Anoro Gains European Marketing Authorization

The European Commission has given marketing clearance for GlaxoSmithKline’s inhaled combination respiratory drug Anoro (umeclidinium/vilanterol), the company said.

Developed in partnership with biopharmaceutical firm Theravance, Anoro is a daily maintenance treatment to relieve symptoms in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The product will be delivered through GSK’s single inhaler Ellipta.

The European launch is expected to take place by the third quarter of 2014, and additional launches will follow shortly thereafter, GSK and Theravance said.

COPD, a lung disease that consists of chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both, affects up to 10 percent of Europe’s adult population.

“Anoro Ellipta provides a new alternative for COPD patients for whom dual bronchodilator treatment in a single inhaler may be appropriate,” said Darrell Baker, senior vice president and head of the GSK Global Respiratory Franchise.

As part of the drugmakers’ 2002 collaboration agreement, Theravance will pay $15 million to GSK following marketing authorization European Commission. An additional $15 million payment to GSK will follow its European launch. — Kellen Owings

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