GSK Says BREO ELLIPTA Available In U.S. For Treatment Of COPD

(RTTNews) - GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK, GSK.L) and Theravance Inc. (THRX) announced that BREO ELLIPTA, a once-daily prescription medicine for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, is now available to pharmacies throughout the U.S.

BREO ELLIPTA is a combination of the inhaled corticosteroid or ICS, fluticasone furoate "FF", and the long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), vilanterol "VI" (FF/VI 100/25 mcg). It is indicated for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.

BREO ELLIPTA is also indicated to reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations. BREO ELLIPTA is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or for the treatment of asthma.

As per the terms of its 2002 LABA collaboration agreement with GSK, Theravance agreed to make a milestone payment of $30 million to GSK following the launch of BREO ELLIPTA in the U.S.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is characterised by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing.