Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has received European marketing authorisation for Relvar Ellipta, a treatment for asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is now licensed across 31 European countries. Darrell Baker, the Head of GSK Global Respiratory Franchise, said: "For many years GSK has been focused on developing a portfolio of new treatments for patients across the world with asthma and COPD. We are delighted that Relvar Ellipta is now licensed, which means that healthcare professionals across Europe will have the option to prescribe an ICS/LABA that offers 24-hour efficacy from a once-daily dose, delivered in our new Ellipta inhaler."Relvar Ellipta was created in partnership with biopharmaceutical company Theravance. "This is yet another important achievement and is testament to our successful partnership with GSK in respiratory disease," said Rick Winningham, Chief Executive Officer of Theravance. "We are delighted that another significant regulatory body has granted marketing authorisation for Relvar Ellipta for the treatment of asthma and COPD and look forward to seeing the benefits of this effective once-daily treatment option in these patient populations."NR