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vilanterol (VI)

GlaxoSmithKline · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

vilanterol (VI) is a Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) Small molecule drug developed by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently FDA-approved for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy, Asthma maintenance therapy (in combination with inhaled corticosteroids).

Vilanterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation and improve airflow.

Vilanterol is a small molecule used in combination with other medications for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is part of fixed-dose combinations such as FF/UMEC/VI, which includes fluticasone furoate and umeclidinium bromide.

At a glance

Generic namevilanterol (VI)
SponsorGlaxoSmithKline
Drug classLong-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)
TargetBeta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaRespiratory
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Vilanterol activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle cells, triggering a cascade that increases intracellular cAMP and leads to smooth muscle relaxation and airway dilation. This effect is sustained over 24 hours due to its long half-life and depot formulation, making it suitable for once-daily maintenance therapy in obstructive airway diseases.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about vilanterol (VI)

What is vilanterol (VI)?

vilanterol (VI) is a Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) drug developed by GlaxoSmithKline, indicated for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy, Asthma maintenance therapy (in combination with inhaled corticosteroids).

How does vilanterol (VI) work?

Vilanterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation and improve airflow.

What is vilanterol (VI) used for?

vilanterol (VI) is indicated for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy, Asthma maintenance therapy (in combination with inhaled corticosteroids).

Who makes vilanterol (VI)?

vilanterol (VI) is developed and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (see full GlaxoSmithKline pipeline at /company/gsk).

What drug class is vilanterol (VI) in?

vilanterol (VI) belongs to the Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) class. See all Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) drugs at /class/long-acting-beta-2-agonist-laba.

What development phase is vilanterol (VI) in?

vilanterol (VI) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of vilanterol (VI)?

Common side effects of vilanterol (VI) include Tremor, Headache, Palpitations, Muscle cramps, Tachycardia.

What does vilanterol (VI) target?

vilanterol (VI) targets Beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and is a Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA).

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing