GSK receives positive opinion for Avamys

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has given its nasal spray Avamys a positive opinion for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in adults, adolescents (12 years and over) and children (6-11 years).

The positive opinion comes off the back of Phase III studies showing Avamys as demonstrating superior efficacy to a placebo in treating overall nasal allergy symptoms.

Avamys was also shown to bring significant improvements in relieving eye symptoms, becoming the first intranasal corticosteroid spray to do so.

Andrew Witty, chief executive officer designate of GSK, stated that the EMEA’s decision was “important” for the 60 million Europeans who are affected by allergic rhinitis.

He illustrated that up to 70 per cent of people with allergic rhinitis suffer from symptoms that affect both the nose and eyes and that Avamys was the only prescription nasal spray that can relieve symptoms in both areas.

“Importantly this relief from the main symptoms of allergic rhinitis has been shown to be sustained for over 24 hours,” he added.

Avamys was granted approval for use in America by the US Food and Drug Administration in April 2007 under the trade name Veramyst.

Last week, GSK announced that Andrew Witty will join the company as chief executive officer designate following the retirement of Dr Jean-Pierre Garnier in May 2008.