LABA '444 phase IIb results now in COPD. The two studies had similar design:
Glaxo's "son of Advair" positive for COPD
reuters.com
* Drug meets mid-stage goals for COPD
* Adds important new indications to the asthma treatment
* Drug seen as replacement for Glaxo's blockbuster Advair (Adds details)
LONDON, Dec 22 (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the world's second biggest drugmaker, on Monday reported positive mid-stage results in key additional indications for its key drug seen as a successor to top-selling Advair.
The new inhaled long-acting beta agonist (LABA) asthma drug, known as LABA 444 and in development with U.S. partner Theravance (THRX.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), moves a step closer to having a key additional indication in moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Glaxo said that it showed an increase in lung function compared to a placebo drug at five dose levels, meeting the goals for the Phase 2b trial.
The company added that it did not show increased average heart rate, a common side effect of beta agonists.
Advair, which has sold $5.7 billion worldwide in the nine months ended September 2008, combines two ingredients -- a steroid to fight inflammation and a beta agonist to open airways by relaxing muscles that tighten during an asthma attack.
Both elements will be replaced in the follow-on product, dubbed "son of Advair".
Earlier this month the company said that the drug was well tolerated by people participating in a mid-stage trial in asthma [ID:nL2118615]. |
