GlaxoSmithKline hails success in asthma medication trial

GlaxoSmithKline reported encouraging results from clinical tests on asthma sufferers of its Relvar Ellipta inhaler treatment.

Firstly the study met its 'primary endpoint' by showing that patients suffering from asthma found no worsening of their lung function if they moved to a once-a-day puff from Relvar Ellipta, a combination of a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA), from a twice-daily Seretide Accuhaler, which is a combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol.

Also, a third treatment arm compared lung function difference between Relvar Ellipta and fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy, and this demonstrated "statistically significant differences" in favour of Relvar Ellipta combinations to FP.

GSK said the study indicated that the combination therapy would help patients better manage their asthma.

"In this positive study we have demonstrated non-inferiority for once-daily Relvar versus twice-daily Seretide on lung function," said Eric Dube, senior vice president and global head of respiratory franchise.

"This gives us confidence that for patients who struggle taking a twice-daily treatment regimen, there may be a once-daily treatment option available, providing greater physician choice to help patients."