Long-term safety and efficacy demonstrated for GSK's Nucala

GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) on Saturday presented positive new safety and efficacy data for Nucala (mepolizumab) from the open-label COSMOS (MEA115661) study at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology annual meeting.

The data shows that the risk/benefit profile generated through the pivotal studies for Nucala was maintained over an extended 52-week period. Exacerbation risk reduction, asthma control improvement and oral corticosteroid dose reduction seen in earlier trials was also demonstrated in the study.

Nucala, which is already approved in the USA and Europe for use in combination with other therapies for patients 12 and older who have a history of severe asthma attacks, is also being tested for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Analysts on average expect the drug to generate annual sales of $756 million by 2020, according to Thomson Reuters data, but some believe it has the potential for sales of $1 billion-plus.