Aurobindo Launches Generic Asthma Inhaler in US
The Indian drugmaker's gAdvair, a bioequivalent of GSK's Seretide, is now on the US market for asthma and COPD patients.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Asthma
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Aurobindo Pharma has launched gAdvair, a bioequivalent of GSK's Seretide, in the United States for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The launch comes alongside the approval of gQvar and the entry into the US dermatology segment with Atquey (difamilast).
Why it matters
Generic versions of established inhaled respiratory therapies can broaden access and affect pricing for patients who rely on these treatments. Aurobindo's expansion also reflects growing competition among drugmakers for complex generic respiratory products.
Aurobindo reported revenue from operations of Rs 10,263 crore, up 23.9 per cent year-on-year, with US sales rising 25.2 per cent to Rs 4,555 crore. The company has not disclosed the identity of its partner for jointly developed respiratory products, and the timing of further launches depends on loss-of-exclusivity dates.
The players
Aurobindo Pharma
An Indian generic drugmaker headquartered in Hyderabad that manufactures a wide range of generic medicines for global markets.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical
A Japanese pharmaceutical company that licensed the difamilast product later launched in the US as Atquey.
GSK
A British pharmaceutical company whose Seretide inhaler is the reference product for Aurobindo's gAdvair.
The details
Aurobindo Pharma launched gAdvair in the US, and its gQvar approval was announced alongside the entry into dermatology with Atquey, licensed from Japan's Otsuka Pharmaceutical. The company said it is in discussions with potential partners across global markets and has four inhalation products in its in-house pipeline.
Timeline
Last month: Atquey launched in the US dermatology segment.
Over the coming quarters: Pen-G facility expected to turn EBITDA-positive, excluding PLI benefits.
Over the next 12-18 months: Two more drugs planned for launch, depending on loss-of-exclusivity timelines.
Thursday: Aurobindo shares rose 4.4 per cent on the NSE.
Big Picture
Aurobindo's gAdvair launch positions it as a generic competitor to GSK's Seretide, the branded inhaler that treats asthma and COPD. Cipla's earlier entry into the Advair market was delayed by regulatory roadblocks, highlighting the difficulty of bringing complex inhaled generics to market.
Generic versions of asthma and COPD inhalers may offer patients lower-cost alternatives to branded products, though availability depends on insurance coverage and pharmacy stocking. Patients should consult their prescribers before any change in inhaler type or brand.
The takeaway
Generic entry into complex inhaled respiratory products is slow and regulatorily demanding, so patients may see new options arrive gradually rather than all at once. Checking with a pharmacist or prescriber about generic alternatives can help patients understand their choices.
What happens next
Aurobindo expects to launch two more drugs over the next 12-18 months, depending on loss-of-exclusivity timelines, and an analyst call on the gAdvair launch is scheduled for 2026-11-05.
Further reading
Explore more on Asthma treatments and the generic inhaler market.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ETPharma.
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