GSK and biopharmaceutical company Theravance have launched the first combination inhaler with a once-daily management dose for asthma and COPD.

Relvar Ellipta, which offers a dose lasting 24 hours, contains the steroid fluticasone and long-acting beta agonist vilanterol.

The prescription-only product launched yesterday (January 8) in two strengths: 92/22mcg and 184/22mcg. Both are licensed for the regular treatment of uncontrolled asthma in patients aged 12 years and over, and the lower strength is also licensed for COPD patients who experience exacerbations despite regular bronchodilation.

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	The drug is administered via the dry powder inhaler device Ellipta, which also launched this week. The inhaler received marketing authorization from the European Commission in November 2013 and was licensed in 31 European countries as a result.

Dominick Shaw, associate clinical professor in respiratory medicine at Nottingham Respiratory Research Unit, said the inhaler was a "welcome addition to the fight against chronic lung diseases".

Theravance chief executive officer Rick E Winningham called the launch a "significant milestone" that had been made possible through many years of research.

Relvar Ellipta is priced at £27.80 for 92/22mcg strength and £38.87 for 184/22mcg strength.