GSK's Relvar Approved by European Authorities

British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline revealed that European authorities have approved its new inhaled drug Relvar.

British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline revealed that European authorities have approved its new inhaled drug Relvar for treating patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The drug is supposed to be inhaled through a palm-sized device called Ellipta and is made up of a corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation, and a novel long-acting beta-agonist that will help to open the airways.

Asthma - Factors, Common Allergens, Diagnosis, Treatment, Support Groups, FAQs
It's a lung condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and constriction of the airways that result in coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. Allergy and other airway irritants can trigger it

Relvar has been developed in collaboration with Theravance and has already been approved in the United States, where it has been launched under the brand name Breo, though only for treating COPD patients. The approval by European Commission will see Theravance pay $15 million to GSK while a similar payment will be made once the product is launched across the EU.

Source-Medindia

Respiratory Diseases - Diseases of the Human Respiratory System
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.