GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance, Inc have announced the launch of RELVAR® ELLIPTA® (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) in the UK, the first inhaled corticosteroid/long acting beta2-agonist (ICS/LABA) combination to provide continuous 24-hour efficacy for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a practical once-daily dose.1,2,3,4

Relvar is a combination of the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), fluticasone furoate "FF",5 and the long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), vilanterol "VI" (FF/VI)6 and is the first ICS/LABA to launch with both an asthma and COPD indication at the same time. Two strengths of FF/VI have been approved for the treatment of asthma (92/22 mcg and 184/22 mcg) and one strength has been approved for COPD (92/22 mcg). All strengths will be administered once-daily using the Ellipta, a new dry powder inhaler (DPI).1,2

Respiratory disease is a growing problem in the UK with over 5 million people living with asthma and approximately 900,000 people currently diagnosed with COPD.7,8,9 The NHS spends around £1 billion a year treating and caring for people with asthma, and for COPD the costs are estimated to be over £800 million.9,10

Dr. Dominick Shaw, Associate Clinical Professor and Honorary Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Nottingham Respiratory Research Unit, said: "Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are chronic lung diseases that affect millions of people in the UK. They can severely affect a person's ability to lead a normal life. Both diseases are associated with attacks - exacerbations of the underlying disease, often triggered by infection, where symptoms worsen, breathing becomes even harder and treatment with high dose oral steroids can be required. People with attacks often require an admission to hospital to treat their disease. The mainstay of treatment for improving symptoms and reducing attacks for both asthma and COPD is inhaled medication; the release of Relvar Ellipta is a welcome addition in the fight against these chronic lung diseases."

Relvar is administered via the straightforward Ellipta inhaler device.1,2,11 Ease-of-use handling studies have shown that over 95% of asthma and COPD patients used the Ellipta inhaler device correctly for the first time and after 6 weeks in COPD patients (99% of patients) and 4 weeks in asthma patients (>99% of patients) were still using the inhaler device correctly.11,12,13 Relvar Ellipta helps meet the goals of asthma and COPD care by helping to manage symptoms, experienced by people living with the condition.3,4,14,15

Dr. Pim Kon, VP & UK Medical Director GSK said, "Asthma and COPD are debilitating conditions affecting more than 5.9 million people in the UK. We are committed to developing respiratory medicines that will enable clinicians to tailor treatment to patients' needs, and are pleased to make this new medicine available to appropriate patients with asthma and COPD."

"Launching Relvar Ellipta and making this important new medicine available to patients with asthma or COPD is a significant milestone, which has been built upon many years of research and development," said Rick E Winningham, Chief Executive Officer of Theravance. "We, like GSK, are proud to make the option of treatment with Relvar Ellipta a reality for appropriate patients in the UK."

The launch of Relvar Ellipta follows the recent marketing authorisation approval by the European Commission in November 2013.

Relvar Ellipta is priced at £27.80 (92/22mcg) and £38.87 (184/22mcg).16 Further information and resources for HCPs are available from http://www.relvar.co.uk.

Further information and prescribing information is available at http://hcp.gsk.co.uk/products/relvar/prescribing-information.html

For important safety information and contraindications for Relvar Ellipta in the UK please visit: http://hcp.gsk.co.uk/products/relvar/prescribing/safety.html

About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways, causing recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing which often occurs at night or early in the morning.8

Over 5 million people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).9 Despite medical advances 75% of UK asthma patients still remain uncontrolled.17

The causes of asthma are not completely understood however key risk factors are inhaled substances that provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways. These include smoke and allergens like dust mites and pets.8

About COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a term referring to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that are characterised by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing. Approximately 900,000 people are currently diagnosed with COPD and it is the fifth biggest killer in the UK.7 COPD is a complex condition which is hard to identify in its early stages where systems do not exist. Many people are not diagnosed at the early stages of the disease.18

Long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and the airways are usually the cause of COPD.19 Cigarette smoke, breathing in second hand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace can all contribute to COPD.19 Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when symptoms begin.19

COPD-related exacerbations are typically defined as a sustained worsening of the patient's symptoms from their usual stable state which is beyond normal day-to-day variations, and is acute in onset.20

About Relvar Ellipta

Asthma

Relvar Ellipta is indicated for the regular treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older where use of a combination medicinal product (long-acting beta2-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid) is appropriate:

- patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and 'as needed' inhaled short acting beta2-agonists.1,2

- one inhalation of Relvar Ellipta 92/22 mcg administered once daily. For patients who are inadequately controlled on Relvar Ellipta 92/22 mcg, the dose can be increased to 184/22 mcg, which may provide additional improvement in asthma control1,2

- Relvar Ellipta 184/22 mcg should be considered for adults and adolescents 12 years and over who require a higher dose of inhaled corticosteroid in combination with a long-acting beta-agonist.2

COPD

Relvar Ellipta 92/22 mcg is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of adults with COPD with a FEV1<70% predicted normal (post-bronchodilator) with an exacerbation history despite regular bronchodilator therapy.1

- One inhalation of Relvar Ellipta 92/22 mcg administered once daily.1