Locals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will soon have access to a new funded medicine, Trelegy Ellipta, which allows patients to switch from multiple inhalers to a single treatment option.

Approximately 15,000 Kiwis could benefit in the first year alone.

COPD is a leading cause of death in New Zealand, affecting an estimated 200,000 people aged over 45.

The disease often goes underdiagnosed, especially among Māori and Pacific communities, where the impact is more severe.

Māori in the 50–64 age group are five times more likely to die from COPD-related causes than non-Māori.

Hospitalisation rates for Māori are highest in the Central and Te Manawa Taki regions, while Pacific people in the Northern region experience the most severe hospital admissions.

Dr Robert Young, a respiratory specialist, highlighted that many people with COPD dismiss symptoms like breathlessness as part of ageing, delaying critical early intervention.

He advocated for the use of spirometry—a simple lung function test that can help detect the disease early and improve outcomes through timely treatment and lifestyle changes.

“Early diagnosis and quitting smoking can significantly improve quality of life for those affected by COPD,” said Dr Young.

Amanda Southcombe, GSK NZ’s General Manager, praised the funding of Trelegy Ellipta, saying it would create more equitable treatment options for people with moderate to severe COPD.