GSK presents respiratory data from pipeline to clinical practice at ERS

Issued: London, UK

GSK will be presenting data at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) conference, 9-13^th September, Milan, Italy, from a comprehensive range of studies, spanning scientific discoveries informing understanding of future approaches and treatments for patients with respiratory conditions, through to current patient management in an everyday clinical care setting.

While there has been significant progress made in the treatment of respiratory conditions, including asthma and COPD, together these diseases still impact the lives of nearly 700 million people world-wide, which is similar to the population of Europe.

• COPD is the third leading cause of death across the globe, with a prevalence that has increased by 65% since 1990.
• Despite medical advances, more than half of the people diagnosed with asthma continue to experience poor control and significant symptoms, impacting their lives every day.
• It is estimated that 5 - 10% of all asthma patients have severe asthma and need to take multiple medications to control their day-to-day symptoms and reduce the risk of frequent and serious asthma attacks.

Professor Neil Barnes, Global Franchise Medical Head, GSK Respiratory, said:

“Our innovation at GSK has come about through listening to what matters to patients and clinicians; this has led us to undertake studies in areas of high unmet need, for example for an investigational add-on treatment for seriously ill COPD patients; as well as the practical Salford Lung Studies, designed to understand the benefit of treatments when used in everyday clinical practice. Each of our studies sets the bar for our future research and innovation. This commitment drives our search for truly effective medicines, services and advances with the potential to positively impact people with respiratory conditions."

Data from across GSK ‘s early and late stage pipeline and current product portfolio, which will be presented at ERS, include the following highlights:   

• First presentation of efficacy and safety data from METREX and METREO, two pivotal phase III studies of mepolizumab, an investigational add-on treatment for patients with eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who are at high risk of exacerbation despite optimal standard of care background therapy [Abstract OA3193 and Abstract PA1366].

• The Salford Lung Study in asthma, first presentation of results from this innovative study carried out amongst 4,233 patients treated by their own general practitioner in everyday clinical practice. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness and safety profile of initiating treatment with Relvar Ellipta 100/25mcg or 200/25mcg (fluticasone furoate ‘FF’/vilanterol ‘VI’ or ‘FF/VI’) with continuing usual asthma maintenance therapy over a 52-week period. The intention of the study is to enable healthcare professionals and decision makers to more fully assess the potential benefit of FF/VI by providing data collected in a normal clinical practice setting which is representative of how healthcare professionals and patients may use the medicine in everyday life [Abstract OA3193].

• Prospective analysis data from the FULFIL study reporting how investigational once-daily closed-triple combination therapy fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/ vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) 100µg/62.5µg/25µg compared with twice-daily budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FOR) 400µg/12µg, on clinically important deterioration (CID), a composite measure of worsening COPD. [Abstract 2706]

• Two analyses of measures of quality of life in patients treated with Nucala (mepolizumab). Data from the phase IIIb MUSCA study, which specifically looked at quality of life and activity in patients with severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype and a separate analysis of data from the phase III MENSA and SIRIUS studies measuring the impact of mepolizumab on work productivity and activity impairment in patients with severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype. [Abstract OA4673 and Abstract PA654] 

• Data from two investigational treatments with new mode of actions that are part of our focus on disease modification in COPD: danirixin (an oral CXCR2 antagonist) [Abstract PA3885] and nemiralisib (GSK2269557, an inhaled PI3K delta inhibitor) [Abstract PA520]

Key GSK abstracts to be presented at ERS 2017 include:

GSK commitment to respiratory disease

GSK has been a leader in respiratory for over 45 years, developing new and first-in-class medicines, approaches and insights which have helped to influence and support the management of asthma and COPD. The company is relentless in striving to expand knowledge and the understanding of respiratory disease to help transform the way that medicines are developed and is focused on identifying new scientific insights, applying our expertise and developing innovative new medicines that enable clinicians to tailor treatment to the individual needs of patients, to help patients to live every breath.

About COPD

COPD is a disease of the lungs that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. COPD is characterised by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing. COPD is thought to affect 329 million people worldwide.

Long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and the airways are usually the cause of COPD. Cigarette smoke, breathing in second hand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace can all contribute to COPD. Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when symptoms begin.

About asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma affects 358 million people worldwide. It is estimated that 5 - 10% of all asthma patients have severe asthma.

The causes of asthma are not completely understood but likely involve an interaction between a person’s genetic make-up and the environment

About Relvar Ellipta (fluticasone furoate + vilanterol)

Relvar Ellipta is a once-daily dual combination treatment comprising fluticasone furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid and vilanterol, a long-acting beta₂-agonist, in a single inhaler, the Ellipta.

Relvar Ellipta is indicated in Europe in the regular treatment of patients aged 12 and over with asthma, where use of a combination product (long-acting ß2–agonist, LABA, and inhaled corticosteroid, ICS) is appropriate: Patients not adequately controlled on both ICS and 'as-needed' short-acting ß₂-agonist (SABA).

Full EU prescribing information is available at:  EU Prescribing Information for Relvar Ellipta.

Important safety information for Relvar Ellipta in Europe

FF/VI is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to either fluticasone furoate, vilanterol, or any of the excipients.

FF/VI should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms or an acute exacerbation in COPD, for which a short-acting bronchodilator is required. Increasing use of short-acting bronchodilators to relieve symptoms indicates deterioration of control and patients should be reviewed by a physician.

Patients should not stop therapy with FF/VI in asthma or COPD, without physician supervision since symptoms may recur after discontinuation.

Asthma-related adverse events and exacerbations may occur during treatment with FF/VI. Patients should be asked to continue treatment but to seek medical advice if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled or worsen after initiation of treatment with FF/VI.

Paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. This should be treated immediately with a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. FF/VI should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed and alternative therapy instituted if necessary.

Cardiovascular effects, such as cardiac arrhythmias e.g. supraventricular tachycardia and extrasystoles may be seen with sympathomimetic medicinal products including FF/VI. Therefore fluticasone furoate/vilanterol should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease.

For patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment, the 92/22 mcg dose should be used and patients should be monitored for systemic corticosteroid-related adverse reactions. FF/VI 184/22 mcg is not indicated for patients with COPD. There is no additional benefit of the 184/22 mcg dose compared to the 92/22 mcg dose and there is a potential increased risk of pneumonia and systemic corticosteroid-related adverse reactions.

An increase in the incidence of pneumonia has been observed in patients with COPD receiving FF/VI. There was also an increased incidence of pneumonias resulting in hospitalisation. In some instances these pneumonia events were fatal.

The incidence of pneumonia in patients with asthma was common at the higher dose. In a previous study of FF/VI in asthma the incidence of pneumonia in patients with asthma taking FF/VI 184/22 mcg was numerically higher compared with those receiving FF/VI 92/22 mcg or placebo.

Hyperglycaemia: There have been reports of increases in blood glucose levels in diabetic patients and this should be considered when prescribing to patients with a history of diabetes mellitus.

Systemic effects may occur with any inhaled corticosteroid, particularly at high doses prescribed for long periods. These effects are much less likely to occur than with oral corticosteroids. Possible systemic effects include Cushing’s syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, decrease in bone mineral density, growth retardation in children and adolescents, cataract and glaucoma and more rarely, a range of psychological or behavioural effects including psychomotor hyperactivity, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression or aggression (particularly in children).

FF/VI should be administered with caution in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis or in patients with chronic or untreated infections. Data from large asthma and COPD clinical trials were used to determine the frequency of adverse reactions associated with FF/VI.

Very common adverse reactions (occurring in >1/10 patients) with FF/VI were headache and nasopharyngitis. Common adverse reactions (occurring in >1/100 to <1/10 patients) were pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, influenza, candidiasis of mouth and throat, oropharyngeal pain, sinusitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, cough, dysphonia, abdominal pain, arthralgia, back pain, fractures, and pyrexia and muscle spasms. Extrasystoles were observed as an uncommon adverse reaction (occurring in >1/1,000 to <1/100 patients). Rare adverse reactions (occurring in >1/10,000 to < 1/1,000) were hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash and urticaria), anxiety, tremor, palpitations, tachycardia and paradoxical bronchospasm. With the exception of pneumonia and fractures, the safety profile was similar in patients with asthma and COPD. During clinical studies, pneumonia and fractures were more frequently observed in patients with COPD.

Relvar Ellipta is known as Breo Ellipta in the United States. Breo Ellipta is licensed in the US for:

• The once-daily treatment of asthma in patients aged 18 years and older.

Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA), such as vilanterol, one of the active ingredients in Breo Ellipta, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Available data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. Therefore, when treating patients with asthma, physicians should only prescribe Breo Ellipta for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA. Once asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g., discontinue Breo Ellipta) if possible without loss of asthma control and maintain the patient on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use BREO ELLIPTA for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low- or medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids.

• Breo Ellipta is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.

Full US prescribing information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide is available at us.gsk.com or US Prescribing Information for Breo Ellipta.

About Nucala (mepolizumab):

Mepolizumab is a targeted anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody. Mepolizumab binds to the signalling protein IL-5, preventing it from binding to its receptor on the surface of white blood cells called eosinophils. Inhibiting IL-5 binding in this way reduces blood, tissue and sputum eosinophil levels.

Eosinophils are believed to play a role in protecting the body against infection. In some people, increased eosinophil levels can lead to inflammation and play a role in the development of some inflammatory diseases.

Mepolizumab has been developed for the treatment of diseases that are driven by inflammation caused by eosinophils.

In the US, Nucala (100mg fixed dose subcutaneous injection of mepolizumab) is licensed as an add-on maintenance treatment for patients with severe asthma aged 12 years and older, and with an eosinophilic phenotype. Nucala is not approved for the treatment of other eosinophilic conditions or relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Full US Prescribing Information is available at US Prescribing Information Nucala.

In the EU, Nucala (100mg fixed dose subcutaneous injection of mepolizumab) is licensed as an add-on treatment for severe refractory eosinophilic asthma in adult patients. For the EU Summary of Product Characteristics for Nucala, please visit: www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/003860/WC500198037.pdf

Mepolizumab is approved for severe eosinophilic asthma, under the brand name Nucala, in the US, EU, Japan and a number of other countries worldwide although the details of the indications may vary.

Mepolizumab is not approved for use anywhere in the world for COPD.

Mepolizumab is being investigated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (in phase III), nasal polyps (phase III), severe hypereosinophilic syndrome (in phase III), and severe atopic dermatitis (phase II). It has also been filed for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EPGA, also referred to as Churg-Strauss syndrome) in the US.

Important Safety Information for Nucala

The following information is based on the US Prescribing Information for Nucala. Please consult the full Prescribing Information for all the labelled safety information for Nucala.

Contraindications

Nucala should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to mepolizumab or excipients in the formulation.

 Warnings and Precautions

• Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, urticaria, rash) have occurred following administration of Nucala. These reactions generally occur within hours of administration but in some instances can have a delayed onset (i.e. days). In the event of a hypersensitivity reaction, Nucala should be discontinued.

• Acute Asthma Symptoms or Deteriorating Disease                                                  

Nucala should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms, acute exacerbations, or acute bronchospasm.

• Opportunistic Infections: Herpes Zoster

In controlled clinical trials, 2 serious adverse reactions of herpes zoster occurred in subjects treated with Nucala compared to none in placebo. Consider varicella vaccination if medically appropriate prior to starting therapy with Nucala.

• Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage

Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) abruptly upon initiation of therapy with Nucala. Decreases in corticosteroid doses, if appropriate, should be gradual and under the direct supervision of a physician. Reduction in corticosteroid dose may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy.

• Parasitic (Helminth) Infection

It is unknown if Nucala will influence a patient’s response against parasites. Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before initiating therapy with Nucala. If patients become infected while receiving treatment with Nucala and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue treatment with Nucala until infection resolves.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥3% and more common than placebo) reported in the first 24 weeks of two clinical trials with Nucala (and placebo) were: headache, 19% (18%); injection site reaction, 8% (3%); back pain, 5% (4%); fatigue, 5% (4%); influenza, 3% (2%); urinary tract infection 3% (2%); abdominal pain upper, 3% (2%); pruritus, 3% (2%); eczema, 3% (<1%); and muscle spasm, 3% (<1%).

Systemic Reactions, including Hypersensitivity Reactions:  In 3 clinical trials, 3% of subjects who received Nucala experienced systemic (allergic and nonallergic) reactions compared to 5% in the placebo group. Systemic allergic/hypersensitivity reactions were reported by 1% of subjects who received Nucala compared to 2% of subjects in the placebo group. Manifestations included rash, pruritus, headache, and myalgia. Systemic nonallergic reactions were reported by 2% of subjects who received Nucala and 3% of subjects in the placebo group. Manifestations included rash, flushing, and myalgia. A majority of the systemic reactions were experienced on the day of dosing. Reports of anaphylaxis have been received postmarketing.

Injection site reactions (e.g. pain, erythema, swelling, itching, burning sensation) occurred at a rate of 8% in subjects treated with Nucala compared with 3% in subjects treated with placebo.

Use in Specific Populations

The data on pregnancy exposures from the clinical trials are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Monoclonal antibodies, such as mepolizumab, are progressively transported across the placenta in a linear fashion as pregnancy progresses; therefore, potential effects on a foetus are likely to be greater during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.  For further information, please visit www.gsk.com/about-us.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 3.D Principal risks and uncertainties in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2016.