GlaxoSmithKline, Theravance announce start of Phase2B studies to develop new asthma treatment

Source: Healthcare Exec

Date :04/01/2008 09:07:34

GlaxoSmithKline Plc, UK’s biggest drugs maker, and US biopharmaceutical Theravance Inc. announce start of studies into two compounds for asthma treatment in the ‘Horizon’ programme.

Drug maker GSK and Theravance issued a statement Thursday announcing that they have begun Phase 2b asthma dose-optimization studies with both the inhaled corticosteroid or ICS GW685698 and the long-acting beta agonist or LABA GW642444 assets in the 'Horizon' program to develop a next-generation combination product.

GSK - developer of asthma treatment Advair (pictured) - began enrolling patients with mild to severe asthma in the ‘698 Phase 2b clinical programme on 21st December 2007and began enrolling patients with persistent asthma in the ‘444 Phase 2b clinical programme on 29th December 2007.

These clinical programmes will determine the most effective doses to be taken into Phase 3 combination studies, said GSK.

Phase 2b studies

“The programme is progressing well and we are delighted to have two very strong assets to progress into our large Phase 2b studies,” said Darrell Baker, SVP GSK Respiratory Medicines Development Centre. “We have seen encouraging results in previous studies and have confidence in our ongoing programme.

Rick E Winningham, Chief Executive Officer at Theravance said that it was pleased to be progressing in Phase 2b studies.

“This important step brings us closer to our joint goal of bringing a new treatment option to patients in this important therapeutic area," he said.

The Phase 2b COPD programme with ‘444 is also on schedule to commence in 1H 2008.

January 04, 2008