GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Theravance, Inc. expanded the Horizon programme into development of a next-generation combination treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). A large phase IIb COPD dose-optimisation study with the lead long-acting beta agonist (LABA) GW642444 ('444) has commenced, with screening of the first patient undertaken.

This is in addition to the four large phase IIb asthma dose-optimisation studies; one with '444 and three with the lead inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) GW685698 ('698), which commenced in December 2007, as part of the ongoing Horizon programme.

Darrell Baker, SVP, Respiratory Medicines Development Centre, GSK, said, "Delivering a once-daily treatment for asthma and COPD, where there remains a considerable unmet need, is a priority. We believe that this is an important milestone within the Horizon programme and we eagerly await results from the ongoing asthma and now COPD studies that will help guide future development of these important assets."

This double-blind, placebo controlled trial will enrol approximately 600 patients with moderate to severe COPD from study centres across the USA, Europe and international locations. Each patient will be randomised to receive a once-daily dose of placebo or '444 via a novel inhaler throughout the 28-day treatment period. The primary endpoint of the study will be efficacy, evaluated by change from baseline FEV1 (pre-bronchodilator and pre-dose) at the end of the 28-day treatment period, with a number of secondary endpoints also evaluated.

"We are very pleased to have initiated the larger Phase 2b study with the lead compound '444 in COPD," said Rick E Winningham, chief executive officer, Theravance. "With '444 now in large Phase 2b studies in both asthma and COPD, we have met two important targets that bring us closer to our joint goal of bringing a new treatment option to patients in these important therapeutic areas."

The study data, taken together with the data obtained from parallel studies currently being undertaken with '698, will be used to guide future development plans in COPD and progression into large-scale phase III COPD combination studies. No phase IIb COPD monotherapy studies with '698 will be undertaken as part of the Horizon programme.