GlaxoSmithKline’s Relvar Ellipta approved in EU for asthma and COPD

GlaxoSmithKline and partner Theravance have announced their new product Relvar Ellipta has been approved by the European Commission.

The therapy combines an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) with a long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA) and has been licensed for use in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A decision was reached by the European Medicines Agency after reviewing the positive results of ten clinical studies in 7,783 patients with COPD and 16 trials in 9,326 patients with asthma.

Theravance will make a milestone payment of $15 million (9.29 million pounds) to its partner following this market authorisation, with a further $15 million to be paid once the product is launched.

Darrell Baker, senior vice-president and head of GlaxoSmithKline's global respiratory franchise, said: "Healthcare professionals across Europe will have the option to prescribe an ICS/LABA that offers 24-hour efficacy from a once-daily dose, delivered in our new Ellipta inhaler."

Earlier this month, GlaxoSmithKline announced plans to expand its UK workforce by recruiting 140 new apprentices over the next two years, while also taking on 26 more engineering graduate trainees.