GSK presents positive data for Incruse Ellipta added to Advair in COPD patients

UK pharma major GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) has released data showing the safety and efficacy of the addition of a long-acting muscarinic antagonist Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) 62.5mcg and 125mcg, to the inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2 agonist combination medicine, Advair (fluticasone proprionate and salmeterol) in COPD patients.

The data, presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS), was from a late-stage clinical study which showed that for the primary endpoint of trough FEV1 at Day 85, the addition of Incruse Ellipta (at either dose) to Advair resulted in a statistically significant improvement in lung function when compared with placebo added on to Advair, in patients with COPD. It also demonstrated statistically significant improvements in secondary efficacy endpoints of 0-6 hour weighted mean FEV1 at Day 84 and mean number of puffs of rescue medicine per day (weeks 1-12) compared with the addition of placebo to Advair 250/50 mcg.

Darrell Baker, senior vice president and head, Global Respiratory Franchise at GSK, said: “We are pleased to be able to share these results with physicians from across the world at this international congress. The ATS provides a forum for scientific discussion and we look forward to understanding the scientific and healthcare communities’ perspectives of these new data.”