GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L,GSK) and Theravance, Inc. (THRX) Tuesday announced the start of a Phase III efficacy and safety study of a combination treatment of the inhaled corticosteroid or ICS, fluticasone furoate and long-acting beta2 agonist, vilanterol or FF/VI.
The study will evaluate the contribution of the ICS component on lung function, in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD.
Positive results from this study will help support a potential filing of FF/VI for the treatment of patients with COPD in Japan.
The study is a 12 week, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FF/VI 100/25mcg once daily compared with VI 25mcg once daily, administered by way of the Ellipta inhaler.
Patients included in the study will have a history of COPD with at least one exacerbation in the year before screening and will demonstrate current symptoms of COPD.
The study seeks to enrol around 1580 patients from across 250 study centers worldwide, including 350 patients from centers in Japan.
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May 01, 2026 15:54 ET Central banks dominated the economics news flow this week with almost all major ones announcing their latest policy decisions and many boosted expectations for a rate hike in June. In other news, several countries released the preliminary data for first quarter economic growth. In the U.S., comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell were also in focus as his term ends this month.