FDA approves Breo Ellipta for COPD

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the approval of Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol), a once-per-day inhaler made by GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance for long-term treatment of COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

"COPD is a serious disease that makes breathing difficult," FDA Office of Drug Evaluation II director Curtis Rosebraugh said. "The availability of new, long-term maintenance medications provides additional treatment options for the millions of Americans who suffer with COPD."