pleased to have reached this milestone for Relovair, one of the important assets in our respiratory development portfolio."

Earlier this month, it was announced that GlaxoSmithKline's chief executive officer Andrew Witty has received a knighthood as part of the New Year's Honours List.