GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance today announced the start of a global phase III study, known as IMPACT, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ‘closed’ triple combination of FF/UMEC/VI in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). IMPACT is the first pivotal phase III study in a program to evaluate a once-daily closed triple combination treatment of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS); a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA); and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) in patients with COPD.

The IMPACT study will enrol approximately 10,000 patients and assess whether the combination of FF (fluticasone furoate, an ICS), UMEC (umeclidinium, a LAMA) and VI (vilanterol, a LABA), all delivered in GSK’s Ellipta inhaler, can reduce the annual rate of moderate and severe exacerbations compared with two approved once daily COPD treatments, Relvar/Breo Ellipta (FF/VI), which is an ICS/LABA combination, and Anoro Ellipta (UMEC/VI), which is a LAMA/LABA combination.

Dave Allen, Head, GSK Respiratory Therapy Area Unit, R&D, said: “When developing our respiratory portfolio we recognised the need to offer a range of molecules that could be co-formulated in different combinations to meet the needs of individual patients. We know from the scientific literature and prescribing data that there are already COPD patients who receive three medicines in different inhalers, for whom a once-daily treatment in a single ‘closed’ device could be valuable. The IMPACT study will be important in advancing our understanding of how the combination of FF/UMEC/VI could be used in this setting when compared to dual combination therapy options.”

Rick E Winningham, Chief Executive Officer of Theravance, said: “The start of the IMPACT study marks a significant milestone in our development program with GSK and we are excited about the potential opportunity for a triple combination treatment approach. This phase III program has the potential to demonstrate the safety and efficacy profile of a new and important therapy that could deliver additional benefits and convenience to the growing number of adults living with COPD worldwide.”