The U.S. Food and Drug Advisory Committee recommended approval of Breo Ellipta for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, officials say. GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance Inc. said the Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee to the FDA voted the efficacy and safety data providedobstruction in patients with COPD -- 9 for, 4 against. \"We are pleased with the outcome of today\'s meeting. COPD is a substantial evidence to support approval of Breo Ellipta as a once-daily inhaled treatment for the long-term, maintenance treatment of airflow debilitating and progressive disease. Its symptoms are often severe and can have a huge impact on patients\' lives,\" Patrick Vallance, GSK\'s president of pharmaceuticals, research and development, said in a statement. \"This positive recommendation is a crucial first step towards making Breo Ellipta available for appropriate COPD patients across the United States. We look forward to a final decision from the FDA later this year.\"