Positive results from studies of Seebri Breezhaler (Novartis) for patients with COPD - 05-Sep-2012

Results of the first pooled analysis of GLOW1 and GLOW2 data demonstrated that patients with COPD using the Seebri Breezhaler (glycopyrronium bromide), from Novartis, experienced rapid, sustained and clinically meaningful bronchodilation over 52 weeks. The improvement in FEV1 was seen within five minutes after the first dose on Day 1 and was sustained throughout the 52-week period (p<0.001 vs. placebo).

The second pooled analysis found that the time to first moderate/severe exacerbation was significantly prolonged compared to placebo at both Week 26 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.64; p<0.001) and Week 52 (HR 0.67; p<0.001). The results were comparable in patients treated with OL tiotropium 18 mcg. The drug also significantly lowered the rate of moderate/severe exacerbations versus placebo. Finally the Seebri Breezhaler improved breathlessness measured by TDI (p<0.05) and health-related quality of life measured by SGRQ (p<0.001) at Weeks 26 and 52. Results were presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress.