AstraZeneca eyes three-drug inhaler opportunity after trial results

Breztri was shown to reduce the risk of a recurrence in flare-ups, or exacerbations, by between 13 percent and 24 percent when compared to standard two-drug inhalers, and cut the risk of death from all causes by 46 percent, the company said.

Colloquially known as the smoker's lung, COPD is a progressively worsening and potentially deadly condition that affects more than 380 million people worldwide, primarily caused by smoking but also by occupational hazards such as air pollution or chemical fumes.

Prior studies last year secured Breztri Aerosphere the regulatory go-ahead as a COPD therapy in Japan and China, but the US Food and Drug Administration said more data was required for approval.

Astra now hopes the fresh read-outs will convince the FDA to secure U.S. approval in the second half of 2020, said AstraZeneca senior executive team member Mene Pangalos.

GSK's Trelegy Ellipta saw sales from COPD more than triple to 518 million pounds ($646 million) last year. Trimbow by unlisted Chiesi of Italy is another competitor in the European market.

"There's plenty of room for more than one molecule, we think we have a best in a class molecule," said Pangalos, adding the inhaled drug had the potential to become a blockbuster, an industry term for more than $1 billion in annual sales.

Sales of Astra's respiratory drugs rose 10 percent last year, while oncology drugs saw a 44 percent surge in revenues.

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