(Removes paragraph on QVA149, which refers to Ultibro Breezhaler not Onbrez Breezhaler)

ZURICH, April 25 (Reuters) - Patients taking Novartis'

NOVN.VX inhaled medicine Onbrez Breezhaler for chronic lung disease had benefits similar to those taking GlaxoSmithKline's

GSK.L Seretide, the Swiss drugmaker said on Friday, citing a late stage study.

The Phase IV study in patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found Novartis' once-daily drug showed similar benefits in reducing shortness of breath as GSK's Seretide, which must be taken twice daily.

Around 210 million people worldwide suffer from COPD, a disease that causes breathing trouble and chronic coughing, and is sometimes fatal.

(Reporting by Caroline Copley; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and Jane Baird)

((Caroline.Copley@thomsonreuters.com)(+41 58 306 7354)(Reuters Messaging: caroline.copley.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: NOVARTIS LUNG/