GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance have announced the results of two six-month Phase III studies of Relovair in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The two placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group randomised studies included 2,200 patients with moderate-to-severe COPD and reported that the drug showed reduction of exacerbations and improvements in lung function.

The study also demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the drug candidate for COPD.

The adverse events across all treatment arms, including the placebo arm, were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection and headache.