The European Commission (EC) has approved a new inhaler treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults.

Incruse (umeclidinium) was licensed across all EU member states on Monday (April 28) and should be available by the end of the year, said manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

The once-daily treatment is GSK's first long-acting muscarinic antagonist and is available as a 55mcg strength inhalation powder delivered with the Ellipta inhaler, a device that was launched earlier this year.

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	The EC approved the drug after the European Medicines Agency reviewed seven clinical trials involving more than 2,500 COPD patients. The most commonly reported side effects were colds, upper respiratory tract infection and headaches.

Incruse should not be used by asthma patients and used with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disorders, who were not included in the trials, GSK said. As the drug contained lactose, patients with galactose intolerance should also avoid taking it, the manufacturer added.

Darrell Baker, head of GSK's global respiratory franchise, said the drug would provide healthcare professionals with "a further treatment option" for the condition. "This is in line with our goal to develop a range of respiratory medicines that allow physicians to make treatment choices on their individual patient's needs," he added.