GlaxoSmithKline study shows need for COPD exacerbation management

GlaxoSmithKline has published a study which demonstrates that more should be done to help chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients avoid or manage the risk of exacerbations.

The pharmaceutical company sponsored the recent 2,138-patient Eclipse trial, which monitored the frequency and effect of COPD exacerbations over the course of three years.

It was found that, although exacerbations were shown to become more frequent and severe as the condition progressed, the single most reliable predictor of the development was a prior history of exacerbation.

The trial's organisers hope this finding will lead to improvements in treatment strategies for the prevention and management of exacerbations, even among those with less severe COPD.

Darrell Baker, senior vice-president of GlaxoSmithKline's respiratory and immuno-inflammation medicines development centre, said: "Eclipse is unprecedented and has inspired several new collaborations within the global research community in COPD that will continue to provide valuable insights in the coming years."

Earlier this week, the company announced plans to collaborate with the Bone and Joint Decade international initiative in order to raise global awareness of quality of life issues relating to joint pain.