Welcome to “A to Z: Drugs in Highlight”
This engaging series is designed to delve into the intricate and dynamic realm of pharmaceutical drugs. As the world of pharmaceuticals continues to evolve with new discoveries and emerging challenges, we aim to shed light on the diverse array of medications available today, ranging from blockbuster medications to those that may not be as familiar.
Join us on this educational journey through the alphabet of pharmaceutical drugs. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a student, or simply someone with a curious mind, “A to Z: Drugs in Highlight” promises to be an enlightening and engaging series.
B is for BREO ELLIPTA
BREO ELLIPTA (or Relvar Elipta) (from GlaxoSmithKline) uses fluticasone furoate and vilanterol for long-term maintenance treatment of airflow construction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma to reduce exacerbations.
How it works:
- Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the airways by blocking the release of substances involved in inflammation, leading to improved breathing.
- Vilanterol is a long-actin beta-2 agonist that relaxes and widens airway muscles, facilitating easier airflow.
Marketing approval:
BREO ELLIPTA is approved for marketing in both the United States (approved by the FDA in October 2023) and Europe (approved by the EMA in November 2013).
Patent protection:
The combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol was protected by patents in the United States (for example, US7439393B2) and in Europe (for example, EP14250001B1). Although EP14250001 expired in September 2022, vilanterol continues to be protected in Europe by Supplementary Protection Certificates that are due to expire in September 2027.
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