Drug Analysis: Breo Ellipta

Drug Overview

Breo Ellipta (GlaxoSmithKline/Innoviva) is a combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol indicated for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Fluticasone furoate is an inhaled corticosteroid that activates the glucocorticoid response element and inhibits pro-inflammatory transcription factors such as NF?B, and antigen-induced lung eosinophilia, thereby suppressing inflammation. Vilanterol is a long-acting beta 2 agonist that stimulates intracellular adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate to cyclic-3’,5’-adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Increased levels of cyclic AMP result in the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles and inhibition of the release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from mast cells.