GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (GSK), Theravance Inc (THRX), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ADR) (TEVA): Could a Pair of Respiratory Disease Treatments Save This Big Pharma?

Novartis still wants a piece of the pie

Last but not least is Novartis , which is developing a once-daily bronchodilator inhaler known as the Ultibro Breezhaler (QVA149). Novartis’ inhaler is a combination of two brochodilators — indacaterol and glycopyrronium bromide. The former relaxes the airway muscles as the latter dilates them.

The Ultibro Breezhaler is still an investigational treatment, but it is notably the first once-daily inhaled treatment for COPD that has received a positive endorsement from the European Committee of Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). Initial results from its phase 3 clinical trial program have also been positive, with patients reporting reduced shortness of breath in comparison to open-label 18 mcg doses of tiotropium and 50 mcg doses of glycopyrronium.

The Foolish bottom line

Novartis is expected to submit a filing to the FDA by the end of 2014, making it a very late entrant into a COPD market that might be dramatically altered by Breo and Anoro Ellipta, or by generic versions of best-selling treatments like Advair and Symbicort.

However, even as the market is getting crowded with competitors, there might still be room for all of these treatments to co-exist.

According to GBI Research, the COPD market, which is currently worth $11.3 billion, could soar to $15.6 billion by 2019. Rising rates of COPD cases around the world, treated with more effective medications, could make these treatments the ones to watch over the next decade.

The article Could a Pair of Respiratory Disease Treatments Save This Big Pharma? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Leo Sun.

Leo Sun has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 

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