GSK Stock Surges 7.45% in Six Days as Nucala Secures FDA Approval for COPD, Trading Volume Ranks 416th

GSK's stock price rose by 0.99% on May 22, 2025, marking its sixth consecutive day of gains and a total increase of 7.45% over the past six days. The company's trading volume reached 2.26 billion, ranking it 416th in the day's market activity.

GSK's Nucala has received FDA approval as the first biologic treatment for eosinophilic COPD, a condition affecting over 1 million U.S. patients. This approval positions Nucala as a significant player in the COPD treatment landscape, particularly for patients with persistent symptoms despite standard therapies. The drug's ability to reduce exacerbations and hospitalizations makes it an attractive option for physicians and patients alike.

Following the FDA's approval, GSK is confident in Nucala's role in managing COPD, a progressive inflammatory lung disease that is a leading cause of death in the U.S. The company plans to launch extensive outreach and education efforts to inform both doctors and patients about the benefits of Nucala. This approval marks the fifth indication for Nucala, which was first approved in 2015 for severe asthma.

GSK's chief commercial officer, Luke Miels, highlighted the drug's potential to offer material improvements for patients and keep them out of the hospital. The phase 3 Matinee study, which supported Nucala's approval, showed a 21% reduction in the annualized rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations compared to placebo. Additionally, Nucala reduced the rate of exacerbations leading to emergency room visits and hospitalizations by 35%.

GSK is leveraging its experience in COPD treatment, with its triple-therapy inhaler Trelegy Ellipta being the largest product in the market. The company expects Nucala to achieve peak year sales of 500 million pounds sterling (approximately $669 million) for COPD. Nucala's sales across its prior four indications grew by 13% at constant currencies to 3.3 billion pounds ($4.4 billion) in 2024, with a 21% increase in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.