Umeclidinium/vilanterol dry-powder inhaler in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a guide to its use in the EU

Abstract Umeclidinium/vilanterol (Anoro®; Laventair™) delivered via a dry-powder inhaler (Ellipta™) is a fixed-dose combination of a long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist (umeclidinium) and a long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist (vilanterol). Once-daily umeclidinium/vilanterol 55/22 µg (delivered dose) is an effective and well tolerated maintenance bronchodilator treatment option for relieving the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In clinical trials, umeclidinium/vilanterol improved pulmonary function to a significantly greater extent than placebo or its individual components, once-daily tiotropium bromide monotherapy (in 2 of 3 trials) or twice-daily fluticasone propionate/salmeterol. It also improved COPD symptoms and health status outcomes relative to placebo. The combination offers the convenience of once-daily administration, which may improve treatment adherence in some patients.
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research