GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) will present extensive data from across its respiratory portfolio, pipeline and early phase research programs at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) conference in San Diego, USA, 19-23 May 2018. Data presented in 61 abstracts provide evidence on optimizing the treatment and understanding of lung diseases.
Dr. Hal Barron, Chief Scientific Officer and President R&D, GSK said: “We have a comprehensive portfolio of innovative respiratory medicines that are used by millions of patients worldwide who suffer from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The data presented at ATS demonstrate the breadth of activities being undertaken by GSK to improve patient outcomes and generate evidence that will help answer some of the key questions in respiratory medicine.”
Leading research efforts to support the role of biologics in respiratory diseases
GSK is at the forefront of biologics respiratory research, using targeted approaches to improve the management of a range of respiratory disease sub-types. This includes the development of first-in-class anti-IL5 biologic Nucala (mepolizumab) for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma and ongoing investigation of its potential in other eosinophilic driven diseases.
New evidence from COLUMBA, the first long-term study of an anti-IL5 biologic treatment, will be presented evaluating the effect of Nucala on exacerbations and asthma control for up to 4.5 years.
Meta-analyses of the METREX and METREO studies evaluating the use of mepolizumab in the treatment of eosinophilic COPD will also be profiled.
Defining the right COPD treatment for patients
The landmark IMPACT study was the first to directly compare single inhaler triple therapy to members of two different classes of dual therapy with all treatments delivered once-daily and in the same inhaler type, advancing the evidence that informs the treatment of patients with COPD.
Results from IMPACT will be presented showing the effect of once-daily single inhaler triple therapy Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol ‘FF/UMEC/VI’) on endpoints including exacerbations, lung function and quality of life.
Evidence of the effect on on-treatment, all-cause mortality will also be shared.
Optimizing Medicine Delivery
GSK’s Ellipta inhaler platform was developed to optimise medicine delivery in a consistent device across a portfolio of once-daily medicines for COPD and asthma.
New results from patient-handling studies will be presented assessing outcomes for single Ellipta inhaler use compared to multiple inhaler use.
Further results from patient preference and inhaler teaching time studies will also be presented.
Developing medicines for the future
GSK is working to target underlying disease-driving biological processes to shape development of future generations of medicines.
New research exploring the potential of inhaled PI3K? inhibitor nemiralisib in treating acute COPD exacerbations will be presented, including results on lung function and re-exacerbations in exacerbating COPD patients.
Emerging evidence from the Galaxy collaboration program will provide new insights into the pathophysiological features of respiratory diseases and disease progression risk factors.
