What kind of company is Advair?

What is Advair?Advair is a brand name for a combination asthma medication containing two drugs: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. Fluticasone propionate is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces inflammation in the airways, while salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that helps keep the airways open.

Approval and LaunchAdvair received initial approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for oral inhalation use in 2000. It was developed and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and has been available under the brand name Advair in the US and other countries since then.

UsesAdvair is typically used to treat asthma in adults and children, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It is used as a maintenance treatment, meaning it is taken regularly to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations.

ControversyIn 2012, GlaxoSmithKline was accused of illegally promoting Advair for uses not approved by the FDA, and for paying kickbacks to doctors who prescribed the drug. The company pleaded guilty and paid a $3 billion settlement to the US government.

Generic VersionsAfter the patent for Advair expired in 2010, several generic versions of the drug have become available. Companies like Cipla and Teva Pharmaceuticals have launched their versions of the popular asthma medication in various countries.

Advair remains a popular and effective treatment option for asthma and COPD patients around the world.