GSK, Theravance commence late-stage clinical trial

LONDON GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance have started a late-stage clinical trial of a drug for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, GSK announced.

The British drug maker said the first patient had begun treatment as part of a phase 3 trial of a combination between fluticasone furoate and the investigational drug 642444, which belongs to the class known as long-acting beta agonists. GSK markets fluticasone furoate under the brand name Veramyst as a treatment for allergies.

The study will involve more than 6,000 patients and includes two 12-month exacerbation studies, two six-month safety and efficacy studies and others.