A recent British study has revealed new and positive data concerning GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE:GSK) inhaled Breo medicine for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). After the failure of an earlier trial in 2015, the new survey report now indicates that the medicine has better care standards. It has more superiority regarding reducing attacks of severe breathing difficulties in those suffering from the COPD.

The study which was carried out on 2,800 patients outlined an 8.4% reduction in the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations. The company’s global respiratory head Eric Dube says that the results of the study support the effectiveness of Breo, which is marketed as Relvar in Europe.

Nevertheless, the trial design used to achieve the optimal results was complex according to Deutsche Bank AG (USA) (NYSE:DB) analyst Richard Parkes hence the benefit can only be described as modest. Apparently, an earlier trial in September found Breo to have failed in lengthening life in patients with COPD.

The undertaking of the study in the UK healthcare setting is, however, raising eyebrows as to how the U.S. will react. GSK’s president of pharmaceuticals R&D, Patrick Vallance is of the opinion that there would be interest in the U.S. did not predict how healthcare systems would view it.

Breo, which is sometimes known as smoker’s lung, has been fighting to gain a niche in the competitive market since its approval in 2013. Its aim was to help in defending its respiratory drug business given that its first blockbuster Advair was facing generic competition.

Another study whose results are expected in 2017 is currently underway in Salford in asthma patients. The two studies, as well as training of more than 2,000 health care professionals, have so far cost GSK £80 million ($117 million). New blockbusters with similar treatment purposes are already on the market.