GlaxoSmithKline commences phase III trial of asthma treatment

GlaxoSmithKline has begun a new phase III study of Relovair, its new daily treatment for sufferers of asthma.

The pharmaceutical company revealed that the first patient to participate in the trial has now commenced treatment with the drug, which is an inhaler-administered therapy based on the compound fluticasone furoate/vilanterol trifenatate.

It has been developed in partnership with biopharmaceutical firm Theravance as part of the two companies’ long-acting beta2 agonist collaboration, which commenced in 2002.

This study, which is taking place across Europe and the US, will aim to establish the safety and efficacy of Relovair while comparing its performance to that of existing treatments for the condition.

The company expressed confidence that the treatment can prove to be a beneficial option for patients suffering from the “serious and chronic disease”.

Last week, the company received marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency for Revolade, its treatment for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura.