ZURICH, April 30 (Reuters) - Novartis' NOVN.VX inhaled medicine Ultibro Breezhaler for chronic lung disease was better at improving lung function than GlaxoSmithKline's GSK.L Seretide, the Swiss drugmaker said on Wednesday, citing a late stage study.

The Phase III study in patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found Novartis' once-daily drug improved lung function compared to GSK's Seretide, which must be taken twice daily.

(Reporting By Caroline Copley)

((Katharina.Bart@thomsonreuters.com)(+41 58 306 7312)(Reuters Messaging: katharina.bart.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: NOVARTISLUNG