A study combining Glaxo's blockbuster Advair with Pfizer's Spiriva failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in exacerbations for patients with COPD, or smoker's lung. An exacerbation is a worsening of symptoms characterized by difficulty in breathing. The independent study of 449 volunteers tested combinations of Advair and Spiriva, Spiriva and a placebo and Spiriva with Serevent, Glaxo's older asthma drug. Advair did improve lung function, hospitalization rates and quality of life. A Glaxo spokesperson said that the low number of volunteers in the study may have prevented the trial from hitting its primary endpoint, adding that the data did demonstrate a benefit form the combination. Advair is indicated for use to treat asthma and COPD and earned $6.42 billion last year.
- read the MarketWatch report [1]
Related Articles:
New research highlights dangers of bronchodilators. Report [2]
Vectura inks U.S. development deal for asthma therapy. Report [3]
FDA OKs AstraZeneca's Symbicort for asthma. Report [4]
Links:
[1] http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/glaxos-advair-doesnt-cut-smokers/story.aspx?guid=%7BD38FEC7A-9FC6-4CD8-82E7-FDB3521D30A1%7D
[2] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/new-research-highlights-dangers-of-bronchodilators/2006-06-06
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/vectura-inks-u.s.-development-deal-for-asthma-therapy/2006-12-21
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/fda-oks-astrazeneca-s-symbicort-for-asthma/2006-07-24