GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) and Innoviva, Inc. (NASDAQ: INVA) announced on 4/24/18 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an expanded indication for Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol ‘FF/UMEC/VI’), which means Trelegy Ellipta can now be used by US physicians to treat a broader population of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with airflow limitation or who have experienced an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms.

The new indication is for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. It is also indicated to reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations. It is not indicated for relief of acute bronchospasm or for the treatment of asthma.

The approval is based on a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) supported by data from the landmark InforMing the PAthway of COPD Treatment (IMPACT) study which showed Trelegy Ellipta was superior to the inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (ICS/LABA), Relvar/Breo Ellipta (FF/VI), and long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LAMA/LABA), Anoro Ellipta (UMEC/VI), on multiple clinically important endpoints, including reducing exacerbations and improving lung function and health related quality of life.