Novartis reports positive data from Onbrez Breezhaler study

Novartis has announced encouraging results from a new phase IV clinical trial of Onbrez Breezhaler, its approved therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Top-line findings from the Instead trial revealed that Novartis' drug demonstrated non-inferiority in lung function to twice-daily Seretide after 12 weeks in patients with moderate COPD and no exacerbations in the previous year.

It also showed similar symptomatic benefits in terms of shortness of breath and health status after 12 and 26 weeks, while the drug's safety profile was consistent with previously-reported results from phase III studies.

Onbrez Breezhaler was therefore able to meet its primary efficacy endpoint in the trial, underlining its status as an effective maintenance treatment.

Tim Wright, global head of development at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "These positive results help inform the switch from salmeterol/fluticasone to Onbrez Breezhaler in patients with moderate COPD and who are at low risk of exacerbations."

This week, the company is attending the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, where it is presenting its latest findings on the multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya.