Novartis's FLAME Rockets LAMA/LABAs Into COPD Limelight At GSK's Expense

Novartis's recent publication of data from its FLAME study comparing its Ultibro Breezhaler with GSK's Advair/Seretide in reducing COPD exacerbations could lead to a change in guidelines to favor LAMA/LABAs over ICS/LABA products in patients with severe COPD. Boehringer Ingelheim's popular Stiolto Respimat will benefit from FLAME's good will, but GSK's son-of-Advair, Breo, will likely suffer.