Incruse® Ellipta® (umeclidinium) to be reimbursed in Australia for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has welcomed the listing of Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) on the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from December 1st 2014 as a long term once-daily, maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is also known as chronic bronchitis, “smoker’s cough” or emphysema. 

Incruse Ellipta is a once-daily treatment containing umeclidinium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), delivered by the Ellipta inhaler. 

Australian respiratory specialist and clinical researcher Professor Peter Frith from Repatriation General Hospital said COPD can be a debilitating disease and he welcomed the improved access to new treatments that results from PBS reimbursement. 

“I certainly welcome better access to effective treatment options in COPD that can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life,” said Professor Frith. 

The PBS listing of Incruse Ellipta will be another key step in the development of GSK’s respiratory portfolio in Australia. It is set to coincide with the listing of Anoro^® Ellipta^® (umeclidinium/vilanterol) for COPD also on the PBS from 1st December. 

GSK Medical Director, Dr Andrew Weekes says the reimbursement is another crucial step forward in the development of GSK’s respiratory portfolio in Australia. 

“Incruse Ellipta is GSK’s first once-daily, long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and we are very pleased that this treatment option will become available to respiratory physicians and healthcare professionals in Australia. GSK is committed to developing a range of therapeutic options that provide physicians with choice when considering a patient’s needs,” said Dr Weekes. 

For a copy of the Consumer Medicine Information, please ask your healthcare professional or visit www.gsk.com.au/incruse

About COPD 
The prevalence of COPD in Australia is difficult to determine because accurate diagnosis requires clinical testing. It is estimated that COPD affects approximately 529,000 Australians (2%).2 

About Incruse Ellipta 
Incruse Ellipta is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), which is a type of bronchodilator also known as an anticholinergic. Incruse Ellipta is registered for use in patients with COPD. Patients use Incruse Ellipta by breathing it into their lungs through their mouth using the Ellipta inhaler.¹ 

Incruse Ellipta will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from the 1st December 2014. 

Healthcare professionals together with their patients consider both the potential risks (eg. side effects) and benefits (eg. effectiveness) of medicines when managing a condition. Information regarding Incruse Ellipta is available from the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI). A summary of this information is provided below, please review the CMI for further information. 

Incruse Ellipta should not be used to relieve a sudden attack of breathlessness or wheezing. Incruse Ellipta should not be used in patients with an intolerance to lactose or allergy to milk or any of the other ingredients within the medicine¹. Do not use Incruse Ellipta to treat asthma. 

Incruse Ellipta needs to be used with care in specific patients, including those with heart or blood pressure problems, eye problems (specifically, narrow-angle glaucoma), enlarged prostate gland or difficulty passing urine or with a blockage in the bladder¹. 

Common side effects with using this medicine may include: infection of the upper airways, faster heart beat, cough, and urinary tract infections. 

Additional notes: 
The information contained within this media release does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to healthcare professionals. Please speak to your healthcare professional for further information about COPD or Incruse Ellipta. 

Professor Peter Frith has served on advisory boards sponsored by GSK for which an honorarium was received. In relation to this GSK media announcement, no honorarium was provided to Professor Peter Frith, and the opinions expressed are his own. Professor Peter Frith has been briefed by GSK on the approved use of this product. 

For a copy of the Consumer Medicine Information, please ask your healthcare professional or visit http://www.gsk.com.au/incruse

References: 
1. Incruse^® Ellipta^® Approved Product information September 2014 
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report Australia’s Health 2014.p138 

If you are an Australian healthcare professional please visit www.health.gsk.com for more information on Incruse® Ellipta®. 

You can follow GSK on Twitter for more Australian updates @GSK_AU. 

For full Product Information, information on GSK products or to report an adverse event involving a GSK product, please contact GSK Medical Information on 1800 033 109. GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 47 100 162 481. Melbourne, VIC. 

Incruse, Anoro and Ellipta are registered trademarks of the GSK group of companies. 

GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life. For further information please visit www.gsk.com. 

This media release has been issued by Palin Communications on behalf of GSK. 

GSK Australia Enquiries or interview requests contact: