Novartis to Unveil New Data from Three Key Clinical Trials at European Respiratory Society International Congress

Novartis has announced that a wealth of new data from its respiratory portfolio will be presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress, 6–10 September, in Munich, Germany. In total, 44 abstracts (including four late-breakers) will be presented by Novartis, representing more than any other company at the congress.

"Novartis is committed to making a difference to the lives of millions of people worldwide living with debilitating conditions, such as COPD and severe asthma," said Vasant Narasimhan, Global Head of Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "We hear from patients how their lives have improved because of our respiratory medicines, and this motivates us to continue to advance respiratory treatments in our portfolio."

Positive new results from the Phase III head-to-head LANTERN study showed the superiority of once-daily, dual bronchodilator, Ultibro Breezhaler (indacaterol/glycopyrronium bromide) in improving lung function compared to twice-daily Seretide Accuhaler (salmeterol/fluticasone combination: LABA/ICS), in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

Analyses from the QUANTIFY study demonstrated that Ultibro Breezhaler significantly improved lung function and shortness of breath in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, compared to the combination of tiotropium plus formoterol. Results also showed that Ultibro Breezhaler is comparable to tiotropium plus formoterol in improving health-related quality of life.

Data from the GLISTEN trial showed that Seebri Breezhaler (glycopyrronium bromide) when added to LABA/ICS provided significant improvements in lung function, health status and rescue medication use in moderate-to-severe COPD patients when compared to LABA/ICS alone. This study provides much-needed evidence for add-on therapy to LABA/ICS in COPD, to support physicians care choices where very little data exist.

The safety profiles of Ultibro Breezhaler and Seebri Breezhaler were similar to those of their respective study comparators in the LANTERN, QUANTIFY and GLISTEN studies.